Constitutional Review Commission, COI Unit to set up shop in RT
The government has sought to allay suspicions in some sections of the community that Governor John Rankin is preparing to set up offices close to the Premier’s Office at the Cutlass Tower in Road Town.
The Premier’s Office is located on the second floor of Cutlass Tower and there are concerns that new office spaces are being prepared on the first floor to house staff of the Governor.
At a press conference last week, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley was asked to confirm whether the offices were to be occupied by the Governor in a bid to facilitate the suspension of the territory’s constitution.
The Premier directed the question to his Permanent Secretary Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe and she confirmed that the new office spaces are not for Governor Rankin.
“That space is being outfitted for the Premier’s Office, in particular to house the Constitutional Review Commission Office as well as the COI Implementation Unit as well as some other offices within the Premier’s Office,” Stoutt-Igwe explained.
“Right now, where the Premier’s office is, the space is very cramped. So our policy unit and some other members of staff should be shifting downstairs. So, that space is for the Premier’s Office and not the Governor,” Stoutt-Igwe said.
Earlier this year, the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report found that there were instances of corruption within the BVI government and recommended temporary direct rule from the United Kingdom (UK) and stripping elected representatives of most of their powers.
However, this recommendation was not welcomed by many in the community who still feel that locals should be allowed to govern their own affairs.
The UK later decided to defer imposing direct rule after local political representatives formed a coalition and presented a plan to implement legislative reforms and improve governance in the territory.
Still, reports of a possible takeover still invoke anxiety in the community because the public is aware that the UK may still impose direct rule if it isn’t satisfied with the progress being made by elected leaders.
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That you are so tone-deaf as to rent another ft2 from that person, with no tendering, means you have no remorse for your past actions. You are a disgrace as a leader, with no clear plan to move our Territory forward towards transparency and inclusion. You deserve what is coming!
the corrupt Cutlass Tower and tear it down at the owner’s expense. Move all the civil servants back to the CAB so they can learn some construction skills to sustain them when put on unpaid administrative leave.
Wow, so they continue to full that woman’s pockets SMH Big businesswoman who claim to not keep receipts LOL LOL
It becomes clearer and clearer each day, that the BVI needs to join with the USVI
The only constitution review we need is to become a part of the US. Russia is already threatening to nuke the UK.
Auntie Patsy still milking the government teat. Well sah!
A robust approach to ethics involves avoiding real ethical conflicts of interest and also the perception of conflicts. Clearly, the landlady of this property had some very serious questionable (being generous) contracts with government which were highlighted to the World during the COI hearings. It is galling to see this new “clean” Unity government immediately getting into further business with her. They should know better, their permanent secretaries should know better. Clearly they are either tone-deaf, mentally slow or corrupt. Take your pick.
easiest way to bug the building is to work from there… the just keeping her close enough to catch when ready
“Suspicions? “Some are concerned?” WHO? Some anonymous idiot on WhatsApp?
This is one of the most poorly written news stories I’ve ever read. Do better.
Milking another teat
Yayy!! More Rent!
In the most corrupt building, they could find?
This is starting off well (sarcasm)
The fallen premier cousin laughing on her way to the bank
Hello cousin. You wouldnt like the taxes.
You talk as if you believe the leopards have changed their spots.
But they havent and its the same old , same old.
The Landlady allegedly charged the ship register through Irma devastation when it was impossible to use, locked them out and charged full rent plus penalties! A sure bet that not a single decision maker would have leased this place if it was their own money/contract. Another mind boggling squandering of taxpayer funds while the white elephant admin building sits draining millions on prime land