Election reform among priorities of new government’s agenda
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has said his National Unity Government is heavily focused on election reform, constitutional review, and the new Register of Interests Act as the territory seeks to chart a new way forward with good governance.
Speaking at a press conference late last week, Dr Wheatley noted these things were high on the agenda not necessarily because they are present in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report but because, over the years, the various administration has encountered challenges on these fronts which needed to be sorted out.
“We had an ad hoc committee that made recommendations on election reform. I think some of the issues identified in the report do not necessarily speak about election reform, but it (election reform) will help with some of the things discussed in the report,” the Premier said.
Dr Wheatley further noted that the election reform committee – headed by Lisa Penn-Lettsome – will meet with him soon and have a briefing on where the territory is in terms of the review.
“We also have … something coming up very early — the new Register of Interest Act and you can expect that is coming soon where [House of Assembly] members’ interest will be made public,” Dr Wheatley added.
In the meantime, the Premier said his administration is also committed to making changes to the constitution.
“As you are well aware, this constitution that we have is actually an order that is provided to us by the United Kingdom government. So, it is not a constitution that perhaps other countries that are independent would be used to,” Dr Wheatley said.
“We would have this committee and we are asking for the United Kingdom government to accept the amendment to the constitution. So, they have a great deal of authority as it relates to the constitution reform. We have committed to make the constitutional changes in line with the reform in the COI report,” he added.
The Premier sought to make clear that the constitutional reform should not only be looked at through the lens of the COI report.
He said a constitutional reform should be seen through the lens of the aspirations and hopes of the Virgin Islands people and that is how his government is going to present the constitutional reform to the people.
“But we are committed to making the reform through that process for good governance measures and solve some of the challenges which have been identified in the report and throughout the years. Sometimes we have some issues where we have to interpret the constitution and we have some provisions that don’t seem to speak to some of the issues that have come to our attention,” Dr Wheatley stated.
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Look at who is our Premier. The BVI really in lots of trouble. Father please help us.
Our first priority should be to thoughtfully with guidance from the UK reform our Constitution. We don’t need a Premier with bodyguards and fancy cars. We need a sold administrator or council of administrators who can operate with full transparency and keep us “on plan.” We also need to develop this plan as a first priority. Everyone in the country should understand what the plan is, what sacrifices are necessary to achieve our goals, and what the Key Performance Indicators are to which we shall hold our administrators responsible for achieving.
We are no longer a narco state. We should invite the UK to help us close that sad chapter in our history.
First and foremost we need a clear path forward that focuses on improving education, rebuilding our infrastructure, and designing sustainable industries that tap into our natural resources – sunshine, warm water and happy people.
Yup we are in trouble. But ?? is coming soon to take us over
Notice the self appointed dictator is not calling for snap elections. A politician’s job is to stay in power. How convenient of this eff tard.
colonial jack wagon you.
Only prays can help us, complaining can’t and will never solve our situations we bring upon ourselves….?
Calling for fresh elections should be a top priority
Dictatorships never do that.
Welcome to the new BVI. The Banana republic of the Virgin Islands
How can the current constitution have been provided by the UK, when the UK does not have Belongers and therefore does not have citizens considered second class because they do not have the same rights a Belonger-Citizen has? When you make the registration of interest public, don’t forget the close family members. For reasons of transparency, whenever you sign a contract list the proprietors relationship to any cabinet member.
Dear Natalio,
The decision regarding the A1: Temporary Partial Suspension of the Constitution is now sealed in the Spirit.
I perceive the UK, through the relevant agents, will let the territory know of its decision early in June, 2022.
I only wish to add that your recent actions have been used as determining factors in what will follow.
God bless us all.
what is the decision
politicians in the BVI. Times have changed since 1949 so 13 elected folks and 2 speakers are no longer necessary. HOA should just be reduced to 5 elected members in an ‘At Large” election and no more appointed speakers. Abolish all these useless, money pit district members. With all the social media now the whole electorate can be accessed by the candidates and the voters 24/7. The district system for voting and elected politicians is out of date.
yes I am you whoever say this.ďr.wheatley remember has been advocating for independence along with andrew fahie,he knew all of the dirty works that was goig on.that’s why he,claude cline,and andrew was ploting for independence so that the theycan get away with wrong doings,and the U.K.cannot pressure them.constitution reform,they just want greater power to get away with wrong doing.
When does this guy work……Have something to say every day. And nothing with substance.
He is excited!
this man is so two faceted.
If it’s one thing the new so call Premier likes is to see his picture in the news everyday, when will we get a rest from all this BULL C**P. Instead of a so call Premier we have a poster boy.
is it true that our present premier who have a very good relationship with a female that was fired from her media job few months was given an 80 thousand dollars contract shortly after being fired????
I DO not believe it is a 80K contract but she must have gotten something because she was up and down education bout she doing poetry with the public schools that is the excuse they will use to cover the contract
but it not going to work , jail time
Something in the air for the month of June.It isn’t good.Remember my warning.Be ready it’s world wide!
is it true that our present premier who have a very good relationship with a female that was fired from her media job few months was given an 80 thousand dollars contract shortly after being fired???? if this is true you premier need to be fired to.am very concern.
Anyone who becomes Premier in the future needs to be elected from an at large candidacy and not a district rep.
Given the importance of the Premiership, imo, that person must be selected from a majority of all eligible voters.
A district rep voted as Premier does not have a mandate to govern. That needs to change.
All Residents in the BVI with more than 5 years residency should be allowed to vote, just like in other countries. We pay taxes and have shown our commitment to the territory so should have a say in how it is run.
Nope. If your not a citizen you should not be voting in another country. Foreigners can not go to the US as a student for 5 years and vote.
Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK can vote. Many countries don’t restrict voting to the concept of citizenship but to residence.
Not just Commonwealth citizens.
Let them have their Unity Government election, that will not stop the UK from coming with their own agenda!
Hezbolla could could be running the BVI in no time..
All political parties and their useless political advisers. The VIP and NDP parties ruined the BVI with this major worldwide scandal that confirms that the BVI is a money laundering narco colony. In fact all political parties in the BVI should be illegal! Future elected members of the reduced HOA should run under their own unafilliated name. The 5 with the most at large votes form the new government and work together with the Governor to organize and operate an honest transparent government. The 5 elected members also vote on behalf of ALL the electorate of the BVI and not because of any party afilliation.
Ppl should know whether they voting for the premier and ministers. That should not be sprung on the
Ppl should know whether they voting for the premier and ministers. That should not be sprung on them just like that. Ministers should have the prerequisite skills. What Showande doing as finance minister. Same for all administrations