Governor and Premier have had ‘challenges’ over reviewers

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has indicated that there are several reasons behind delays in moving forward with the rigid timeline set for completion of the Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report.

One of the main reasons given was because of a suggested conflict between himself and Governor John Rankin, who are both tasked with selecting suitable reviewers for the process.

“With respect to the appointment of reviewers, the governor and I have had a few challenges in selecting the right reviewers for certain important recommendations,” Premier Wheatley told the House of Assembly (HOA) yesterday.

According to Dr Wheatley, the delayed appointments in some instances have prevented the reviews from being completed before the agreed deadlines and therefore the actions dependent on the completion of these reviews will now also be delayed.

The Premier further noted that some reviewers have also reverted to asking for more time in order to complete their remit in the most comprehensive manner.

Dr Wheatley maintained that the process of completing the reviews is not a box-ticking exercise and said it was about getting quality work done and getting things properly implemented.

“The Government of National Unity has recognised that while reform must be done in a timely and expedited manner, the public must be informed and their views must be reflected in the reform for it to be sustainable and meaningful,” Premier Wheatley added.

As such, the Premier said a few recommendations will need to include an extended period of public consultation.