Governor denies ‘power grab’ allegations
Governor Daniel Pruce has rejected suggestions that the recent law enforcement review signals a “power grab” by the United Kingdom.
The governor faced questions from reporters following criticism by members of the House of Assembly, who claimed that the second volume of the Law Enforcement Review, published last month, granted the governor sweeping powers. Some members called the report a move to seize authority.
But Pruce said the report was not authored by him or the Governor’s Office, but by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
“This is a report conducted by an independent body… HMICFRS is not me. It doesn’t produce reports on my behalf,” he stated.
The report contains 375 recommendations, some suggesting structural reforms to local policing and security. Pruce said the report should be treated as a starting point for discussions.
“We are now… starting a process where, working together collaboratively across all partners, we set about assessing those recommendations and developing an approach,” he explained.
He stressed that implementing reforms effectively requires local ownership and joint action.
“My role is to submit… an accurate and factual and representative report… to enable [UK ministers] to make that judgment,” he stated, referring to the broader review of governance reforms stemming from the 2022 Commission of Inquiry.
Pruce also credited much of the recent progress to a partnership between stakeholders and the government. “It’s clear to me that where we have been most successful in delivering recommendations, in making progress, has been in those areas where we have… been able to achieve a very deep level of collaboration and partnership across all partners involved.”
He cited joint efforts between his office and the Premier’s Office as making the biggest difference in driving reforms. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without that,” he asserted.
Asked directly whether he had recommended direct rule, Pruce responded, “That’s not the way the process is working… What they’ve required from me is… the report, which sets out where we are in this process.”
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by the UK is to remove all the corruption in the law enforcement and criminal justice bodies in the BVI government. The process includes the Guv controlling Customs, Immigration, FIA and any other corrupt bodies of the BVI government for a decade or more until all the corruption is extinguished.
The elected HOA members vociferous complaints about this process indicates they all have something to hide!
I doubt the UK has any wish or desire to do as you describe. However, they do wish to weed out corruption. Sadly what you describe is likely what is required to do so. I suspect that the UK would be happier to wash their hands of the BVI entirely and say “it is not our problem”. However, as an overseas territory it is their problem and they need to sort it.