Governor mum on UK lifting Order in Council
Governor Daniel Pruce sidestepped addressing whether the United Kingdom should lift an Order in Council held in reserve in the UK Parliament over the BVI.
The Order, which allows the UK to suspend the BVI’s constitution and impose direct rule if governance reforms stall, has concerned the territory.
Governor Pruce, appearing alongside Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, gave an update on the progress in implementing the reforms recommended by the Commission of Inquiry (COI). The COI highlighted serious governance failures, leading the UK to reserve the right to enforce constitutional suspension if necessary.
However, despite significant progress, Governor Pruce acknowledged that not all reforms had been completed as of the end of August 2024, as promised by the government.
The Order in Council remains a contentious issue, with the Premier recently describing it as a “colonial, coercive tool” that undermines the territory’s self-determination. The UK government, however, has maintained that the Order serves as a safeguard to ensure that the necessary governance reforms are implemented effectively.
When questioned about the likelihood of the Order being lifted and how it should be characterised, Governor Pruce stated that decisions regarding the Order in Council rest with the UK Overseas Territories Minister, and it was not for him to speculate on that matter.
“The Order in Council is something which was put in place well before my arrival here as Governor by, obviously, the government of the time in the United Kingdom,” Pruce stated. “It remains there. And for it to be lifted or maintained or anything to be done in relation to it is a decision for ministers, not for myself. I mean, how people choose to describe it is a matter for them. I’m not going to, you know, offer a critique or a commentary.”
Pruce emphasised the importance of continuing the momentum in implementing the reforms, which include enhancing transparency, updating public service management, and establishing frameworks to ensure the integrity of public officials.
Premier Wheatley expressed hope that the new UK government, led by Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty, would consider lifting the Order following a review of the progress made. Wheatley is set to meet with the Governor and Minister Doughty in London on September 11 to discuss the matter further.
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Stop from holding a gun to our head
Govy mum on getting back those misused tax moneies in 2020 as well jokers
but also an open and revolving prison door; an immediate redirection of life and subjugagation back into abject poverty if they so choses.
Most are still alive who recall the DeCastro, Noel Llyod and others days.
You have had centuries of free wealth. The time has long sincce past, greedy man, to tek yo foot oof we neck and give us achance to breathe at least.
for the Order in Council please.
The corrupt BVI politicians have wasted nearly 30 months to implement the CoI’s recommendations. Obviously these politicians are not sufficiently motivated to do their elected job. Please motivate these HOA members by suspending their enormous salaries and fining each $5000/day from 1 Sept’24 until ALL the recommendations are in force in the BVI.