Governor promises more action for slow reform progress

Governor John Rankin has pledged that the UK government will consider further action if the British Virgin Islands (BVI) does not appear to be taking the necessary steps to have reforms take root by May next year.

In the overview of his most recent report on the progress made by the government, Governor Rankin determined that there is no immediate need for him to seek additional powers at this point in the reform process.

However, he warned that if significant progress is not seen then additional action may be necessary. “I would expect to see several more of the 48 recommendations completed over the next few months, and all of them by the end of May 2024,” Governor Rankin said in his report.

“Additional action could take various aspects,” he said at a recent press conference. “One could be increased technical assistance from the UK. The second could be working with the government to ensure that additional resources are provided to departments or to the Attorney General’s Chambers to ensure that they can implement what is required.”

Governor Rankin explained in his report that reforms taking root could include legislation which is in force, policies which are being consistently applied, adequate resources assigned to maintain systems and processes, and good communication between government departments and with the public.

The Governor said he was also referring to specific areas where he hoped to see additional progress. These include on the legislative front – the Integrity in Public Life Act, an amended Register of Interest Act, the Whistleblower Act being brought into operation and the necessary administration to make the laws effective.

He also pointed to reviews that have taken place and have since been published. The Governor said it was hoped that these could now proceed into specific reform proposals which can then be taken to the House of Assembly for passage and adoption.

“If there’s good progress in [moving reforms to legislation], the legislation is passed and begins to be effective, that’s a really good result. But if we don’t prioritise sufficiently, if there is a lack of movement from plans to actual action, then I will obviously be concerned that we’re not on track to achieve the necessary change by May 2024.”

He urged that there must be some assurance that policies will be adhered to without the checks and balances that the COI implementation process provides.

The Governor also stated that the Order in Council remains because the full implementation of reform is still uncertain and because there is more to be done.