Gov’t launches campaign to educate public on COI reforms

The government has launched the Governance Transformation Education (GTE) campaign to increase public understanding of the changes implemented as part of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) reforms.

The campaign aims to explain the impact of nine major policies approved by Cabinet and 15 pieces of legislation passed by the House of Assembly in response to the COI recommendations.

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley described the COI as a pivotal moment in the Virgin Islands’ governance history.

“The COI was the most comprehensive and robust governance reform in the history of the Virgin Islands, and we embraced the opportunity to strengthen our systems of government and build our institutions to support its recommendations,” Wheatley stated.

The GTE campaign will include live televised programs, community meetings, social media outreach, local talk shows, and door-to-door campaigns, ensuring real-time access to information for the public.

Governance Reform Delivery Manager Kedrick Malone emphasized the importance of public engagement in the campaign.

“Unless the public sees and feels the value and benefits of the changes, then we would not have succeeded in transforming governance in the Virgin Islands. So, the public will have the last word, and the Governance Transformation communication campaign is designed to provide every opportunity for their feedback and engagement,” Malone said.

The campaign is part of a broader transition plan presented to UK Overseas Territory Minister Stephen Doughty during his November visit, where he reviewed the progress on COI reforms.

Doughty noted that the process to lift the Order in Council, which allows for the suspension of the BVI’s constitution and imposition of UK direct rule, could be completed by early next year. This Order was enacted following a damning COI report on governance in the Virgin Islands, which highlighted corruption and abuse of office allegations.

As part of the review process, Governor Daniel Pruce will oversee a final assessment, supported by a self-assessment from the Virgin Islands government and public feedback gathered via the Governor’s office.

The COI reforms, initiated in January 2021 under the leadership of Sir Gary Hickinbottom, continue to shape the government’s collaboration with the UK, ensuring democratic governance while addressing transparency and accountability concerns.