Gov’t launches website to track COI reforms
The government has launched a website to track the good governance reforms that the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommended for the BVI government.
The website www.vicoiimplementation.vg was on launched on January 3, and persons can access information on the progress the government is making as it tries to implement some 50 recommendations that the UK-funded COI demanded as an alternative to snatching power away from locally elected leaders.
The site showcases information in various forms — charts, reports and statements which show all the work the government has done since the recommendations were made.
Senior research analyst in the Premier’s Office Joseph Rosan said some features are yet to be added to the site but added that regular updates will be made so the public can have up-to-date information on how the good governance measures are being implemented.
“Obviously, we won’t be able to share all that’s happening in the background. But this website allows us to share some summarisations with the public,” Rosan explained.
The implementation of the COI recommendations have taken quite a toll on civil servants across the government, as outgoing Governor John Rankin pressed the government to move swiftly in order to prevent the UK from invoking the Order In Council that would take legislative power away from locals.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has maintained that his government is doing its best to implement the measures, amid the regular day-to-day duties that civil servants are tasked with.
While maintaining that he’s committed to implementing the changes, Premier Wheatley has been on a global campaign, calling for support from the international community to press the UK to remove the Order In Council, which is being dangled above the heads of elected leaders.
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What a load of crap. Half the links don’t work. There is still “lore ipsum” stock images and text. This looks like a teenager spent an hour on their phone to make it. Glad to see that the government is taking the COI seriously as usual.
Got as far as “Believe in accountability” then I knew it just political BS
How many tens of millions have we spent on this COI?
Name one result of benefit to the taxpayer.
Website 1.5 years late but clearly rushed. Laden with grammatical errors, subjective language and not very informative or user friendly. In short, it’s horrible! Doesn’t the Government Information Service have standards? How did this pass inspection. Take it down and start again people. I’m ashamed.
this is a good strategy if executed reasonably well. I am sure someone could knock up a good effort within a day on squarespace, wix, godaddy etc and with a summary update from the lead and lead lawyer.
despite the ire between Fahie and Gus, that it happened should be seen as an opportunity if we are wise about this. The COI is only one pressure when we have our regional competitors, the EU, the US and while too many in UK Gov and FCDO seem to have lost their backbones and sense of objective analysis when it comes to global AML and tax initiatives.
getting out ahead of this would provide a detailed record of how our house in order when so many in the rest of the world actually do not themselves. that’s then a platform for positive PR and to go out on the front foot.
Of course, for those in govt and business in the territory, if we are seen to be getting our house in order, even if we still challenge where it’s due on certain points. With clear itemised progress will come further opportunities for those infrastructure loan underwriting and other development projects from which we are currently closed off.
A smart current Premier and government could carve their place in history, over and above the national heroes who have gone before, as the ones who turned everything around, brought our infrastructure, education, employment up for generations to benefit from.
political opponents can yell all the uncle tom tropes all they want, but again, they’d be arguing against bringing prosperity and opportunity to these islands and our children.