Gov’t proposes shared responsibility with governor to implement COI recommendations
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has said the National Unity Government’s proposal to the United Kingdom’s government includes a partnership where the Premier and the Governor would be jointly responsible for implementing the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations while maintaining the territory’s democratic integrity.
Speaking in a press statement earlier today, the Premier said while the National Unity Government continues its third week in office, its key focus is reform as recommended by the COI report.
“First reform itself remains a top priority for my administration. We are committed to implementing the Commission of Inquiry report recommendations and making other needed reforms. However, to do so, we must proceed in a structured and organised way,” Dr Wheatley said.
“The COI recommendations call for its recommendations to be implemented under the direct rule in which the governor would sit as the sole authority. Alternatively, however, the government of National Unity has conceptualised how implementation would work under democratic governance in which the Premier, Governor, Cabinet, Ministries, and the House of Assembly work together to implement the recommendation,” the Premier added.
He added the National Unity Government’s proposal submitted to the United Kingdom outlines a framework of implementation along these lines which would divide responsibilities accordingly. Dr Wheatley said under his government’s proposal, Governor Rankin would be responsible for the overall implementation of the COI recommendations in partnership with the Premier and also monitoring the government’s work programme and implementation timetable.
“The Premier would support the implementation of the COI report through engagement with the Governor and coordination of the ministries of government. As a leader of government’s business in the House of Assembly, I would also drive the legislative form agenda regarding this,” the Premier said.
“The Cabinet would be responsible for agreeing and passing policies necessary in passing reforms. Ministries would be responsible for implementing the reform policies agreed by cabinet and the house of assembly would be responsible for passing all relevant legislation necessary for delivering reform,” Dr Wheatley continued.
No early elections
He noted the National Unity Government believes this approach would allow for the successful implementation of the COI report recommendation under a continued democratic government.
“To be clear, there would be no calling of early elections and our work would be primarily dedicated to reform for the remainder of this term. We are fully prepared to do this and continue or ongoing and constructive engagement with the governor and the United Kingdom government on reform,” the Premier said.
He added that while the UK government considers its course of action regarding the implementation of the COI report recommendations, he hopes an official response will be communicated as soon as possible.
In the meantime, Dr Wheatley said his government will continue to engage the public further on reform in the coming days to provide as much clarity as possible.
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This so called “Unity” government can’t communicate how they go about changing the system. All they will do is appoint their friends and family. Slow-wande’s administration represents the few that benefited from the corruption. I won’t trust them as far as I can throw them. They are trash politicians
Sowande is a 1st time legislator along with DeCastro & Rymer how can you blame them for yrs of government corruption? Turnbull & Penn were juniors in their government and then it broke up. How can you blame them for yrs of government corruption? Fahie’s arrest has nothing to do with the government functions or the COI. You are pushing a narrative that isn’t true.
They deserve a chance as Virgin Islanders to do things the right way since their dominating leaders/bad actors are gone. On both sides.
I did not vote for them and would not vote for any VIP or. NDP government, Now we have a combination of both. They are basically parts of the last two administrations that contributed to where we are. All of these “first timers” as you call them where there and stood by and watched and did not have the guts to stand up when the Drew was there. I like many others can’t and will not trust them. They cannot be trusted to implement change, that’s a fact
They all voted to increase their insurance while we are stuck with NHI which is on the verge of being broken. Just because they are Virgin Islanders I should continue to support them in-spite of all the objective facts coming out of the COI. That’s gullible. They all need to be thrown out
I expect this administration will attempt to silence the media. They lack integrity so I wouldn’t put it past them
Drop a razor blade and this Unity lot (whatever they call themselves) could limbo under it
The Governor is fully capable of implementing the CoI recommendations under direct UK rule. Any input from the HOA is futile.
The real question is whether the media has any balls to stand for the voices of the public in the face of a bully
Waiting
Yawn….Don’t TRUST none y’all. All have dirty hands and are liars thru and thru….sooner we see the backs of ALL of you; the better for the BVI. The (13) of you had your chances and faltered, failed and FLUNKED out the class! Gtfoh with your wish washy pacification speeches – ain’t buying what the heck y’all selling. Rotten to the core.
Yesterday this boy was talking about independence today he has a proposal to the United Kingdom government which includes a partnership where the Premier and the Governor would be jointly responsible for implementing the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations while maintaining the territory’s democratic integrity. The governor need to call the UK and have them come in. If this government is going to lead us we are in deep shit. The only way forward is a UK take over please do it save us from these corroup polications.
We say no, no and no again. Don’t fall for it UK. Dr Wheatley will have his time when all the bad apples have been removed.
Naturally we would keep are salaries ,cars and titles and let the Governor do the heavy lifting as well taking the long term responsibility , seems fair!
Is it just me but I find it rather galling that the new Premier is putting out these “mea culpa” statements as if he just dropped out of the sky. He and all the members of the Unity Government were present during this past and previous administrations and no one said a peep about all he is apparently admitting now. How is the public supposed to understand all of these misgivings all of a sudden?? Anyways just publish the whole document of proposals and then maybe we will start believing all the talk about transparency.
Totally agree with you.
Just more of the same foolishness. Bring in the UK and get he out.
If we’re actually going to do this, this “Unity Government” MUST FIRST make a transparency policy and freaking publish it immediately. We need transparency referendums as well.
THEN they have to follow through (as if)
Instead of UK direct rule just rearrange the system in accordance with the CoI recommendations (minus recommendation #1).
Furthermore if they really want to put a brakes on these Ministers remove the clause or wording from the legislations “At the discretion of the Minister”. After system has checks and balances perhaps reinstate that discretion for the MoF only. Discretion completely mucked up our Immigration and Labour situation along with other Ministries!
We have NO confidence in the leader.
1. He was afraid to stand to the dictator and shows weakness 2!How can he be deputy and did not know what is happening in the country – not vigilant
3. He is calling for forgiveness yet the proposal was not given to the public but it leaked out . No confidence
4. The speaker of the house name was discussed yet is was leaked out – No confidence
5. No clear cut criteria with competence of skills and integrity, no due dilligenve – background check for new members to replace the old boards -No confidences
6. Who is on the team to choose the board members – No confidence same cronies doing the interview
7. Andrew supporters after hearing, reading , what he is accused of still defending him-No confidence
LET THe UK come in clean up , investigate , implement changes . Then call the election