Premier hails completed robust governance reforms

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has announced the near completion of major governance reforms in response to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI).

Premier Wheatley highlighted at a joint press conference last Friday that 45 of the 48 COI recommendations had been completed, with only three remaining in progress.

The Premier described these reforms as the most comprehensive in the history of the Virgin Islands. “We have been able to achieve what can only be considered the most robust governance reform in the history of the Virgin Islands,” he said.

The COI, conducted in 2021, identified significant areas needing reform within the territory’s governance. One of the most severe recommendations was the potential suspension of the BVI’s constitution. However, the government successfully argued for the reforms to be implemented within a democratic framework rather than under direct rule by the United Kingdom.

Premier Wheatley outlined the key areas where reforms have been implemented. These include a transparent path to residency and belongership, fairer distribution of Crown lands, and enhanced public assistance for the most vulnerable.

Additionally, he said the government has modernised the public service, implemented registers of interest to ensure integrity in public life, and strengthened statutory bodies for improved accountability. “We updated public assistance support to better care for the most vulnerable in our society,” Wheatley stated.

The Premier also mentioned additional reforms initiated by the government, such as whistleblower legislation and election reform, which are slated for completion by the end of September 2024.

Governor Daniel Pruce, who also addressed the press, acknowledged the significant progress made but emphasised the need to maintain momentum. “We must continue to make a concerted effort to complete the remaining COI recommendations,” he urged.

Premier Wheatley and Governor Pruce are scheduled to meet with the UK’s new Minister for Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, in London next Wednesday. The Premier said he hopes this meeting will lead to lifting the Order in Council, initially established as a safeguard to enforce the COI recommendations.