Premier reiterates call for Governor to be stripped of some powers
Although many in the territory would like the next constitution to properly define the term “BVIslander”, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said the BVI’s non self-governing status is the biggest issue that the next constitution should address.
In making that statement, the Premier renewed calls for the Governor’s Office to be stripped of some powers, saying it is not normal for one political office to reserve unlimited powers without accountability.
“We have an individual who is unelected who has tremendous powers and the people of the Virgin Islands, the voters cannot hold that individual accountable. And so it’s important for our young persons viewing here tonight, and it’s important for the people of the Virgin Islands to know that is not something which is normal. It is not something which is acceptable,” Wheatley stated.
The Premier said, as it stands now, the BVI and 17 other non self-governing territories of the world are properties of larger, more powerful nations. He said this must change gradually, adding that Sir Gary Hickinbottom — the man who headed last year’s Commission of Inquiry — agreed that the BVI must gradually detach itself from the UK.
“If Sir Gary Hickinbottom can recognise our aspirations for self-government, we ourselves should not be shy to do so,” Premier Wheatley said.
He also added that some of the other issues that the constitutional reviewers will encounter are not as important as the matter of advancing the BVI’s status as a self-governing territory.
“We may have some issues which may be considered peripheral and not necessarily fundamental. This constitution must deliver on fundamental change as it pertains to our relationship with the United Kingdom government in keeping with international norms and what is moral and acceptable in the world,” Premier Wheatley argued.
Elected leaders have long bemoaned the powers reserved by the Governor’s Office. They say the powers are unreserved and that there is no way for the people to hold the Governor accountable. They’ve said this is unfair for the Governor’s powers to be discretionary while their powers are subject to the constitution.
At the same time, elected leaders have stated that many residents seem to be content with the unreserved powers given to the Governor’s Office while they heavily criticise elected leaders.
Governor displeased
In the meantime, Premier Wheatley’s call for the advancement of the territory’s political status comes amid a statement from Governor John Rankin that he isn’t pleased with the way elected leaders have implemented the Register of Interests (Amendment) Act — a piece of legislation that will ensure politicians declare their business interests while serving in office.
While mentioning all the things he isn’t pleased with, Governor Rankin reminded elected leaders that, “it is vital that the commitments made under the framework document are adhered to.”
The United Kingdom has previously reminded elected leaders that power can be snatched away if recommendations for good governance aren’t done according to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.
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I like how we want to piss off the people who can take over whenever they feel like.
have quickly been forgotten..head coach, corruption, fraud & mismanagement have all disappeared?
I am disappointed in you every time you open your mouth. Did you watch the news in the USA where Donald Trump call for getting rid of the Constitution? I want to ask you a question Hon Premier, “Are you attracted to an Authoritanian or Dictatorship Government?” People who dribbles at the bit because they have oversight, and is obsessed with getting authority removed so they can run wild is questionable. The people of this territory or the larger part of the population do not trust the government. The masses wanted the UK to take over governing, and before you take the lead in trying to restore the people’s faith and trust in government, you are here screaning to take powers away from the governor. I feel somewhat secure that we are under the umbrella of the UK, because if this was not the case we will not have the little freedom we have to live. You guys want power unhindered so you do what you want and when you want. No, dammit No!!!
It’s time the slow man who has sold us to the slave master stand up to white supremacy
Back to this nonsense. Ask the people what THEY want. Just a few Ministers determined to hide their dirty deals don’t want controls. When the people want independence we should pursue it. In the meantime VI is a territory of the UK. Better our Ministers get to know and respect that and start running the VI for everyone not self, friends and family. Currently it still seems we would be better had the UK taken more direct involvement for a couple of years. There is no true will to make the changes we All so desperately need to head along the road to independence.
A line of thought written by the brother of the premier.
Rats want the whole cheese shop to themselves.
The Premier does not have a clue. You accepted all the recommendations which means you accepted all the alleged faults and perceived corruption that went along with the system without even challenging anything. Don’t you see that the COI report was a precursor for the UK to preserve the powers of the governor in the current constitution and quite possibly give him more? When you lack experience in life and business you can be easily walked over. Our Premier was just interested in a job and being Premier so he turned the other way to what the UK was doing. Now he wants to appear powerful after the fact? Any dog that barks only after the intruders leaves the house needs to be taken to the animal shelter.
Only the stupid fly follow the corpes to the grave see them fighting for power.
You were with head coach and did not have a CLUE of what he was doing .
How accountable and accomplished are you to strip
Away powers to give to who you . Then what a disaster . How quick we forget but again this is ANIMAL Farm mentality .. wow
Hmmm. I recall how vocal the former premier was against the former governor; where are they now?
This is true. I’d like to ask why have we chosen to fight amongst ourselves and allow our government to obfuscate more than ever rather than actually making ANY steps toward self government? Does anyone think we are anywhere near the transparency and accountability we should expect from our government in order to achieve independence?
Given how these cats have proven that they can’t control themselves and their own greed the Governor needs to retain is powers as is until the next cycle of reform. These cats greedy bad
Natalio you need to step down and call an election. As fahies Deputy you never should have been appointed none of your minsters from VIP. The people want an election. You gave away our water rights to the USVI.
You cant negotiate. You are weak. Do the people of this country Justice and please call an election by March. You’re not trustworthy you and your ministers are bold face liars.
I always wonder when the ahole open his mouth to the world if he speaks for himself or we the people.I for sure knows not on my behalf.Hope the UK can come in tonight.
because he not bright enough to do it himself. puppet boy
This Premier is stating to sound like the last corrupt fool who nearly destroyed the BVI.