Rankin denies governing BVI with ‘heavy hand’
Governor John Rankin has denied accusations that he wields a heavy hand in the way that the BVI is being governed.
Those accusations come as the territory narrowly staved off a partial and temporary suspension of its constitution following the release of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report.
“I will always carry out my responsibilities in accordance with the constitution of the Virgin Islands and in accordance with the agreement which has been reached between the government of national unity and the UK under the framework agreement,“ Governor Rankin said when questioned recently about his perceived governance style.
He reminded persons that the first recommendation in the COI report was for the partial suspension of the territory’s constitution, which would have imparted much greater power upon the office of Governor.
This, Governor Rankin said, would have also removed ministers of government from their roles and the role of the House of Assembly.
“What we have agreed is a framework to try to address the serious governance issues which were identified in the Commission of Inquiry report,“ the Governor said.
The governor maintained that he has not encountered anyone that holds the view that the findings of the COI should be ignored.
“What I’m doing as Governor, within my powers under the constitution – not exceeding my powers of the constitution – is playing my part in that regard. My approach will always be a consultative one and a constructive one,“ Governor Rankin said.
The Governor said this did not mean he will agree with the government on every issue, noting that things have been difficult at times with some difficult discussions.
He added, however, that he will continue to try to find a way through and said he was hopeful that this was not seen as heavy-handed but instead as working in the interest of the people of the Virgin Islands.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
struppeesss…
Do what you have to do Sir, the majority of the people are with you. Never mind the noise!
The accusers of Governor Rankin are the small minority who want corruption to continue because they were the beneficiaries. This fake Unity government does not have the capacity or the capability to return this territory to its original reputable stature. We are still knee deep mired in mud. The UK should have taken the reins for the recommended 2 years. We are wasting our time with this Unity government as it comprises of the same people who are wholly or partially responsible for the mess we are in.
Ok but what is he doing for the people? You cant beat and never reward. All these things you speak of have been going on under successive governors. Everyone of them in politics is responsible.
Moving forward what good is it if we’re all following the rules walking on golden sidewalks while opportunities decrease & poverty increases?
Now that the he has a firm grip on the situation he can ‘suggest’ the unity government rewrites with renewed public/UK consultation the therapeutic cannabis legalization bills and pass them for the people.
We’ve been waiting long enough, if he doesnt do something for us it will be another 2 years and then another 2 years and so on.
After over 50 years of prohibition he has the power to go down positively in VI history. The VIP had it but they screwed it up. Hot potatoe catch!
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/statement-his-excellency-governor-augustus-jaspert-cannabis-licensing-act-and-drugs
You are not heavy handed, but you are dealing with the locals harshly. But the Cop who has one breach immigration laws and two sent out a video which further tries to destroy the territory is still in the same position.
Amazing the twists and turns some in the VI are going through to try and hold onto the corrupt ways. It must benefit very many people and there is no will to hold them to account.
experienced a ‘heavy handed’ British approach in 1969. The circumstances were completely different than the BVI’s predicament. However there is one glaring similarity: The MAJORITY of the island’s population favored a UK colonial status.
Anguilla is a prosperous UK OT today. Maybe the BVI could be the same in the future.
The majority of the people can get on a plane or boat and go to where they are from
How is Anguilla prosperous? They were just forced to impose sales tax because the government could not afford to pay its debts, that it took out under the loan guarantee. Members of its government even said that the sales tax would push many Anguillans into poverty.
Your Excellency let them moan and leave them to it. They decry everything we do, for that many of us are actually flabbergasted.
The governor and his lil poodle
Governor Ranking moving like his cousin on his daddy’s side, Shabba Rankin. Bouyaka bouyaka
Wash yo face when yo done and scrub yo teet.
Governor John Rankin, CMG, is a diplomat so does anyone really think he would admit he was employing a colonial heavy hand on the BVI? If so I got some mineral rich land Round Rock for sale at cheap cost. Notice the guv deliberate speech pattern, speaking in diplomatese. Further, fisherman never says their fish stinks or rotten. Think about fellow Virgin Islanders. The Guv was not sent to the BVI just to finish his career but was sent on a mission, taking the baton from Jaspert. The CoI was not incidental activity; it was pre-planned. And Fahie getting arrested was timely cover. I’m not in the least condoning his behavior if guilty of the allegations. If true, he betrayed the trust of the BVI people.