UK wants reforms ‘seen through’ for Order in Council to be lifted
Overseas Territories Minister Lord Zac Goldsmith has suggested that the United Kingdom is not minded to lift the Order in Council over the BVI until governance reforms in the territory are further advanced.
He gave that indication in a statement issued through the Office of the Governor Friday afternoon. It follows talks held with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and his government about removing the Order which paves the way for the UK, at any time, to suspend the BVI’s constitution and fully govern the territory for at least two years.
Speaking on the discussions held on the matter, Lord Goldsmith said: “The Premier made clear his strength of feeling about the Order in Council and we, too, want to see these reforms seen through, such that the Order can be lifted.”
“I assure you I will continue to support the British Virgin Islands both in the next few months and after the general election in taking these reforms forward, so that we can realise the Premier’s vision of the BVI as a beacon of democracy,” the UK minister added.
He also noted that he was struck by “the strength of the commitment” he’s heard from the Premier and his Cabinet to promoting good governance and carrying out the reforms in line with the Commission of Inquiry.
“I know of course that some of that work isn’t easy and that there is much still to do,” Lord Goldsmith said.
In the meantime, the Overseas Territories Minister said he enjoyed being in the territory and meeting with elected representatives, officials and community members from across the territory.
The minister traversed the main island of Tortola and has even travelled to the far-flung sister island of Anegada during his three-day visit.
“The beauty of these islands and the natural riches you have here are nothing short of amazing. I’m honoured to be the first UK Minister to visit Anegada in a very long time. I may even be the first ever,” he said.
Editor’s Note:
The Order in Council is a consequence of last year’s damning Commission of Inquiry (COI) which found that governance in the BVI was chronically poor. The order is being held in reserve in the United Kingdom (UK) to facilitate a suspension of the BVI’s constitution if the BVI were to renege on its commitment to implement agreed-upon COI-recommended reforms or if the territory’s Governor assesses that progress on their implementation is being frustrated in any way.
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Without the order in council those guys will just drag their feet. Keep that loaded gun to their head.
Why would ANYONE think otherwise?!! With the state of the BVI, who is going to lift anything?!! Lol…Keep dreaming.
THESE JOKERS WHO THOUGHT THAT THEY CANNOT BE TOUCHED ,EVEN THOUGH THEY SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO THEIR MASTER IN MIAMI , THEY ARE STILL FOCING THEIR RACISM CRAP DOWN PEOPLE’S THROAT / THEY ARE SO ARROGANT THAT THEY CAN .AKE THE PEOPLE SWALLOW THEIR RACIST SHIT THAT THEY HAS BEEN SPEWING OUT EVERY DAY ,( LIKE THEY DISCOVERED IT )
WIGO LIKE HE FLIPPING OUT
?
I agree with Britain. It’s our culture or bad ways, feel we can what we want, don’t like taking instructions, this is a all levels, those at the top and those at the bottom, even those just entering the work force,. This culture needs to change, starting at the top.
Headline announced that the Lord would be focused on Security,Environment,COI compliance.
Which, if any could be checked off?
Th Devil even helped out by displaying big smoky fire burn on Anegada and Tortola during the Lord ‘s 3day look around.
Stick to your guns, guys. Don’t let them weasel out of their obligations, the obligations THEY AGREED TO.
20 shots last night at Fort Hill at 9.30pm or so. We will be like Haiti in no time if the UK doesn’t keep the pressure on. Does Haiti have much financial services or tourism? The UK needs to do much more.
You’re saying they’re not already dragging their feet? What a clown show. They have as much interest in transparency and accountability as the average person on the street, which is to say none at all
Some of the leaders do not know their own minds . Look how they jumping like grasshopper
1Alverea crossing the floor
2. Malone crossing the floor
3. Mark crossed and recrossed
4. NDP split up because Ronnie did not want Myron as chairman of the party.
Too much crookedness going on . Yet they keep blaming the UK we are our worst enemies
If that isn’t enough to outrage cigizens and dee the greed and selfidhness of our corrupted elected officials..Then we are all complicit and guilty wrong. They all needed to go, we wrre to ensure they all resigned..
Please UK come take over the Bvi