Will the next Governor have additional powers over BVI?
With governor John Rankin’s departure from the BVI yesterday, January 18, the territory is still not sure whether the United Kingdom will bestow additional powers to the Governor’s Office to implement reforms that the Commission of Inquiry (COI) had called for.
As one of his final acts as governor, Rankin had requested those extra powers. In his farewell speech yesterday, he thanked the hardworking public servants of the territory as well as citizens who showed him kindness throughout his tenure.
But there was no update on his promise to seek additional powers in order to effect good governance reforms that the elected government was failing to do.
“I’ve had to make some difficult and sometimes tough calls but I’ve always done so with the best intention and a desire to help and support the lives of the people here. I know Premier Wheatley shares that goal,” the Governor told his audience.
If additional powers are approved, they will be given to incoming governor, Daniel Pruce, who will continue Rankin’s legacy of making sure the COI reforms are implemented.
And residents who believe the UK could use additional powers to introduce laws that are unfavourable, would be watching to see how the new powers are used if they are granted at all.
Deputy Governor, David Archer, Jr will act in the Office of Governor from January 18 to January 29, until governor designate, Pruce takes office later this month.
In the meantime, Archer, along with Attorney General Dawn Smith and former clerk of the House of Assembly Phyllis Evans attended Governor Rankin’s farewell ceremony.
A statement from the House of Assembly said, “regrettably, apart from the Premier, Leader of the Opposition and Attorney General, no other member received an invitation to the governor’s departure ceremony.” No member of the House was present for the ceremony.
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WE SHALL SEE WHAT WE SHALL SEE
Who knows. I would think if continued efforts to actionize the COI recommendations are made, it may not be necessary.
Much will depend on the actions of the government and legislators relative to further implementation of those COI recommendations.
I hope so we need the u.k to take over and clean this place up
Boom
The offices chosen for the departure ceremony is customary. Check history. You all need to stop it.
By the Grace of God,we will have a Governor, the next ,the subsequent , with additional powers.
A new Governor and much consideration during this the time of Fahie’s trial,sentencings and the slip shod functioning of this current elected Governing body.
Who would be thebenficiary of a UK take over, Resident? your kind or the people of these islands?
Is it who?
Implementation of COI reccommendations would benefit most of our 40,000 people who are being ruled roughshod by a government that wants license to spend half a billion dollars a year on anything BUT our infrastructure and good governance.
It is our OWN politicians who run the VI like their own little kingdom.
nice racism, i’m black i just love my country and don’t benefit from the corruption like you
If the name is “Resident” it sort of implies that the person is from the island. Unless of course you were implying that skin pigmentation determines if one is an islander or not? In which case the fact is that the darker your pigmentation the less of a true islander you are.
Needed..Deserved to. Our leaders out of control, put us back on track..
The answer to that question depends on whether the new Governor is appointed by the Crown; or the Hose of Assembly. If it is the HoA then I expect the Governor might be granted as much power as they need, whereas if the crown appoints another English Governor, of course we shall continue to listen to that boring old record, “Colonialism”.
A little realism needs to adopted by one and all in this territory. The Governor had requested more authority because the government have not delivered on their agreed timeframe. Conversely, the Governor could have just recommended the UK come in and take control per the order in council, but, he did not.
What would everyone prefer ??
Frankly he was a weak vacillating Governor at a time when we needed a strong one.
Still no proper register of interests for example.
I think even Slowonder ran rings round him.
Lets hope the next one is better.