Ensuring a Transparent Process International law firm retained for BVI Commission of Inquiry

Following the statement of the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, Premier of the Virgin Islands, dated 19 January 2021, concerning the decision of the Governor, His Excellency Augustus J U Jaspert, to institute a Commission of Inquiry, the Government of the Virgin Islands announces today that it has appointed law firm Withers in the BVI and London, together with leading counsel, the Right Honourable Sir Geoffrey Cox QC MP, the recent former Attorney General of England and Wales, to ensure a transparent process and to advise upon issues arising from this decision by the Governor in this matter and upon all matters relating to the Commission of Inquiry.

Section 12 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1880 as amended provides that persons or entities that have a concern in the inquiry or who are the subject of the inquiry, shall be entitled to have legal representation in the proceedings of the inquiry.

Commenting on this appointment Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie said, “I am pleased that the Government of the Virgin Islands will have Withers to advise Government - in particular the expertise of Rt. Honourable Sir Geoffrey Cox, MP with his extensive legal knowledge and professional experience regarding Overseas Territories.”

Please click here for a copy of the Commissions of Inquiry Act.