The ‘Framework for the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry Report and Other Reforms’ proposed by the Government of National Unity has been accepted by the Government of the United Kingdom.

This announcement was made during a joint press conference with His Excellency the Governor John J. Rankin, CMG and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley on June 8.

Governor Rankin said, “I am pleased the Government of National Unity has made its firm commitment to carry out far-reaching reforms, including going beyond the COI Report, to fix the failings of governance.  I welcome the detailed plan the Government has set out to implement the COI recommendations.”  

“The Premier and Government of National Unity have shown the will and commitment to improve governance in the BVI and therefore it is right that elected officials here should have the opportunity to implement the COI recommendations.”

Mr. Rankin described the final proposal to the UK Government as “clearly outlining with clear timelines, how [the Government of National Unity] will deliver the COI recommendations but without the need for a temporary partial suspension of the Constitution.”

Premier Wheatley said his government welcomed the UK Ministers’ agreement with its proposal for the implementation of the COI Report recommendations and other reforms.”

The Honourable Premier said that the Government will work closely with Governor Rankin, and “in the spirit of partnership with the United Kingdom, to deliver for the people of the Virgin Islands.”

The Premier added, “Our success will be the result of doing the hard work of reforming our institutions and systems of Government and engendering a new culture in the handling of the peoples’ business.”

To read the ‘Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry Report and Other Reforms by the Government of National Unity’, visit the Government’s website, via this link: https://bvi.gov.vg/content/proposal-framework-implementation-recommendations-commission-inquiry-report-and-other.

 The Commission of Inquiry Report contains 49 recommendations to improve good governance, accountability, transparency and the rule of law in the Virgin Islands.

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NOTES TO EDITOR(S): Photograph is attached.

His Excellency the Governor John J. Rankin, CMG and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley shake hands after the joint press conference on June 8, 2022. (Photo credit: Franklyn Skerritt)