Fellow Virgin Islanders,

Good afternoon. I know that many of you have been anxiously waiting to hear an update about talks with UK Overseas Territories Minister The Right. Hon. Amanda Milling, MP and His Excellency the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG.

Today, Minister for the Overseas Territory, the Rt. Hon. Amanda Milling, arrives in the British Virgin Islands for discussions following the early publication of the Commission of Inquiry Report.

Let me welcome you all to this morning’s press conference.

I, like many of you, have been shocked by the arrest of Premier Fahie with whom I have worked as Governor over the past 16 months. I know this community is a small but proud one, and I know you care deeply about the reputation of this great Territory. Rule of law, transparency, accountability and good governance are and must be the foundations of a Territory’s reputation.

In my statement of 5 April on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report I said I would provide a further update after Easter.

Yesterday, 4 April, I received the Commission of Inquiry Report from Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom. I am extremely grateful to him and his team for their hard work over the last 15 months. I believe that they have carried out a valuable service for the people of the British Virgin Islands.

I wanted to update you on the Commission of Inquiry, launched by my predecessor because of increasing concerns about poor governance, and possible corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty within the British Virgin Islands.