Order in Council not yet lifted; OT Minister wants to do own assessment- Premier
This was announced by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who met with Minister Doughty in the UK on September 11, 2024, and made the request.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Deputy Premier Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) today, September 16, 2024, Premier Wheatley said he confirmed to Minister Doughty there is only one government reform left to be implemented and that the House of Assembly would complete it upon his return to the VI.
‘I will encourage the UK to keep to their word’- Premier
The Premier said the OT Minister is looking forward to receiving an update when that is done.
“I raised the question of lifting the Order in Council, which the UK has tied to implementing the governance reforms; however, the Minister wishes to visit the Virgin Islands, as was done by the three OT ministers, so that he can make his own assessment and recommendation. The earliest his schedule will permit travel is November.”
Premier Wheatley said he would officially write to the Minister to request that the Order in Council be lifted once the House of Assembly passes the last governance reform bill.
“I will encourage the UK to keep to their word as we strive to build a new modern partnership between the UK and the Virgin Islands on the basis of consultation, democracy, sustainable development, climate resilience and self-determination.”
Meanwhile, the threat of Climate Change and the need for UK support to assist the Virgin Islands with adaptation and mitigation, including through their contributions to the United Nations, were also discussed during the meeting with Minister Doughty.
Also at the meeting were Governor Daniel Pruce, Hon Smith, Chief Advisor to the Premier Kedrick E. Malone and Ayana I. Glasgow.
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16 Responses to “Order in Council not yet lifted; OT Minister wants to do own assessment- Premier”
You Premier and many others may have been surprised that the UK has not changed its mind to lift the "Order Of Counsel to suspend our Constitution, if all the CoI recommendations reformation of good governance for the people of the BVI are not met, but many and I, we are not surprised.
It may be difficult for you and many of a similar political mindset to accept, but for the majority of us, it is not difficult. "who feels it, knows it."
For many years past, and presently now, our political Leaders have partly misused their stewardship powers and have misrepresented the people of the BVI for their financial gain. It was only a matter of time before the Senior Partner, the UK clam down on the injustice been and continuing practice, in my opinion base on unacceptable unaccountable millions of US$ against the majority of our citizens best interest unabated.
I am not saying the the UK is void of corruption, but if our local politicians are been left to do as they please without been forced to give an account for their past actions and inactions, dictatorship in the name of democracy will continue to stifle our hope for a better future for our children and grandchildren.
The BVI is like a runaway horse that must be brought to order. The "New Modern Partnership" demands good governance for all the people of the British Virgin Islands, beginning immediately, anything less is dictatorship.
Righteousness exults a Nation, sin is a reproach to any people.
the priority must be updating the public infrastructure of the territory
Healthcare System in shambles yet the ones with responsibility busy in idle conversations with United Kingdom
Maybe a Good Idea if England would show up and fix this territory because there is more to this Territory than political conversation or Political Parties
Listen to the House of Assembly hardly anyone stands up with ideas associated with moving our people forward
The Bible tells us we must pray for those in authority so that our land may be healed.
The Opposition members, and their constituents, as well as those who do not wish us well, behaves as though they are ‘ Enemies of the State’. This attitude is not useful. So much of our current circumstances is based on the actions of those who made the mess and ran without accountability. Sadly, It’s the same set of persons who are hoping to do it again.
People, Prayer Changes Every!! I know that if God is for us, No Devils can overcome us!!! Premier there are more of us praying for you than those who Satan I are using to oppress you. If the truth be told, they are intimidated by your intelligence. Stay humble, truthful and compassionate to all the people…You are on the path to more greatness, with God’s help.
Moreover, emerging out of the OIC requires a Virgin Islanders call to action. Virgin Islanders must clarify the past for the purpose of brightening a path towards a more desirable, durable, sustainable future. The future will require from the front a new kind of proactive leadership and management, radical changes to social behaviour patterns, practicing of group economics, building strong sense of functional community, creating a strong, functional political self-empowerment plan, ditching the “the crab in the barrel” syndrome., etc.
.Without unity, the Vi will be stuck at top dead center, spinning its wheels in the proverbial sands, making little or no progress. “ individual effort while important must be maximized and become part of a plan for cohesive group development.” (Dr. Claud Anderson, Black Labor, White Wealth).
To E. Leonard, “ crab in the barrel “ syndrome you say. Lol. So real. Call to action? Virgin Islanders are not thinking at that level . The are driven by greed and materialism, not building strong communities or building self- empowerment or changing social behavior or setting a new compass or charting a new course, pursuing self-determination, etc. They foolishly believe others , especially others in far away land, give a rat’s @$$ about their interest. The BVI has to hit bottom for us to grasp the things you waxing about. We will have to rise from the ashes like the phoenix.