Review of Order in Council may be done in early 2025- Hon Stephen J. Doughty
In a video message on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Facebook page, Hon Doughty said he has long been an “advocate” for overseas territories and “passionate” about the relationship and shared family.
Hon Doughty was scheduled to meet with Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D Wheatley (R7), Leader of the Opposition Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), other members of government, senior public officials, police, and a range of community representatives including community organisations, businesses and representatives of the financial sector during his two days visit.
The aim of these meetings he explained was to “understand the kind of challenges that are facing the Territory ranging from climate resilience and nature, the impact of changes in the international financial services industry and of course governance reforms”.
Talks have also concentrated around security in the VI and the impact difficulties are having on people’s lives and businesses.
Hon Doughty’s visit followed meetings with Premier Wheatley and other government representatives in London in September 2024.
CoI & Order in Council
Meanwhile, Hon Doughty said, “On governance, I recognise that the Commission of Inquiry and delivery of reforms that followed it have seen a period of intense work across the BVI government and working with the Governor and his team and colleagues in the UK government.”
He added that he was encouraged by the focus placed on implementation in the period ahead stating that this is what will make a real difference calling the reforms the “most significant in BVI’s history”.
The Territory and its people he said will benefit in the longer term as it will take time to deliver real change on the ground. “I’ve had very constructive conversations with the government and a range of other representatives on that.”
When it comes to the Order in Council, Hon Doughty revealed he has set out the process by which the UK will review the progress being made for considering whether it can be lifted.
“It’s important to be transparent about that process which will consist of a final review by the Governor, a self-assessment by the BVI government, short visits by FCDO [Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office] officials to look at some key areas,” he explained.
Public input
Hon Doughty also said he has asked Governor Daniel Pruce to establish a means by which his office can receive any submission from the public on this process. “It’s important that your voices are heard in this process, and we will ensure that that takes place.”
Following all this Hon Doughty will discuss the conclusions with the Foreign Secretary as well as the VI government and Governor to agree on the next steps.
This he said he hopes will be done in the “first part of next year”.
Hon Doughty made a commitment to continue to support the VI and its people as “we collaborate on shared challenges whether that be on climate change, on governance, on security or indeed on disaster preparedness”.
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12 Responses to “Review of Order in Council may be done in early 2025- Hon Stephen J. Doughty”
Why does in always have to be a race issue? why couldn't it be UK Officials on one side, BVI Officials on the other side? Ayo like confusion and start thing messon
Financial incompetence is not the road to successful movement of independence
You really see how this other Premier operating? Like the HOA, he is the master and we are his children. Abuse, disrespect, lawlessness....!!
Who would he / them account to!! No, No!
A man literally died on vg when the medical centre was closed. A medical centre that his tax is paying for
.. can you believe that?
Party money for everything approved even last minute (Kartel) but if it's the hire staff for public medical services it is issues
Bviec got hacked took 2 months to get back to cash online without using and alternative method in the mean time. But they want independence.
Roads, infrastructure, abuse of office and power, price control,dragging their feet for thing beneficial to country and they shove it in our face over and over again then screams independence it is a comical seriously and these fools still talking about UK this and that. The UK only ones with balls to keep them in check cuz we as the people failed miserably and allowed them to get away over n over
The UK is #$%%^* around with the virgin islands plain and simple.