Signing of Sanctions Unit MoU ‘a great example’ of UK & VI working together- Gov Pruce
The Virgin Islands Sanctions Unit to combat illicit financing is to fall under the leadership of the Attorney General following a 6-month transition period from the Governor’s Office.
The signing of the MoU between the Government of the United Kingdom via the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Government of the Virgin Islands was held at the newly established Virgin Islands Sanctions Unit on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
‘A very momentous day’- Governor Daniel Pruce
“This area is such a critically important area. It is right at the centre of how we are addressing some of the biggest challenges that the global system is facing, whether that’s the Russian invasion of Ukraine, whether that’s tackling human rights abuses around the world, being able to apply and implement sanctions effectively is absolutely at the core of our global mission,” Governor Pruce stated.
He also said he was delighted that “we are now in a position” where the Unit will continue to build, go from strength to strength, and demonstrate to the wider world the way the Virgin Islands is implementing sanctions, the highest possible standard, the way it is meeting its international responsibilities completely, fully and successfully.
“That is not only good for the sanctions regime, it is also good as well for the islands to have that capability. So, I think this is a very important day, it is a very momentous day, and it is also the beginning of a journey where we will see the sanctions capability and the territory go from strength to strength.”
Over $400M in assets frozen by VI since Russian invasion- Premier
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said sanctions took centre stage with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Virgin Islands “responded to the call” by freezing over $400M in assets.
He also acknowledged the assistance of the United Kingdom Government, including for providing over 500,000 Pounds to help facilitate the establishment of the Sanctions Unit, which is housed in the Attorney General’s Chambers.
UK a key partner- AG Smith
Attorney General Hon Dawn J. Smith reiterated that the Virgin Islands is committed to participating in international sanctions promulgated or enforced by the United Kingdom, whether in designation, licensing, enforcement, or other areas.
“Effectiveness in this area also entails collaboration and cooperation among key actors. For the Virgin Islands, a key partner is the United Kingdom, since United Kingdom sanctions automatically apply here,” Hon Smith stated.
Kisha L. Frett, Sanctions Coordinator in the Virgin Islands Sanctions Unit, said it was an exciting day for the Sanctions Unit, the AG Chambers and the wider territory of the VI.
Among those present for the signing of the MoU were representatives of the FCDO, including Sarah Croft MBE, Head of the International Strategy at the Sanctions Directorate; Mr Jeff Collier of the Multilateral Sanctions and Political Directorate; and Mr James Hayes, Head of the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies Sanctions Directorate; and Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9).
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14 Responses to “Signing of Sanctions Unit MoU ‘a great example’ of UK & VI working together- Gov Pruce”
Im starting to be ashamed of this behavior. Where is your fight? You used to talk about Africa, wear African clothes, attend slavery remembrance and now you skip with joy that the UK and VI are being racist financially against a country that never put us into slavery nor colonized Africa at all. Russia is not an enemy & we should be able to choose our friends. Racism without cause.
Atleast they did not abuse our race for hundreds of years, profit off our ancestors without an apology, and here we are banning Russians financially based on their race & nationality thanks to the UK ex-slave masters. Sick.
Will $600,000 cover the lost revenue in tourism from lack of Russian tourist, and destruction of BVI reputation among Russian tourist industry?
This UK motivated move has been disguised to help us but do the calculations.
I'd bet we are losing millions of dollars in revenue and negative advertisement as an unfriendly country towards Russia, one of the largest countries in the world. What will we do with the $400million sanctioned? Steal it I hope not.
Only then the people of the bvi will enjoy a decent living standards in terms of infrastructure . Poor infrastructure as a direct impact on how a community is been perceive and also has a negative psychological impact on its people.
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Is this all fake and phony newspaper articles published online?