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'Constructive engagement' held with UK Minister Rutley- Premier Wheatley

-said UK Minister’s visit was important in further cementing strong bond of partnership being developed between VI & UK
UK Minister for Americas, Caribbean and the Overseas Territories, David H. Rutley, MP met with the Government, Permanent Secretaries, and the Governor’s Office team, as well as other key individuals, to hear how the Commission of Inquiry reforms will be accelerated. Photo: HM Office of the Governor/Facebook
Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has reported that there was a constructive engagement with UK Minister of Overseas Territory, David H. Rutley who visited the VI from February 4 - 6, 2024. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has reported that there was a constructive engagement with UK Minister of Overseas Territory, David H. Rutley who visited the VI from February 4 - 6, 2024. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Premier Dr Wheatley said Minister Ruthly listened carefully, gave sound advice, and offered support in our common goal of concluding our obligations under the framework for the implementation of the recommendations of the COI report and other reforms. Photo: Internet Source
Premier Dr Wheatley said Minister Ruthly listened carefully, gave sound advice, and offered support in our common goal of concluding our obligations under the framework for the implementation of the recommendations of the COI report and other reforms. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has reported there was a constructive engagement with United Kingdom (UK) Minister of Overseas Territories, David H. Rutley who visited the VI from February 4 - 6, 2024.

“Minister Rutley and Governor [Daniel] Pruce held talks with members of Cabinet, the House of Assembly, Senior Public Officers, and me. Firstly, let me express my gratitude to Minister Rutley, Governor Pruce, and their teams for the very constructive engagement with my administration and our good governance agenda,” Dr Wheatley said in a statement yesterday, February 8, 2024.

He said Minister Rutley listened carefully, gave sound advice, and offered support in the common goal of concluding obligations under the framework for the implementation of the recommendations of the CoI report and other reforms.

“Minister Rutley's visit was important in further cementing the strong bond of partnership being developed between the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom, a relationship based on democratic principles, shared responsibility, and individual accountability. Minister Rutley recognised the progress and the obvious commitment the government has made thus far and was honest in areas where more progress was needed,” he added.

Gov't recognises urgency- Premier Wheatley 

Premier Wheatley continued that the VIP administration recognises the urgency of the period of reform and as such, there will be an optimisation of planning and mobilisation of necessary resources to accelerate progress. 

“In the weeks to come, Ministries, Cabinet and the House of Assembly will be considering approving and passing policies and legislation that will strengthen the systems of good government.”

The Premier said he would continue to convene meetings with his staff, Permanent secretaries, the Attorney General, and Department heads overseeing the priority areas.

Dr Wheatley has promised a further detailed update on the status of the remaining reforms on Friday, February 9, 2024.

9 Responses to “'Constructive engagement' held with UK Minister Rutley- Premier Wheatley”

  • Not good at all (08/02/2024, 13:42) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    I DONT LIKE THE BODY LANGUAGE OF THE SITTING GOVERNMENT
    • Georgie (08/02/2024, 15:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Not good at all

      Thats the first thing I noticed. Look at the body language of Hon. Lorna Smith
  • No to Take Over (08/02/2024, 14:27) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    The UK, because you and the people of this territory are in control of the country with a high standard of living, a huge GDP, is considered rich, agenda is to take control of those monetary realities away from the people who have developed and own them, for themselves.
    We will be be kicked to the rubbish heap by them if we/you allow such to occur. It is hoped that if the UK succeed with its sneaky plan to satisfy its greed and pounce on the human and economic rights of this nation, that the people will rise in full defense and rejection of their invasion and take over.
  • The watchdog (08/02/2024, 15:06) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Pure talk the UK has out manoverver the premier again
  • herbs power (08/02/2024, 15:26) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    I don't like these people at all. One look at the picture and slavery comes to mind. We must head towards self determination as we is already on that part because we got here without them. Run them, they don't want to acknowledge Reparations.
  • Amazing (08/02/2024, 16:00) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Its like a school teacher telling off the students. The sitting government is not mentally prepared for the talk.
  • WEW (08/02/2024, 16:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Buckle up Slowande, your in for a bumpy ride. Bye Bye
  • MacAfee (08/02/2024, 16:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The premier is like a child. The uk had to be firm with him to sit down and be productive instead of attending every function abroad just because he can while there is so much to do at home.
  • GateKeeper (08/02/2024, 23:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Minister Rutley fired a shot across the VI government now days before coming to the VI, threatening action if the CoI implementation is accelerated at warped speed. The objective of the UK was to suspend the constitution and take over governing. The CoI commissioned by controversial governor Augustus Japert was the precursor to suspending the constitution. Former Governor John Rankin took the paton from Jaspert. The Unity Government was just a convenient nexus to its goal, giving the local government a timeline it know it could not meet.

    If I were the Premier I would wary of the constructive engagement mirage. Rutley and Pruce are experienced diplomats who can smile at you while stabbing you in the back. Don’t be fooled. They have fired warning shots across the bow, telling you who they are and what they going to do and when they going to do. Beware of the diplomats poker face.


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