News
Governor called out for 'turning blind eye' to own failures & wishing to penalise Gov’t
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has set the record straight that his government continued to work to achieve Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the VI, but with challenges just like Governor John J. Rankin, who instead wants to penalise the government but has turned a blind eye to his failures.
Premier believes Gov’s ‘power grab’ was to coincide with Fahie’s trial
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) believes the governor’s request for more powers to implement Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the territory was meant to surprise the people and to coincide with the trial of former premier Andrew A. Fahie.
'We wish for partnership, not a confrontation' with UK– Premier Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– The relationship between the [British] Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom Government is at another crossroads, with the unelected governor John J. Rankin, CMG requesting additional powers that could infringe on democracy in the territory.
‘I know implementation of some CoI recommendations isn’t easy’- Gov Rankin
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In what can be deemed as hypocritical and insensitive, United Kingdom (UK) appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands John J. Rankin, CMG has admitted implementation of some of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommendations is not easy, even while he has blasted the efforts of the Virgin Islands Government and is requesting of the UK additional powers for him to speed up the implementation process.
Premier plans to write OT Minister over Gov's request of ‘additional powers’
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio. D. Wheatley (R7) has shared plans to write UK Minister for Overseas Territories (OT), Hon David H. Rutley for support ‘to stay true to democracy’ against the Governor's plan for additional powers the VI.
UK ‘Unlikely’ to lift reserved Order in Council before CoI reforms– Gov Rankin
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Outgoing Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI) H.E. John J. Rankin, CMG said with the Government of Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) seemingly unable to meet the May 2024 deadline for the CoI reform process, it is unlikely that the UK Order in Council in reserve to suspend the VI’s constitution will be lifted.
‘It would be a clear colonial act’ if Governor is given additional powers- Premier
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said both his government and Members of the Opposition are “highly disappointed” with Governor John J. Rankin, CMG requesting additional powers from the United Kingdom to further force the Virgin Islands to hastily implement reforms “recommended” by a retired judge following a Commission of Inquiry held during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor says ‘additional powers’ needed to implement CoI reforms in VI
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Outgoing Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI), Mr John J. Rankin, CMG, like his predecessor Augustus J.U. Jaspert, will be leaving office with a parting gift for the VI, this time requesting "additional powers" to further force the [British] Virgin Islands to implement "recommendations" offered by a retired judge following a controversial Commission of Inquiry called during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov Rankin orders review into complaints against CoP Mark Collins
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- His Excellency the Governor John J. Rankin, CMG has announced that a review has been ordered into a myriad of complaints against the territory’s Commissioner of Police Mr Mark Collins.
Should residents be concerned about fingerprints taken by the DMV?
POCKWOOD POND, Tortola, VI- As has been the practice for many years, once you are obtaining any type of driver’s license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the Territory, one of the requirements is for DMV to take your fingerprints.
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