Final Report on CoI negotiations out! Governor in charge of territory
In what many regard as another revenge move, according to the proposal agreed by the Wheatley-led Unity Government and the UK, the Governor will order an investigation into corruption within HM Customs by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
Double standards?
To date, there have been no allegations of corruption within HM Customs, but the Customs Department has been holding the police force accountable for misuse of government boats and alleged human trafficking. Ironically; however, the scandal-riddled police force, which is under Governor John J. Rankin, is to lead the investigation, according to the reform proposal.
Further, according to the final document released to the public on June 8, 2022, the Governor is to appoint an independent investigator to examine whether any appointments to statutory boards made since 2019 should be revoked.
Statutory Boards are governed by their own acts, which do not include oversight by an unelected Governor.
Additionally, the Governor will oversee the Department of Human Resources’ coordination of expenditure on the training of public officers.
This is something currently under his portfolio; however, he was given a pass by Commissioner Gary R. Hickinbottom.
No need for PSC?
In an increase of the Governor’s power, he is to appoint an independent agency to conduct full vetting of all HM Customs and Immigration Department Officers, and if necessary, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the Prison Service.
The man now in charge of the country, the Governor, will conduct quarterly reviews over the course of the reform process. This will include consideration of: (i) implementation of the CoI Report recommendations; (ii) the written quarterly reports from all individuals leading reviews, investigations and audits arising from the CoI recommendations; (iii) other reforms enacted; and (vi) the political culture exhibited in the day-to-day running of the government.
The Governor, who has come out with all the powers, is expected to publish his quarterly reviews, according to the final framework recommendations agreed to by Premier Wheatley even without consulting the people of the Virgin Islands and published only yesterday, June 8, 2022.
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45 Responses to “Final Report on CoI negotiations out! Governor in charge of territory”
Dont blame the Governor ,blame those who will do anything to cling onto power. Though they better realise that it wont be for long because there is no way they can meet the obligations. And half of them will be in jail anyway.
Instead the people had to swallow a bitter pill they did not have any say about!!!
Ridiculous for young leader to presume he was given a mandate by the people, and now expects full support?
As a leader who panders to England despite of our shared history as Africans is to undermine our priorities as a free people.
Inspite Andrew demise .... would of never ...he would of never bow so ...... Nathaniel...u is a lying &$$ cheap week selfish sellout b***h
I believe that the Premier did what he has done for the better of the country, to retain some foot in the door, to make sure UK does not literally move in and run the place..which was a very real possability.
The premier has taken a long game view of this and i think he and the governor should be commended in reaching this position. a bitter pilk to swallow initially, but certainky the best of a potentially bad situation.
Suck it up, get through the next few years, really show UK that we are up to the challenge. use this as the building bricks to self determination. long game. long game...long game
respectfully submitted