‘I know implementation of some CoI recommendations isn’t easy’- Gov Rankin
![While the [British] Virgin Islands Government is open to UK assistance with funding for the CoI recommendations implementation, it is opposed to the Governor being given additional powers to force the implementation process. Photo: VINO/File](https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/cache/images/800x_i_IMG_2296_22.JPG)
‘I have faced challenges’- Gov Rankin
“I know that implementation of some of the recommendations isn’t easy. Indeed, I have faced challenges in delivering a couple of the recommendations for which I am responsible,” Mr Rankin stated at a press conference on his Fifth Quarterly Review of the Implementation of the CoI Recommendations on Friday, January 5, 2024.
Citing the Vetting Project to conduct checks to ensure that all law enforcement officers are suitable for their roles, as an example, Mr Rankin said, “When we realised matters weren’t moving quickly enough, my team and I stepped in to provide greater oversight, with additional time and resources devoted to the project. In particular, we successfully pushed for and got a full-time project manager, who has helped to bring this work back on track.”
Rankin gets $1M support from UK
And while the elected government has not received any substantial funding from the UK, if any at all to help with the implementation process, Governor Rankin stated he received one million dollars in funding from the UK to assist him with his implementation responsibilities.
“Similarly, we’ve ensured that the Law Enforcement Review is now fully underway, with an expert team now in place who have made two intensive visits to the Territory, supported by $1m funding from the UK Government. I expect to receive their report by the end of March,” Mr Rankin said.
According to the outgoing governor, there is a need for similar interventions when other recommendations are lagging.
Mr Rankin highlighted the amended Register of Interests Act; A new education grants policy; A policy setting out the principles of how Statutory Boards should operate; A new Public Service Management Act; Revised Criminal Procedure Rules; Improvements to the way the discretionary powers of Ministers are exercised; A strengthened Integrity in Public Life Act; and a functioning Whistleblower Act as areas where the government is lagging.
A clear colonial act!
While the Virgin Islands Government is open to UK assistance with funding for the CoI recommendations implementation, it is opposed to the Governor being given additional powers to force the implementation process.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), in a statement late January 5, 2024, said the Governor should not be seeking powers to bypass democracy and the people of the Virgin Islands so that he can implement measures as he sees fit, without any democratic accountability.
“It would be a clear colonial act,” Hon Wheatley stated.
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12 Responses to “‘I know implementation of some CoI recommendations isn’t easy’- Gov Rankin”
We would be grateful if you can leave immediately don’t wait till your time has ended, do it now. As much as Some of us dislike the deputy, he can act till the new one arrives. Save yourself and us any more animosity and leave now. If you really want true progress do us this one farvour and leave today. We pleadings the last drop of decency you may have. Please leave early. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
The majority is in favor of UK takeover...there is no other choice!
From around 1975 our Parents, Our Brothers and Our Sisters not forgotten those who came from the other West Indian countries and toil day & night to build this territory to what you see today
History will recall all what UK did for this Territory is Built the Prison House
It is our some of our people who keep running down to White House telling Jasper all manner of folly just to make themselves look good, rather that sitting down with their political colleagues
Two of them had a dispute and it took the Man who came here from London to settle it: Just play the tape or ask one of your buddies
The Big Guy from the White House up the Hill; took His Documented complaints and ran with them to the United Kingdom and see what our people have to deal with now
Poor political leadership(run chat that…..
Keep plecking the sh**. This whole thing is going to backfire about White supremacy and oppression from the UK. The Governor is doing the right thing. Now you see why the outside don’t want to do business with the BVI. You guys don’t hold up your end of anything and can’t be trusted. You RATTIE belongs to the I WANT TO BE WRONG AND STRONG CLUB.