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Opposition vows to support government in matters relating to CoI reforms

- says territory at a crossroad & in a perfect storm where report outlines serious implications
March 19th, 2024 | Tags: Oppostion CoI BVI CoI Reforms Ronnie W. Skelton
Opposition Members in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) have vowed to support the government over what was referred to as a ‘perfect storm’ over several issues in the VI, including matters related to the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report. Photo: Facebook
The opposition commitment came via a pledge from the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) in the presence of all other opposition members during a press conference this afternoon, March 19, 2024, while adding that they consider the CoI recommendation to be in the best interest of the people for the VI. Photo: Facebook
The opposition commitment came via a pledge from the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) in the presence of all other opposition members during a press conference this afternoon, March 19, 2024, while adding that they consider the CoI recommendation to be in the best interest of the people for the VI. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Opposition Members in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) have vowed to support the government over what was referred to as a ‘perfect storm’ over several issues in the VI, including matters related to the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report.

The opposition commitment came via a pledge from the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) in the presence of all other Opposition members during a press conference this afternoon, March 19, 2024, while adding that they consider the CoI recommendation to be in the best interest of the people for the VI.

The Opposition, however, listed several challenges with the implementation including the Register of Interest Act and the possibility of giving the Governor more powers, “We met with the Minister of Overseas Territory and his team when he was here in February and he stressed the importance of government implementing substantially, the recommendation of the CEO report by the end of May,” he added.

“To avoid any further action, including the suspension of provisions in the Constitution whereby giving the Governor more constitutional powers, as an opposition, we have pledged all support and working with the government to implement those recommendations that we consider to be in the best interests of the people of these Virgin Islands,” Hon Skelton said.

He raised issues surrounding the Register of Interest Act and its coverage, including accessibility by the Governor and the Deputy Governor only, “We don't agree with this, if they are included in the register, then it should be all public or all public, that we have for the public register,” he said.

More challenges 

Meanwhile, Hon Skelton said, “We were made aware of the receipt of the CFATF report, which brings 40 recommendations on financial systems of the Virgin Islands. We were also made aware of the minister and her team [and] immediate actions at getting some of these recommendations implemented.”

Hon Skelton added that the opposition believes that the Virgin Islands is, and always has been a well-regulated world standard jurisdiction, “We believe that as opposition, anything that we can assist the government and ensure that the implementation of the recommendations that done in a speedy and efficient manner, but again, it must be in the interests of the people of these Virgin Islands,” he said. 

Hon Skelton further warned that the VI is now at a crossroad where the report has outlined some serious implications in a perfect storm follwing the arrest of former Premier Andrew A. Fahie, Covid and more

He added, “We are here not to bash the Government, but to collaborate with the government to see how we can make the jurisdiction once again a proud place where people can do business both locally and internationally.”

12 Responses to “Opposition vows to support government in matters relating to CoI reforms”

  • waste of time (19/03/2024, 21:47) Like (13) Dislike (14) Reply
    This is the weakest opposition ever
  • Anonymous (19/03/2024, 21:51) Like (2) Dislike (15) Reply
    The vip voter base has not been hurt enough and will double down on voting for their party, no to ndp 1 n 2
  • my wish (19/03/2024, 22:53) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Kye need to cross the floor asap and form a new sensible government
  • —————————- (19/03/2024, 23:27) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ronnie is no leader he cannot articulate and relly the troops
  • Norris Turnbull (19/03/2024, 23:29) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    All of you are sixth letter of the alphabet 'ing up.
  • 2024 (20/03/2024, 00:19) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    no wonder Buckingham looking to come back home

    It will be very nice to see the 13 of them we voted for, working together for the benefit of this territory

    We also need to see the black on black crime stopped: majority of crimes are committed by black folks
  • More Game. (20/03/2024, 05:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You all know that won't happen. The Govt won't want you al in their business to expose their failures and weaknesses.
  • @ ANONYMOUS (20/03/2024, 06:28) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    SPEAK FOR YOURSELF •¿• WHATEVER EVILNESS YOU ALL ARE IN WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU AND SADLY YOUR OFFSPRING . ONLY ONE PERSON IS ( OMNIPOTENT - OMNISCIENCE AND OMNIPRESENT ) WHAT WILL IT PROFIT ANYONE TO GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD AND LOOSE HIS OWN SOUL ????.
  • herbs power (20/03/2024, 07:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Skeleton needs to give up that seat to My-Run.
  • WHAT!!! (20/03/2024, 11:01) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Of course none of them want the register of interests, it would interfere with the crooked deals and thiefing.
  • BuzzBvi (03/08/2024, 15:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So what you are really saying is you will work with the Government to block the requirements of the COI. Do what the COI says and you will be doing what the peiole of the VI want. These constant attempts to reiay accountability and push for independence ao you can carry on with your corryot ways is not what the peiole want. Register your interests let the people see, go through proper searches at our borders, and stop handing inflated contracts out to yourselves and your buddies. We want transparency and more controls.


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