Order in Council not yet lifted; OT Minister wants to do own assessment- Premier
This was announced by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who met with Minister Doughty in the UK on September 11, 2024, and made the request.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Deputy Premier Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) today, September 16, 2024, Premier Wheatley said he confirmed to Minister Doughty there is only one government reform left to be implemented and that the House of Assembly would complete it upon his return to the VI.
‘I will encourage the UK to keep to their word’- Premier
The Premier said the OT Minister is looking forward to receiving an update when that is done.
“I raised the question of lifting the Order in Council, which the UK has tied to implementing the governance reforms; however, the Minister wishes to visit the Virgin Islands, as was done by the three OT ministers, so that he can make his own assessment and recommendation. The earliest his schedule will permit travel is November.”
Premier Wheatley said he would officially write to the Minister to request that the Order in Council be lifted once the House of Assembly passes the last governance reform bill.
“I will encourage the UK to keep to their word as we strive to build a new modern partnership between the UK and the Virgin Islands on the basis of consultation, democracy, sustainable development, climate resilience and self-determination.”
Meanwhile, the threat of Climate Change and the need for UK support to assist the Virgin Islands with adaptation and mitigation, including through their contributions to the United Nations, were also discussed during the meeting with Minister Doughty.
Also at the meeting were Governor Daniel Pruce, Hon Smith, Chief Advisor to the Premier Kedrick E. Malone and Ayana I. Glasgow.
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