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Premier plans to write OT Minister over Gov's request of ‘additional powers’
This comes as Governor John J. Rankin, CMG in his Fifth Quarterly CoI implementation review published yesterday, January 5, 2024, requested the powers, which according to the Primer is to bypass democracy so that he the governor, can implement CoI reform measures “as he sees fit” without any democratic accountability.
Request a 'colonial act' - Premier
Describing the request for additional powers as a ‘colonial act” Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reported yesterday, the Premier said the VI remains a democracy with each district and territorial representative in the House of Assembly elected by the people of these islands so their voices could be heard which then formed a Government.
He added that it would be an insult to the voters and people of the VI for additional powers to be granted to the Governor to empower him to push his agenda in devolved areas of responsibility.
“I will be writing to Minister Rutley to urge him to not support the Governor's request to grant the Governor additional powers, but rather to continue his approach of constructive engagement between the UK and Virgin Islands as partners and support to the elected arm of government in implementing governance reforms.”
The Premier further added that he wants Hon Rutley to stay true to democracy as subjects such as immigration and crown lands fall under the elected arm of Government and there is no justification for powers being transferred or given to the Governor to undermine the democratic will and rights of the people of the Virgin Islands.
Granting powers goes against modern partnership - Premier
The Premier said granting the Governor additional powers would go directly against the Political Declaration OTs have just agreed with the UK and would do considerable damage to the relationship, “We wish for partnership, not a confrontation that is completely unnecessary,” he said.
In speaking to those in the VI, The Premier called on politicians on both sides of the aisle to remain united while calling on the private sector, public sector, civil society, and communities across these VI to stand together against a bypass of democracy.
He said Virgin Islanders from every walk of life, must be united since unity is the only way that democracy can be protected and defended.
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54 Responses to “Premier plans to write OT Minister over Gov's request of ‘additional powers’”
The BVI will rise from the mud. You worrying about passport and money exchange, Worry that your future and the generations to come future. Independence is must and the way out of this mess.
K
The governor is aware of the disunity among the citizens and the very slim majority of the government in the House of Assembly as such he is flexing his muscles. We must unite ourselves and be prepared to resist any attempt by the governor to impose direct rule ovver the Territory.
In addition, the word racist has being often used in reference to the UK'S appointed Governors that held and he who now is serving in the said position.
Allow me, please, to remind you Premier, that respect to your supervisor, the Governor of course, speaks well of your character, whether or not you agree with the CoI recommendations. Now to the contrary, disrespect against your superior without a just cause also speak of your character, but not well. Ethnicity and place of birth has not to do with it.
Further, with the Governor’s pronouncement setting the table for Daniel Pruce, Virgin Islanders should be up in arms. But have gotten crickets. Don’t expect to hear anything from the Sambos, bourgeoisies, etc. But wait Harry say you will hear.
Ministerial system of government came to the VI in 1967. But since we for the most part have struggle. The political succession planning is wanting. By now the VI should have an embarrassment of riches in political talent. As one political leader exit the scene there should have been a cadre of qualified and able leaders who could seamlessly jump into the leadership. Instead our leaders and team are green, learning for the most part on job , trying to manage complex issues. Consequently, our leaders lacked the stature on the world stage. We cannot treat government as just another business; we cannot , for a private business can target and select its customers but government must serve all the people. In regards to writing the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office in the UK, I’m not hopeful. The UK will say the usual diplomatic mumbo jumbo but nothing will happened or changed . Change must be forced through unity which is severely lacking in the VI. A number of other bloggers have hit on the lack of unity theme. What does that say?
Mr.Slowande please what are your intetions other than making us look stupid.If you were a true leader you would have dialogue with we the people on all such COI recommendstions ,now you want us private/public sectors civil society/communities to support you a d your sh** Call upon Mr.Cox your lawyer in UK whom you cant get a report from after spending millions of our dollars to defend you holligans during COI.Now go and lie in the road and protest.I'm waiting with baited breath to see if the opposition will side with you in your shit.UK COME NOW.
n making
The Premier Lied to stay in office. He figured since the Governor was leaving it would have been forgotten and he was not going to do sh**. The Governor extended plenty of time to correct the task and you did not do what you were supposed to do. Penning a letter to the Governors boss is only going to make things worse than they already are. The only ones that is going to suffer is the people.