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‘The Governor & I have had a few challenges’ selecting CoI reviewers- Premier

- said delayed appointments in some instances have prevented reviews being completed before agreed deadlines
It is unclear the exact nature of the challenges; however, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, said he and Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, left, have been having “a few challenges” in selecting persons to undertake various reviews recommended in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report. Photo: VINO/File
On January 25, 2023, Cabinet, according to Premier Natalio D. Wheatley, agreed on the appointment of Mr Kedrick E. Malone as the reviewer for Recommendation B33 on Residence and Belonger Status. Photo: GIS/File
On January 25, 2023, Cabinet, according to Premier Natalio D. Wheatley, agreed on the appointment of Mr Kedrick E. Malone as the reviewer for Recommendation B33 on Residence and Belonger Status. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- It is unclear the exact nature of the challenges; however, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said he and Governor John J. Rankin, CMG have been having “a few challenges” in selecting persons to undertake various reviews recommended in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report.

“Madam Speaker, with respect to the appointment of reviewers, the Governor and I have had a few challenges in selecting the right reviewers for certain important Recommendations,” Premier Wheatley stated at the Second Sitting of the Fifth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola on Thursday, January 26, 2023.

Appointment delays have affected deadlines- Premier

He said the delayed appointments in some instances have prevented the reviews being completed before the agreed deadlines, and therefore the actions dependent on the completion of these reviews will now also be delayed.

“Additionally, a few reviewers have asked for more time in order to complete their remit in the most comprehensive manner,” Dr Wheatley stated.

Meanwhile, former Social Security Board (SSB) Director Mrs Antoinette Skelton was recently appointed as the Reviewer for Recommendation B24 which will examine various governance structures and reporting obligations. She has already commenced her work.

Kedrick E. Malone to review Residence & Belonger Status

On January 25, 2023, Cabinet, according to Premier Wheatley, agreed on the appointment of Mr Kedrick E. Malone as the reviewer for Recommendation B33 on Residence and Belonger Status.

Hon Wheatley had said the necessary appointment will be made in the coming days so Mr Malone can commence his review on February 1, 2023.

Kedrick E. Malone is a Consultant and a former Contract Civil Servant with the Government of the Virgin Islands where he served for over 15 years in many senior leadership and policy positions working with four Chief Ministers/Premiers.

He is a former Director of BVI London Office, Former Executive Director of BVI Finance, and former Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Premier.

40 Responses to “‘The Governor & I have had a few challenges’ selecting CoI reviewers- Premier”

  • what a pity (31/01/2023, 14:32) Like (20) Dislike (32) Reply
    The Governor is from the UK. The Commissioner of Police is from the UK. Most of the Governor senior staff is from the UK. Most of the senior police officers are from the UK. The UK Governor is in charge of the police and is not accountable to the people of the BVI but only the UK. The Commissioner of the COI was from the UK and was hired by the UK Governor and the UK. The COI recommendations were given for investigations from the UK COI Commissioner to the UK Governor who gave them to the UK police to investigate. I hope everyone getting the picture. They will try to slaughter us in 2023 and make it seem justifiable, but it is really about a takeover using modern slavery tactics of an Order in Council. Please my people wake up. Not one of us will survive if we do not wake up.
    • @what a pitty. Talk truth. (31/01/2023, 16:58) Like (35) Dislike (3) Reply
      We BVI people are very disrespectful. We dont respect authority. We dont follow instructions. No one can tell us anything especially if its an outsider.. Thats why we are where we are and so many officials in trouble and are getting arrested..
    • @ what a pity (01/02/2023, 09:43) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      They may be from the UK - but the wrong doers are all local. Taking advantage of we, the tax payers.
  • UK resident (31/01/2023, 14:33) Like (15) Dislike (30) Reply
    The two Orders in Council represents dictatorship and not a modern partnership. They are wrong and need to be retracted immediately.
    • indeed (01/02/2023, 07:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The first draft OIC is for a public register of beneficial ownership but which has been declared an infringement of privacy by the European Court and the second draft OIC is to suspend the Constitution but is an affront to the people of the VI. Both are held over our heads by the UK government as threats to our income and our rights.
  • PARTNERSHIP? WHERE? (31/01/2023, 14:40) Like (15) Dislike (33) Reply
    Even the few the Governor and UK have fooled will soon realize that this plot to enslave us by the colonial masters is real. Just like the rest of the world the BVI is still staggering from the worse pandemic in the last 100 years where no government or country knew what to do. While the BVI was dealing with that or trying to deal with it the Governor launched what appears to be a non transparent COI while we were dying and sick and our economy challenged from Covid. In one word--HEARTLESS! Then gave us a pre-authoured COI report and recommendations to help the Governor to look transparent in phase two of the plot to direct the police to do plenty unethical investigations and arrest. However it is so well organized that it seems justifiable to some. They help to create a perfect storm to add to the already natural storm of the two category 5 hurricanes and the pandemic to do what they always wanted to do. They will soon find out that the people of the BVI are a Praying and resilient people. Continue the fight Premier. They are more with you than against.
  • 8th District Youth (31/01/2023, 14:43) Like (17) Dislike (22) Reply
    The BVI can complete and implement every recommendation from that questionable COI process, and it still will never be enough to satisfy the UK. Just wait and see. The reality is the UK wants to rule all OTs directly so they can give their friends jobs as the economy in the UK is really bad. If we think we have it bad under our current local public officers, and elected officials then wait until you are ruled directly by Brits. BVI be careful what you are asking for because you will regret it. The Brits must stop this abuse of power and remove the Order in Council FORTHWITH!
  • Run him out (31/01/2023, 14:44) Like (9) Dislike (25) Reply
    The governor needs to go bvi people weak weak weak
    • Time for positive action (31/01/2023, 15:26) Like (19) Dislike (18) Reply
      I agree with your post. Any country that has any leader lik3 the post of Governor above the law and instead have them being the law is a country under a dictatorship. Currently the President of America and former President have to answer questions about concerns raised about their questionable actions. The system and not "a one man" or "a small group of senior public Officers" will determine the process and outcome. However, in the 21st century the Governor of the UK is above the law and will become the law by suspending a constitution and run a country how they see fit through two orders in council. This is dictatorship. In the 21st century when the Governor alone can call a COI & determine the terms of reference and the Commissioner for the COI and the staff, then this is dictatorship. To add insult to injury that no one can call a COI on him or have him or his performance or any subject under him looked into as he alone is over the police force and audit, and he alone can call a COI. THIS IS DICTATORSHIP!!! In the 21st century when a Governor can fail the police force especially in terms of development of the human capital & fail the public service but have these and more failures and questionable actions covered up by high handed actions geared at showing the apparent failure of others is not democracy. This is dictatorship. If the president of the USA is allowed to be held accountable by the law and the people, then so can the Governor and those UK senior public Officials over the Governor. Let us stop letting them play games with our our future. It is time for balance. It is time for fairness. It is time to eliminate this kind of double standard. There should not be any discrepancy between how leaders are handled by the law and the judiciary and audit and the overall system. This is not a call to condone wrong but one to ensure equal rights and justice.
  • VG (31/01/2023, 14:45) Like (13) Dislike (26) Reply
    The position of Governor needs to be an elected position. That person also needs to be held accountable by the laws of the land and by the people.
    • Citizen (01/02/2023, 10:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      What is there to dislike about this comment. Goes to show the number of UK expats logging on making it seem like we do not agree with common sense opinions .
  • Racism (31/01/2023, 14:48) Like (11) Dislike (25) Reply
    People of the BVI do not be fooled or brainwashes. Racism is trying to be down played but it is a factor with all that is going on with our country especially with the actions of the Governor and the UK. In the local police force the white police officer and their UK head do not trust the black police officers nor do they trust the other law enforcement agencies who are predominantly black and are locals or Caribbean natives. They want to discredit them and is being done through abuse of their powers to try to justify their colonial actions but camouflage it as good governance. It is no doubt the same behavior is being exercised with the selection of the reviewers for the pre-authored COI recommendations. Let us wake up and be aware and stand up for what it right. Ask yourself when last you saw or heard anyone other than black locals and black Caribbean people been audited, investigated, or arrested. Even in the boating accident they were freed. Wake up people. Racism is at our doorstep
  • school children (31/01/2023, 14:51) Like (12) Dislike (18) Reply
    School children say that they want UK persons or anyone who is loyal to them and on board with their plot to do this and all matters pertaining to the COI. The inferiority mindset they have of us is coming out. The slavery mill is grinding slow but grinding still.
  • time (31/01/2023, 14:52) Like (8) Dislike (13) Reply
    The true colors and intent of this Governor will come out more and more as time goes by and when it does it will be clear how little he thinks of most of the people of the BVI.
  • Democracy (31/01/2023, 14:55) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    It cannot be democracy and transparency when one side of the partnership is being held to a different standard to the other side of the partnership. This is a different kind of modern partnership for sure.
  • dictatorship (31/01/2023, 14:57) Like (8) Dislike (16) Reply
    What the Premier is saying in a nice way is that the BVI is under a dictatorship. Unless the Governor agrees or selects the person then nothing will be allowed to move forward. Welcome to modern day slavery.
  • History being repeated (31/01/2023, 15:07) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    In the days of slavery the slaves were led to believe that they cannot survive if they run away from under the leadership of the slave masters. Does this sound familiar? Well it should because the same slave masters but with modern strategy have people in the BVI and other overseas territories some 400 years later saying that if they are not ruling us and making all the decisions for us or must approve what we recommend or it cannot move forward and if not then we will be domed and our security and economy will not be secure and we will fail. People stop buying their brain washing philosophy. Slavery was wrong but made right by them and they did it through the laws and using a whip as their police back then. It is the same strategy as 400 years ago but in a modern form where they are selling it in a way that is getting some of our support but this is a mistake. In terms of the order in Council this is wrong beyond measure on all front. Independence is not a matter of if but when. They will always make us feel as if we can never govern ourselves in a transparent manner. Let's avoid history being repeated and being enslaved once again. Let us come together and move forward out of bandage.
  • Non Political (31/01/2023, 15:12) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Here lies the problem. An elected person as Premier running the country and a non-elected Governor running the country at the same time. Two people cannot run a country at the same time. The system of government the UK give us is where the failure lies. One is accountable to the people and the other is not. Chaos will always rule. I guess that is what the UK wants any way.
    • Josiahsbay (31/01/2023, 18:18) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Our Premier is not elected but is selected. He needs to be elected.
  • HMMM (31/01/2023, 15:14) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    I guess the Governor wants his kind and their friends that drink and dine with them to head up these things so they can put things in place not in the best interest of the people of the BVI but only the Governor and UK.
    • street reporter. (31/01/2023, 16:24) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
      These politicians are not serious. No respect, No indication they want to change the bad way things been going..To be a good leader you must first be able to take instructions..
  • Cultural clash (31/01/2023, 15:16) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    The British officials come from a culture where you are only good if they say so and bad if they say so. Nothing ever changes their mind even when the proof is there to prove them wrong.
  • what a thing (31/01/2023, 15:33) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    The deadlines placed on these COI matters are totally unreasonable and unachievable. This is a crystal clear set up to ensure failure while claiming otherwise.
  • Yes to UK (31/01/2023, 15:42) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    @what a pity, What's your point we are owned by the UK, the UK left us for years to run the BVI but as everyone knows both governments brought us to where we now. Our own Premier was the one who called for the COI so people stop talking $hit.
  • Yes to UK (31/01/2023, 15:44) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    @ UK resident, If you don't like the two Orders in Council LEAVE.
  • Citizen (31/01/2023, 15:49) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    With Kedrick Malone reviewing residence and Belonger status, the BVI can say goodbye to their beloved country. He is going to let who so ever will may come. He is so in love with the Great Britain and the Governor.
  • my my my (31/01/2023, 15:49) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is a time to fight for the heart and soul of our BVI but sad to say that the only time the BVI people fight is against each other, and this is the upper hand the Governor and UK have over us. Come together BVI!.
  • Yes to UK (31/01/2023, 15:59) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    @Non Political, Did you say an elected person as Premier, when was the Premier elected? The UK should have taken over then we wont have all of this BULL $HIT TALK.
  • Norris Turnbull (31/01/2023, 16:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They should have put someone with expert knowledge on VI Immigration Laws to be on that committee....Poor we.. Walters, Jennings and especially Hill but I guess they like people who do not kiss up to the status quo and not protect this lil country in fairness..
  • Who To Blame? (31/01/2023, 16:46) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    Let's demand our independence! We need to get these colonialists out of here. It's easy enough. Call a referendum. If the majority want it, then British would grant it. We know they would hand over the VI on a silver platter. The problem is who will we blame when we are still unable to solve the very simple governance and accountability issues facing us today. If we were honest, the U.K. didn't do this to us. We did it to ourselves. Recognizing this is the first step to independence.
    • Dishonesty.. (31/01/2023, 20:08) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
      We are a dishonest people very dishonest. Why are we blaming the Governor and Britain for out mess, oyf failures that we all know that its our corrupt politicians put us in..
  • Points of interest (31/01/2023, 17:18) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply
    Has anyone requested of the Governor what was presented to the man who was handpicked by the Governor to perform the task as the Commissioner of the COI? This information should be requested as no one takes a job unless they know what is involved and expected of them and the compensation package. Also, was there a tender process for selection and if so, what was the criteria and if not why not. There must be transparency for all and by all.
  • Josiahsbay (31/01/2023, 18:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The UK need not be involved in our laws and government nor in our Constitution. Until that happens we'll remain a colony under colonial rule.
  • fast (31/01/2023, 18:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need an election
  • Deliberate delays (31/01/2023, 19:42) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Leaving the most politically contentious reforms to the last minute to try to raise the Rabble and convince the ill informed electorate to once again put their trust in the old guard.
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (31/01/2023, 21:00) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The way I sees it is the current Premier, as was the the previous on, along with some elected cabinet members, and also some Malones, and some person here in the BVI want to govern the Governor , John Rankin, how do his appointed duties pleasing to them.
    No wonder why you, Hon. Premier are continuing challenging the Gorvernor's authority on certain is of interest to betterment of governance for all the citizens of the BVI.

    I am not trying to oversee the UK fault and heavy handedness in some areas of our best interest. But who are to be blame, the UK alone, the Governor along, the Commisioner of Police alone? I know for sure who are to be blamed, all of us, especially you GREEDY-MINDED POLITICIANS, that are now mourh bashing the the UK, the Governor, and the Commissioner of the RVIPF.

    The truth is the truth both now and forever. Amen.
    • Josiahsbay (31/01/2023, 22:29) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Native Senior Citizen: Are you a VIslander or Brit? You appear to be a perfect example of a colonized mind that doesn't believe that it's possible to handle our own affairs without the UK's oversights. A colonial education produces a colonized mind.
  • Road Town Rebel (31/01/2023, 23:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Colonialism keep your mind in prison. The Governor will never respect the Premier.
  • Native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (01/02/2023, 01:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    First of all before I comment further, Sorry for the few errors, and missed words in my previous comment on this topic issue, but hopefully you know what I meant to write.

    All political Ministers that are now in authoriry, and those before did pledged allegence to to tke UK's Queen Elizebeth, now deceased, and those that will serve as future when elect next general election wiil have to pledge allegence to King Charles the current UK's king.
    Our current Governor was appointed as the chief executive Honourable, not Hon. Premier Natalio Sawande Wheatley. That means that that Governor has the final say on BVI polirical matters, not Hon. Natalio Sawande Wheatley.
    Hon. Natalio Sawande Wheatley has to learn to humble himself under a greater authirity than he is. If he takes a negociation stance, as Dr. Kedrick Pickeng has suggested, annd continuing suggesting to us, rather than a chalenging stance, thing will workout better for us. Our former Premier took a chalenging the previous Governor's stance, and are now paying the price. In other words, stop trying to pretend that yiu can boss your boss, John J. Rankin, the BVI current Governor.

    The USVI Governor does not chalenge President Joe Biden authority, he honours and negociate issues when necessary.

    Give honour to whome honour is due.

    Note: Black racism is as evil as white racism.




  • Shame. Shame. Shame (01/02/2023, 04:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Politicians playng us again.....When will we learn that these politicians are playing games....This is all a plan so they can cancel election and retain power....If we allowing the same set of people to fool us so over and over, then they must think that we are fools...Blame Britain..Blame the Governor, that's their strategy....Ask yourself, .Who stole our money and Rob our treasury? Who run the country poorly..??? Lets Wise up and use the brain God gave we!


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