Even while acknowledging that that much progress has been made with regards to the implementation of reforms as recommended by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) in the Virgin Islands, Governor Daniel Pruce has noted that a lot is yet to be done. Photo: GIS

Governor Daniel Pruce alongside Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) at a joint press conference on Friday, August 30, 2024. Photo: GIS

The Government of the Virgin Islands and the Governor’s Office had given themselves a revised deadline of August 31, 2024, for the full implementation of recommendations; however, it was missed.

“It is a credit to all involved that much has been done but important items remain to be completed so we must all sustain our collective efforts,” Governor Pruce stated at a press conference alongside Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on Friday, August 30, 2024.

Where more work needs to be done

One of the areas that needs to see more work done is that of Statutory Boards, which Governor Pruce described as a key priority area.

“We discussed at Cabinet and legislation is coming into the House. We are yet to see any changes to the way Statutory Boards operate, following the three reviews commissioned because of the CoI. There is a new Statutory Boards policy, and just this week approved revised legislation for five key boards. There is still a huge amount to do.”

‘Important issues’

The Governor added: “We have been working intensively to put in place a vetting procedure of all law enforcement officers. We are making progress but there is more to be done.”

Governor Pruce noted that the Public Service Management Bill is still to reach him for assent, and amendments to the Whistleblower Act have not yet been made.

“These are important issues. There is still significant work to be done. So, we must continue to deliver results at pace without compromising quality.”

Governor said he was confident the principle of service to people will continue to “guide us all” in the period ahead.

Premier Wheatley, speaking at the same press conference, said forty-five out of the forty-eight or 94% of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Recommendations have been completed to date.