Direct government will not be imposed on the British Virgin Islands (BVI) after the UK Secretary of State decided to give two years to the territory’s emergency administration to implement reforms to tackle endemic corruption.
Last month, BVI Prime Minister Andrew Fahie faced money laundering charges and conspiracy to import cocaine after he was arrested in a bark operation by U.S. agents posing as drug traffickers. Mexicans in Miami. He denies the charges.
In recent years, a previous investigation had been launched into allegations of corruption in the territory, with its conclusions recommending that a temporary direct rule be imposed on BVIs.
But in a written statement Wednesday, Liz Truss said the newly sworn national unity government in the BVIs should have a chance to demonstrate its commitment to a reform agenda without imposing direct rules.
In an online press conference, the Governor of the Islands, John Rankin, said: “I know that the vast majority of people in the British Virgin Islands are honest, hardworking and attentive.
“The reputation of the British Virgin Islands lies on the shoulders of these individuals and not on the small minority who want to benefit at their expense. It is time for the British Virgin Islands government to be as good as its people. they deserve less. “
On January 18, 2021, then-BVI Governor Gus Jaspert launched a Commission of Inquiry (IOC) into allegations of corruption, abuse of office and serious irregularities in public office.
On April 4 this year, Rankin received the report and announced his intention to publish the findings in June.
However, on April 28, U.S. authorities arrested Fahie, prompting Rankin to publish the report. He emphasized the “seriousness of the matter” and said that “it is very likely that there will be serious government failures on the part of elected officials through various administrations”.
The report, from retired Judge Sir Gary Hickinbottom, recommended that a direct government be temporarily imposed on the BVIs to make the necessary reforms.
However, on May 5, a government of national unity (GNU) was quickly formed and was sworn in with Natalio Wheatley as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. A GNU is usually a broad coalition government made up of all or most parties in the legislature, usually at a time of national emergency.
In a written statement, Truss said that since the Hickinbottom report was delivered, “there have been a number of significant developments,” including the removal of Fahie as prime minister through a no-confidence vote and the creation of the new GNU.
Rankin has also ordered several criminal investigations. GNU will publish a detailed implementation plan for the reform.
Rankin said the administration would have two years to implement the reforms, but if there were delays or if it was not satisfied with progress, a direct rule would be imposed.
Sign up for First Edition, our free daily newsletter, every weekday morning at 7am
Truss said: “The people of the BVI want and deserve a change and have made clear their desire for better governance. The elected officials know this. We want to support the new government to make that change and give it the go-ahead. opportunity to reform. “
He added: “We have a duty to protect the people of BVI from corruption, crime and misgovernment. We will stand by them.”
This article was amended on June 8, 2022. The commission of inquiry into allegations of corruption was launched by former BVI Governor Gus Jaspert, not by David Archer, as stated in an earlier version.