The Office of the Deputy Governor has reported that of the 31 actions assigned to their office, twenty (20) have been completed, ten (10) are significantly advanced and one (1) is no longer applicable.

This development follows Minister for the Americas, the Caribbean and UK Overseas Territories, David Rutley’s visit to the Territory, during which he urged the Government to aggressively advance the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, provided an update on the Minister’s visit and subsequent progress of COI Implementation in a recent Press Briefing, stating, “The majority of the remaining [recommendations] is well on the way to a timely completion.”

The Premier cited a number of recommendations under the Office of the Deputy Governor that have been advanced at the necessary pace to ensure significant progress in light of Minister Rutley’s request.

 These he said include Recommendation B4 – Public Register of Interests. The Premier said the legislation to extend the Register of Interests to a wider category of persons in public life is already with the House of Assembly, having undergone its First Reading.

It was noted that one of the Actions under this Recommendation is that of the establishment of the Integrity Commission and that with the Integrity in Public Life Act having come into force on 7th February 2024, the process of appointing the chairperson and members to establish the Integrity Commission will soon commence.

Additionally, Recommendation B36 – Review of the Public Service Management Act was also highlighted as the Draft Bill from the Attorney General’s Chambers is presently in the process of being reviewed by the Deputy Governor’s Office. Once the Bill is finalised it will be taken to Cabinet, and then to the House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. also commented on the significant progress being made adding that his office has been aggressively working toward meeting the requirements of all 31 recommendations that fall under its purview.

The Deputy Governor said, “This is a major responsibility, and public officers within our Office and throughout the Governor’s Group continue to show their unwavering dedication in seeing this process to completion.” He said that reform is a vital component in advancing the work of Government and transforming the Public Service into a world-class organisation.

Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Sharleen Dabreo-Lettsome, MBE similarly noted that all recommendations assigned to the Office of the Deputy Governor are well advanced. 

Mrs. Dabreo-Lettsome, MBE said. “I am pleased with the significant progress that we were able to share with Minister Rutley. I encourage all public officers within the Office of the Deputy Governor and throughout other ministries to continue at this swift pace.”

Individuals interested in the progress of the COI implementation can visit vicoiimplementation.vg for first-hand, updated information on the status of the recommendations.