Press Release

COI Implementation Unit
Premier's Office
Topics: 
Good Governance
Release Date:
Thursday, 23 May 2024 - 2:23pm

Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley will be addressing the implementation of the Commission of Enquiry (COI) report and the implications for the Territory.

Premier Wheatley will speak with Acting Director of Communications, Mrs. Karia Christopher about the recommendations for which elected members are responsible for implementing in a video presentation on the Government of the Virgin Islands official Facebook page at 2:30 p.m. on May 23.

The Premier will provide the people of the Virgin Islands with information to help them better understand the far-reaching impact of the issues being addressed by the COI recommendations as the Territory approaches the implementation deadline of 31st May 2024.

Premier Wheatley has indicated in recent statements that the Territory has made significant progress in implementing these recommendations, many of which started before the COI was established.

The Premier stated in his recent Territorial Address that, “the increased levels of governance, transparency, accountability, and responsibility we are achieving and will continue to achieve from implementing and institutionalising the recommendations of the COI will position the Virgin Islands for greater autonomy and a more advanced Constitution.”

The COI was mandated by the United Kingdom in January 2021 to look into whether corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty may have taken place amongst public, elected and statutory officials in recent years; and to make appropriate recommendations as to governance and the operation of the law enforcement and justice systems in the Virgin Islands.

Commissioner The Right Honourable Sir Gary Hickinbottom submitted the report on 4th April 2022 which highlighted problems in governance across consecutive Government Administrations and detailed several urgent issues that must be addressed.

The public is encouraged to tune in and be informed about this important development in the history of the Virgin Islands.

Author

Department of Information and Public Relations (GIS)

354 James Walter Francis Drive
RJT Edifice Building, 5th Floor
Road Town, TORTOLA VG1110

Tel: 284 468 2730
Fax: 284 468 2750
Email: gis@gov.vg