I wanted to update you on the Commission of Inquiry, launched by my predecessor because of increasing concerns about poor governance, and possible corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty within the British Virgin Islands.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie is away from the Territory until July 5 on personal leave. 

The Government took office on February 25, 2019, committed to change and renewal including of governance in the Virgin Islands. It won an overwhelming mandate for that change, gaining the support of 46.6% of the voting electorate compared to the 28.2% of its nearest rival, the outgoing NDP government.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has commenced a recruitment drive for persons to sit as members of the various boards and commissions. 

How should public officials and public officers’ conduct themselves while carrying out their responsibilities? How should they ensure there is no conflict of interest? What is the role of the Integrity Commission? What is the disciplinary tribunal?

Residents on Anegada are advised that the Public Consultation Meetings on the 7R Waste Management Strategy and the Integrity in Public Life Act, 2021 that were scheduled to take place today, May 23 are postponed due to inclement weather.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has successfully applied to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) for all Ministers, Ministries and devolved government entities, including the Cabinet, to have the status of a participant and to be represented in the whole of the Inquiry by the Attorney General, Honourable Dawn Smith, together with counsel Rt. Honourable Sir Geoffrey Cox QC and members of law-firm Withers. 

I wish to provide a brief update to you the people of the Virgin Islands on your Government’s participation in and cooperation with the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (COI).

The Government of the Virgin Islands will host a series of public meetings to discuss the proposed Integrity in Public Life Act from May 19 to 26.

People of the Virgin Islands, I am making this statement in my capacity as Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands and Head of the Legislative branch in reference to the continued delay and refusal of the Office of the Governor and the Secretary of State, the Right Honourable Dominic Raab’s refusal to assent to the following bills, which were duly passed in the House of Assembly:

1. Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) (Amendment) Act; and
2. Disaster Management Act, 2021