Governor of The Virgin Islands, Mr Daniel Pruce, has today published his first review of progress on governance reforms. It considers whether reforms arising from the Commission of Inquiry are being sustained, embedded and translated into practical improvements in governance and public administration.

The review notes that, of the 150 actions in the Governance Reform Implementation Action Plan, 96 have been completed and 48 are overdue. By September 2026, recorded completion stood at 64 percent, against a target of approximately 95 percent.

While reforms in public assistance, immigration, the public service, law enforcement and the administration of justice are beginning to make a practical difference, progress has stalled in other vital areas. The review identifies integrity in public life and statutory boards reforms as areas requiring renewed focus. Despite the necessary legislation being in place, neither the Integrity Commission or the Parliamentary Commission for Standards are yet fully operational. 

The review therefore calls for stronger political oversight, clearer accountability, more realistic timelines and additional resources to get the reform programme back on track.

Governor Pruce said: “The Virgin Islands has made important progress and established stronger foundations for good governance. But reform cannot be judged solely by the number of laws passed or actions marked as completed. The real test is whether insitutions are functioning effectively, government services are improving and people in the Virgin Islands can see and feel the benefits in their daily lives.

‘While progress has been made, the evidence shows delivery has slowed in some critical areas. Renewed focus and commitment are now needed to ensure reforms are fully embedded and their benefits are sustained over the long term.’

The next governance reform review will be published within six months, by April 2027.

The full review is available here.