Ahead of the beginning of the resumed hearings, the COI team has procured a new specialist document management system called ‘Relativity’. This system is widely used by a number of prominent UK public inquiries when conducting hearings. It is as secure as the current system, with equally robust and safe mechanisms to protect information provided to the COI. It can be used to simplify the provision of documents to the COI by government bodies.
The new document management system will not change the ways in which members of the BVI public will be able to submit information directly to the COI. Anyone who believes they have information relevant to the COI or arising from an issue revealed in the transcripts published on the COI’s website is asked to provide that information as soon as possible.
As well as the secure website portal (www.bvi.public-inquiry.uk), the COI has provided a number of different and secure ways for individuals to share information with the Inquiry Team, including a dedicated email address (contactcoi@bvi.public-inquiry.uk), a WhatsApp phone number for messages or audio/video calls (+1 284 340 9078), and a UK postal address (The Secretary, BVI Commission of Inquiry, Room RB 1.11, 22 Whitehall, London SW1A 2EG). Please be assured that all information will be received and held in strict confidence, and will not be disclosed to anyone outside the COI team without the express authorization of the person giving the information.
The Commission of Inquiry (“the COI”) was issued on 19 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 BVI. The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom is the sole Commissioner.