Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency John Rankin just announced his decision to extend the ongoing Commission of Inquiry for another 6 months in spite of calls to discontinue until the current covid-19 surge is brought under control.
The COI which was launched by former governor Augustus Jaspert to investigate possible corruption, abuse of office and other serious dishonesty in recent years, was projected to conclude by July 19th.
However, Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom within his June 2nd statement said the time allotted is insufficient and further requested an extension.
Governor Rankin noted that the current Covid-19 climate also aided in his decision making.
“The current covid-19 outbreak, the curfew order and the encouragement to stay at home makes all of our current ways of working difficult. It is important that the Commission can continue to operate safely within Covid-19 guidelines, even if that means that in person hearings may not always be possible. Therefore, i have today informed the Premier and Members of Cabinet that in discussion with the Commissioner, Sir Gary Hickinbottom, I have granted a six month extension to the CoI.”
WHY DID THE UK HALT COI AGAINST BORIS JOHNSON AND CONTINUE COI IN BVI?
As the CoI continues, many residents have openly called for the process to be halted, considering the recent upsurge and need for officials to focus primarily on slowing the curve.
On January 27th, 2021, members of Parliament within the UK openly called for a CoI to be launched to examine the Boris Johnson administration and its approach to the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Johnson rejected the notion and requested that the CoI be postponed considering the covid-19 challenges.
However, just 9 days prior, it was revealed Boris approved the launch of a CoI in the British Virgin Islands despite similar covid-19 constraints being experienced in these parts.
Social commentator and activist, Claude Skelton Cline within a 284 Media interview said the BVI should pull out of the CoI temporarily on the same premise that the UK was allowed to earlier this year.
“He (Boris) said it! And I think he said it rightfully so. Given the challenges that are being faced with covid-19, he did not believe it was a good use of resources of the UK, meaning financial and the human capital.
“It begs the question; why would Boris Johnson give approval that there be a CoI in the Virgin Islands and then 9 days later, put up an argument as to why, they the UK, could not undergo one.? Then in May 12th he announces that there will be a CoI but not until the spring of 2022. In that same statement he said we dont even know yet what are the judgement or decisions that are going to have to be made and therefore, we need to get through the pandemic and get in a better place where we can have a investigation that’s transparent and accountable,” Skelton Cline added.
The Honestly Speaking radio host said Government is currently unable prioritize the recent outbreak and economic fallout due to engagement with the CoI.
“Here it is that we (BVI) have been going through this pandemic like everyone else in the world. Our leaders, all 13 of them have been completely off track, sidetracked. There’s no singleness of focus in navigating this country through the pandemic, with all the multiplier negative effects, namely that are the economic conditions of this country because both the elected officials and public officers are busy responding to CoI queries… and the people’s business is not being done.”
“If its good for the goose then it should be good for the gander. They can’t be playing by two set of rules; one set of rules for the UK and one set for the Virgin Islands,” Skelton Cline added.