The British Virgin Islands Government in collaboration with Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition has proposed forming a National Unity Government.
This was announced at an impromptu press conference held this morning by the Acting Premier Dr. The Honourable Natalio Wheatley.
He said the proposed united government will be the stance taken as the way forward to addressing the many recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report as opposed to direct rule from the United Kingdom Government.
Dr. Wheatley added that with the new proposed united government he will be recommending a number of persons to the Governor His Excellency John Rankin to be appointed ministries, which will result in a reshuffling of Cabinet.
Some of the inclusions include Opposition Leader Marlon Penn who will be serving in the Ministry of Health and Social Development; Opposition legislator Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull in the Ministry of Natural Resources Labour and Immigration; At Large Representative Sharie DeCastro who will be the Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports and Sixth District Representative Alvera Maduro-Caines as the Junior Minister for Tourism.
Notable exclusions are the Ninth District Representative Hon. Vincent Wheatley, At Large Representative Hon. Carvin Malone and Member for the Third District Julian Fraser.
Opposition Leader Hon. Penn revealed that the temporary united government is projected to run for between 10 to 12 months and will allow for the continued running of the public service while the recommendations are being implemented.
Meanwhile, Second District Representative Hon. Turnbull expressed his commitment with the new proposed government structure, adding that the change is needed for the territory to move in the right direction.
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