Despite expressing that he is pleased with the overall engagement and partnership shown by the Government of National Unity towards the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry Report Recommendations, Governor John Rankin has noted several instances of disappointment in some key areas.
The governor made the disclosure in a statement where he revealed his first Quarterly Review of the “Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry Report and Other Reforms”.
Governor Rankin first touched on some of the positives that have resulted from the progress made so far towards some of the implementations.
He said, “There has been good progress in some areas to date, and I am pleased with the overall constructive engagement and partnership I have had with the Premier and Cabinet. So far most of the deadlines in the Framework have been met on time and I am satisfied that those that have been delayed were for legitimate reasons.”
He added, “I am pleased that UNICEF has agreed to support the review of assistance grants which is now underway, and that His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary from the UK has agreed to lead the review of the law enforcement and justice system. These are examples of where the delay in starting the reviews was justified to ensure we found the right reviewers through the right processes.”
Governor disappointed with level of commitment to reform
His Excellency also noted a number of areas of concerns within the report – which was sent to Ministers in the United Kingdom for consideration – where he felt less progress was made than initially expected.
He also highlighted where he was disappointed with the level of commitment made towards some of the initiatives geared towards reform.
“These include amendments to the Register of Interests Bill which restrict access to the Register and would only make it publicly available in the most limited way; the resistance encountered to some of the nominations for the Constitutional Review Commission which ran contrary to the importance of the Commission being representative of the BVI as a whole; and the continued tender waivers being put forward to Cabinet with insufficient justification,” he explained.
Much hard work to come
Governor Rankin also provided some foresight on what the territory can expect within the coming months.
He said, “Much hard work remains to be done. Over the next few months, we will start to see the outcomes from the various reviews, audits and investigations that are under way. The next stage will include consideration of those outcomes and the actions required as a result. Some are likely to involve difficult discussions and further much needed change to previous practices.”
The Quarterly Review document totals 20 pages.