Overseas Territories (OT) Minister The Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith has concluded that the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Recommendations has been too slow.
This was revealed by Governor His Excellency John Rankin as he presented the contents of a letter sent to him by the OT Minister in response to his most recent quarterly review on the implementation process.
He revealed that Goldsmith expressed concerns that there have been signs of “insufficient commitment”, while too many areas lag substantially behind.
“He also notes that progress on implementing the recommendations in the Framework document has been too slow. He is concerned that there have been signs of insufficient commitment in some specific areas, that too many areas lag substantially behind, and that much of what has been delivered so far doesn’t yet represent sufficient reform to prevent future abuse”, the Governor said, referencing Goldsmith’s letter.
The OT Minister also agreed with the Governor’s conclusion that there is a need for prioritisation of time and resources to speed things up.
As a result, the Governor has been instructed to work alongside the next elected Government of the Virgin Islands to develop a new framework for the implementation of the reforms, inclusive of a new timeline for delivery.
“Overall the Minister agrees with my conclusion that serious efforts and clear prioritisation of time and resources are required to pick up the pace to deliver the reform that the people of the BVI want and deserve”, Rankin said.
“Some adjustments to the deadlines in the Framework Document will be required. The Premier has asked for eleven extensions to deadlines in areas for which he is responsible, and I have asked for two. Minister Goldsmith has consequently asked me, following the upcoming General Election, to agree with the next BVI Government a refreshed timetable for the delivery of the remaining recommendations and reforms in the Framework document. This should include ambitious yet achievable deadlines to ensure that the necessary reforms have taken root no later than May 2024. If that can be achieved that should allow the UK Order in Council to be lifted”, he added.
The Governor says he intends to hit the pavement running as soon as the General Election concludes.
“Once the General Election is over I will sit down with whichever Government is in place to work out a refreshed plan for implementing the commitments in the Framework Document. I remain fully determined to ensuring that such implementation takes place, just as the UK Government remains committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the people of the BVI get the reforms they deserve”, he said.