London will take steps to prevent the Virgin Islands from ever reversing the sweeping reforms undertaken since the Commission of Inquiry report was published in 2022, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley.
The premier revealed the plan during a Monday press conference, where he also said he expects that the United Kingdom government will deliver its final verdict on three years of hectic COI reforms next week.
UK leaders, he added, should use the occasion to lift their threat to impose direct rule on the territory via a parliamentary device known as an order in council.
The premier’s announcements came following his talks in London last week with British Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty and other senior officials.
Mr. Wheatley said the minister was “particularly concerned” with ensuring that progress made through the COI reforms would be “sustained into perpetuity.”
The premier did not give details about Britain’s plans to achieve that outcome, but he said future VI governments must continue the reform process.
“If we are to continue to advance as a democracy, it is important for whatever administration takes office at the next election to ensure that these reforms are not just sustained, but we build upon them and we ensure that they work well,” he said.
‘Essential’ process
Mr. Wheatley added that all reports about the COI reforms have been submitted to the UK, which he expects will soon deliver a final verdict on the matter — including a decision on the order in council.
“We do expect the decision by the end of July,” he said.
Reforms needed
Mr. Wheatley also acknowledged that the COI reforms were needed.
“They have taken some time, and of course they have divided our attention from other pressing needs right here in our own home community, but I want to let the people of the Virgin Islands know that this process was absolutely essential to maintaining our democracy,” the premier said.
Lessons from the COI experience, he added, should be used to ensure better infrastructure, social protection and public services.
“The command structure that we developed to get things done is one that we should use in helping all our government systems operate more efficiently and more effectively,” Mr. Wheatley said.
Final reports
Governor Daniel Pruce delivered his final COI assessment in early May.
It highlighted various reform areas where he said work was still needed but also stated that he did not believe his office needed to be given extra powers.
The same month, the VI government produced its own report on the situation, painting a picture of success following three years of hard work on the reforms.
Both reports went to Mr. Doughty along with feedback from more than 600 members of the public and analysis by diplomats at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Mr. Doughty — who previously promised a response by the end of June — was then expected to discuss the matter with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
The FCDO did not respond to a request for comment.
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