A release from the Cabinet office noted that the decision comes as they remain committed to good governance principles of transparency and accountability.

“In 2020, the number of Cabinet meetings dramatically increased to 94, compared to 42 held in 2019. This was due to the Government’s shift to urgently provide the necessary strategic response to the declaration by the World Health Organization that COVID-19 had been characterised as a pandemic,” a release noted.

Cabinet noted that it’s decisions taken at the 2020 meetings were made public as part of Government’s COVID-19 Updates in addition to statements from Premier and Minister of Finance, and Ministers made in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly.

Backlog information to come - Cabinet

“The procedures for the confirmation of Cabinet Minutes and the associated confirmation of decisions were developed for non-crisis conditions and will be strictly observed as much as possible. In that regard, it was agreed that the backlog of decisions that are yet to be confirmed will be ratified by the Cabinet and the Cabinet Office will make a determined effort to release those decisions within the shortest time possible,” the release said.

Cabinet also indicated that its decisions will also be communicated via other means of mass communication through the government of the Virgin Islands.

That summary of decision will be published following confirmation of the minutes, however, discussions will not be disclosed. Cabinet also noted that matters relating to national security and in breach of regional or international conventions and those relating to personal privacy will not be disclosed.