COI pressing on despite Willock’s attempts to bench its attorneys
The Commission of Inquiry (COI) today (Tuesday, August 24) announced its intention to resume hearings in the next two weeks.
This news follows a separate announcement from House of Assembly Speaker, Julian Willock who’s filed an injunction to stop three COI attorneys from conducting any further “legal work” until October when the court will decide whether to uphold Willock attempts to block the said attorneys from being called to the Bar.
The COI did not address Willock’s efforts of the impending court date during their media release this morning.
Its statement only said: “As envisaged, the COI team will be returning to the British Virgin Islands during the coming week to recommence hearings on Monday 6 September 2021. A provisional hearing programme will be published shortly.”
“In the meantime, in the light of the continuing Covid restrictions, the Commissioner has issued an amended protocol concerning the provision of written evidence to allow for evidence to be admitted in unsworn form, which can be found on the COI website,” the Commission added.
The COI was issued on January 19 to look into whether corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty may have taken place amongst public, elected and statutory officials in recent years. Following hearings, it will make appropriate recommendations as to governance and the operation of the law enforcement and justice systems in the BVI.
The COI did not address Willock’s efforts of the impending court date during their media release this morning.
Its statement only said: “As envisaged, the COI team will be returning to the British Virgin Islands during the coming week to recommence hearings on Monday 6 September 2021. A provisional hearing programme will be published shortly.”
“In the meantime, in the light of the continuing Covid restrictions, the Commissioner has issued an amended protocol concerning the provision of written evidence to allow for evidence to be admitted in unsworn form, which can be found on the COI website,” the Commission added.
The COI was issued on January 19 to look into whether corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty may have taken place amongst public, elected and statutory officials in recent years. Following hearings, it will make appropriate recommendations as to governance and the operation of the law enforcement and justice systems in the BVI.
