Governor Rankin, in a press release today, April 5, 2022, said the final report of the CoI into governance in the Virgin Islands was handed over to him lone commissioner and UK national Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom.

The Commission’s Report, according to Governor Rankin, is long and detailed with almost 1,000 pages and over 40 recommendations.

Governor Rankin said he will discuss the report with Premier Fahie and other elected officials once he has reviewed the report.

‘I look forward to reviewing CoI report’- Premier

Premier Fahie, in a statement today, said he was looking forward to receiving the report and having discussions on same.

He noted that Governor Rankin had informed him on April 4, 2022, of being in receipt of the report.

“I have not received a copy of the report, but in our meeting this morning, Governor Rankin assured me that I, and the relevant persons, would have an opportunity to review the report before having initial discussions with him on its content. Following my administration’s review, we will submit a comprehensive written response to the report.”

Premier Fahie said he agrees with Governor Rankin that a period of review is needed to review the lengthy and detailed document in order to properly consider its findings and recommendations before the report is released to the public.

Premier Fahie looking forward to discussions

“I look forward to reviewing the CoI report once received and having initial discussions with Governor Rankin on its contents. I very much appreciate the Governor’s openness to engagement.

“Additionally, I look forward to travelling to the United Kingdom to have discussions with Minister Milling on the report, which I first proposed at the Joint Ministerial Council last year, and again during her recent visit to the Territory. I thank the Minister for her openness to receiving me when I travel. It is also very appropriate for Governor Rankin to be present for those discussions.”

The territory’s leader said he also reiterated to the Governor that his administration has never been against a CoI but has always advocated that it should be transparent, objective and yield a just outcome.

VI Gov’t ‘remains committed to Good Governance’

“I also emphasised to Governor Ranking that my Administration remains committed to Good Governance and stands ready to discuss the findings and recommendations of the report after review, so that together we can consider any further steps needed to further strengthen the systems of Government in the Virgin Islands in the best interest of the people of the Territory.

“I also previously shared this position with the United Kingdom Minister for the Overseas Territories, The Right Honourable Amanda Milling, MP during her visit.”

‘Good progress already being made’

Premier Fahie said “good progress” is already being made, and has been ongoing, as it implements several pieces of Good Governance legislation that his administration promised to deliver in its 2019 election manifesto.

“Prior to the announcement of the COI on 18 January 2021 and continuing thereafter, my Government, on our own initiative, has introduced and passed legislation in the House of Assembly to further strengthen Good Governance in the Virgin Islands. These legislations included the Contractor General Act, Integrity in Public Life Act, Ministerial Code of Conduct, Whistleblower Act, and the Public Procurement Act.

Other Good Governance measures in the works

Premier Fahie explained that other Good Governance measures have also been in the works, inclusive of setting up of the Human Rights Commission and introducing additional legislation including but not limited to the Freedom of Information Act and Amendments to the Registrar of Interests Act.

He noted that he is pleased that Governor Rankin and himself have been working closely in this regard.

“As the review of the CoI report commences, I would like to restate what I have previously said, my Administration remains committed to Good Governance and will continue to further strengthen the systems of Government, and we look forward to engaging the United Kingdom in this regard.”

He also said restoring the modern partnership between the [British] Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom continues and he is confident that by continuing to work together balance needed to see the continued growth and development of the Territory will be achieved.

“I will make a follow-up statement at the appropriate time,” Premier Fahie said.

Governor John J. Rankin, CMG in a press release today, April 5, 2022, said the final report of the CoI into governance in the Virgin Islands was handed over to him lone commissioner and UK national Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom.

Premier Fahie said he is looking forward to travelling to the United Kingdom to have discussions with Minister for Overseas Territories Hon Amanda A. Milling on the CoI report.