The Commissioner’s statement came this morning, September 6, 2021, at the restart of the CoI hearings at the International Arbitration Centre, Wickham’s Cay II, Tortola.

CoI being frustrated - Commissioner

The Commissioner; however claimed that he is being frustrated from doing his job, however, he provided no examples of the frustration he has faced.

“I want to make it quite clear that I have reached the stage of this inquiry, when more than ever it is important that I press ahead, complete the hearings, and right and promptly deliver my report,” he said.

“I have no doubt that the public welfare of the BVI requires that I do, I am afraid that I and indeed my whole team have been frustrated but I must make very clear that nothing or no one will distract us from completing the tasks set by my Terms of Reference.”

While persons in the VI have only been trying to ensure the laws of the territory are being followed regarding the CoI team, the CoI commissioner has said his inquiry has been meeting frustrations with making progress.

Andrew King & Bilal M. Rawat are two of the three Lawyers currently assisting with the works of the UK-sponsored Virgin Islands (VI) Commission of Inquiry (CoI) in the Virgin Islands, have been accused of practicing law in the territory & doing so while not being called to bar in violation of Legal Professional Act 2015.

CoI will press forward - Hickinbottom

He said; however, he will continue to press for information considered relevant to the Terms of Reference (ToS).

As set out in the Terms of Reference, the purpose of the CoI is to establish whether there is evidence of corruption, abuse of office, or other serious dishonesty that may have occurred in public office in recent years in the VI and, if so, what conditions allowed this to happen.

The CoI further said that this will ensure VI’s governance is working in a fair and transparent manner for its people.

Bilal M. Rawat, Andrew King, and Rhea Harrikissoon, who are currently assisting with the works of the CoI, have been accused of practising law in the territory while not being called to the Virgin Islands Bar, a violation of the Legal Profession Act 2015.