Premier reiterates call for Governor to be stripped of some powers
Although many in the territory would like the next constitution to properly define the term “BVIslander”, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said the BVI’s non self-governing status is the biggest issue that the next constitution should address.
In making that statement, the Premier renewed calls for the Governor’s Office to be stripped of some powers, saying it is not normal for one political office to reserve unlimited powers without accountability.
“We have an individual who is unelected who has tremendous powers and the people of the Virgin Islands, the voters cannot hold that individual accountable. And so it’s important for our young persons viewing here tonight, and it’s important for the people of the Virgin Islands to know that is not something which is normal. It is not something which is acceptable,” Wheatley stated.
The Premier said, as it stands now, the BVI and 17 other non self-governing territories of the world are properties of larger, more powerful nations. He said this must change gradually, adding that Sir Gary Hickinbottom — the man who headed last year’s Commission of Inquiry — agreed that the BVI must gradually detach itself from the UK.
“If Sir Gary Hickinbottom can recognise our aspirations for self-government, we ourselves should not be shy to do so,” Premier Wheatley said.
He also added that some of the other issues that the constitutional reviewers will encounter are not as important as the matter of advancing the BVI’s status as a self-governing territory.
“We may have some issues which may be considered peripheral and not necessarily fundamental. This constitution must deliver on fundamental change as it pertains to our relationship with the United Kingdom government in keeping with international norms and what is moral and acceptable in the world,” Premier Wheatley argued.
Elected leaders have long bemoaned the powers reserved by the Governor’s Office. They say the powers are unreserved and that there is no way for the people to hold the Governor accountable. They’ve said this is unfair for the Governor’s powers to be discretionary while their powers are subject to the constitution.
At the same time, elected leaders have stated that many residents seem to be content with the unreserved powers given to the Governor’s Office while they heavily criticise elected leaders.
In the meantime, Premier Wheatley’s call for the advancement of the territory’s political status comes amid a statement from Governor John Rankin that he isn’t pleased with the way elected leaders have implemented the Register of Interests (Amendment) Act — a piece of legislation that will ensure politicians declare their business interests while serving in office.
While mentioning all the things he isn’t pleased with, Governor Rankin reminded elected leaders that, “it is vital that the commitments made under the framework document are adhered to.”
The United Kingdom has previously reminded elected leaders that power can be snatched away if recommendations for good governance aren’t done according to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.
“We have an individual who is unelected who has tremendous powers and the people of the Virgin Islands, the voters cannot hold that individual accountable. And so it’s important for our young persons viewing here tonight, and it’s important for the people of the Virgin Islands to know that is not something which is normal. It is not something which is acceptable,” Wheatley stated.
The Premier said, as it stands now, the BVI and 17 other non self-governing territories of the world are properties of larger, more powerful nations. He said this must change gradually, adding that Sir Gary Hickinbottom — the man who headed last year’s Commission of Inquiry — agreed that the BVI must gradually detach itself from the UK.
“If Sir Gary Hickinbottom can recognise our aspirations for self-government, we ourselves should not be shy to do so,” Premier Wheatley said.
He also added that some of the other issues that the constitutional reviewers will encounter are not as important as the matter of advancing the BVI’s status as a self-governing territory.
“We may have some issues which may be considered peripheral and not necessarily fundamental. This constitution must deliver on fundamental change as it pertains to our relationship with the United Kingdom government in keeping with international norms and what is moral and acceptable in the world,” Premier Wheatley argued.
Elected leaders have long bemoaned the powers reserved by the Governor’s Office. They say the powers are unreserved and that there is no way for the people to hold the Governor accountable. They’ve said this is unfair for the Governor’s powers to be discretionary while their powers are subject to the constitution.
At the same time, elected leaders have stated that many residents seem to be content with the unreserved powers given to the Governor’s Office while they heavily criticise elected leaders.
Governor displeased
In the meantime, Premier Wheatley’s call for the advancement of the territory’s political status comes amid a statement from Governor John Rankin that he isn’t pleased with the way elected leaders have implemented the Register of Interests (Amendment) Act — a piece of legislation that will ensure politicians declare their business interests while serving in office.
While mentioning all the things he isn’t pleased with, Governor Rankin reminded elected leaders that, “it is vital that the commitments made under the framework document are adhered to.”
The United Kingdom has previously reminded elected leaders that power can be snatched away if recommendations for good governance aren’t done according to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.
