Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

Premier seeks to mend relationship between gov’t and governor

Premier seeks to mend relationship between gov’t and governor

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has said he is committed to improving and mending the relationship between the BVI government and the United Kingdom through Governor John Rankin.
The Premier, who has been a strong critic of the United Kingdom government in the past, acknowledged that the relationship between past and present Governors of the territory and elected officials has been frail. And with the Government of National Unity tasked with implementing the Commission of Inquiry recommendations; he said it was important that the relationship between the two public bodies is mended.

“I want to make it clear that my focus right now is doing what is in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands and I want to have a strong, constructive partner with the United Kingdom government and Governor Rankin in doing so. I am not going to focus on the past and what is happening in the past. Every day gives us a new opportunity to improve on what needs to be improved,” Dr Wheatley said.

“It was very clear previously that the relationship between the elected government and the governor and the United Kingdom was not as strong as it should be, and I am committed to making sure it is strong in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands because for us to do what we need to do, we need the support of the United Kingdom government,” the Premier added.

Dr Wheatley, who described the UK as a champion of democracy – contrary to his previous criticisms, was asked by a member of the media why he has changed his outlook on the UK. In response, he said the focus now is on improving the Virgin Islands’ democracy and he cannot dwell in the past.

“Well, I think across the world, we have to be focused on improving our democracy and my focus right now is improving the democracy of the people of the Virgin Islands and the people of the United Kingdom will be focused on improving their democracy as they are doing every day,” he said.

“That is why I am quite pleased at the decision of the Foreign Secretary the Right Honourable Liz Truss and Minister Milling; Governor Rankin and the UK government has come to — to allow us the opportunity to be able to implement these reforms through democratic governance,” Dr Wheatley added.

Yesterday, Governor Rankin announced that the BVI government will have an opportunity to implement the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations under a democratic government framework. However, if the government fails to meet targeted deadlines, then the Governor still retains the power to dissolve the House of Assembly and initiative direct UK rule with a Governor-led administration, as recommended by the COI.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Dutch government falls as far-right leader Wilders quits coalition
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
Russia's Fossil Fuel Revenues Approach €900 Billion Since Ukraine Invasion
U.S. Justice Department Reduces American Bar Association's Role in Judicial Nominations
U.S. Department of Energy Unveils 'Doudna' Supercomputer to Advance AI Research
U.S. SEC Dismisses Lawsuit Against Binance Amid Regulatory Shift
Alcohol Industry Faces Increased Scrutiny Amid Health Concerns
×