‘There is really no justification for direct rule in BVI’- Dominica PM

Prime Minister of Dominica Mr Roosevelt Skerrit has said there is “no justification” for direct rule by the British in the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) and has called on Britain to listen to the voices in the territory and across the region opposed to such a notion.

Following a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into governance, the lone Commissioner recommended in his final report a suspension of the Virgin Islands Constitution and Ministerial Government and imposition of direct rule.

While many in the Virgin Islands agree the CoI unearthed many issues that need fixing, they do not believe a draconian action as direct rule is necessary but welcome the help of the UK to address the concerns highlighted.

The people’s objection to direct rule was made known in public demonstrations as well as on social media platforms.

‘No justification for direct rule’- PM Skerrit

CARICOM, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), The University of the West Indies (UWI), the US Virgin Islands and individual regional leaders have all rejected the idea of direct rule of the VI by Britain.

"Both CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States would have stated our position on the issue of direct rule in 2022. We are clearly opposed to this and I believe that the British Government would have to listen to this. Currently, there is a government in place in the BVI and we hope that this will be the case for the foreseeable future. There is really no justification for direct rule at this time at all and we in CARICOM do not support this," PM Skerrit said.

Prime Minister Skerrit was at the time responding to questions during a press conference held during the recently concluded Agri-Forum and Expo in Guyana.

‘Public servants not above the law’

Asked to comment on Hon Andrew A. Fahie's removal from office as Premier of the VI even though he hasn't yet been proven guilty of any of the crimes of which he's been accused, the PM Skerrit said public servants aren't above the law.

Hon Fahie was arrested at a Miami airport by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on April 28, 2022, on charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and conspiracy to launder money.

"That is a matter for the authorities in the BVI to deal with. That's an internal domestic matter based on their laws and their rules and so on. If you're a public officer in Guyana or in Dominica or any island, and I'm not talking about public figure I'm talking about public servants or public officers, and you have a criminal charge then you'll be suspended until the case is called to determine your guilt or innocence.

“I don't think it should be different for any Prime Minister or head of government or minister of government. We're certainly not above the law," Prime Minister Skerrit stated.

Hon Fahie, who remains the elected representative of the First District, was scheduled to attend a bond hearing yesterday afternoon, May 23, 2022.

Demonstration against the possible imposition of direct rule by the United Kingdom (UK) on Monday, May 2, 2022.