When the question was posed to Judge Hickinbottom during his first press conference with local media on Friday, January 22, 2021, by Virgin Islands News Online, he replied: "It's too early at the moment to determine precisely the procedure for the hearings."

He continued: "I see the force behind having proceedings in public and indeed live-streamed, and so hopefully some or perhaps all of the proceedings will be in public and will be live-streamed. But I cannot make a commitment yet because we don't know what the hearings will cover and what any procedural restrictions might be. The openness of these proceedings is of course, important."

Premier calls for live-stream

On January 19, 2021, via a statement on the CoI, Premier Fahie said: "It is my considered view, and that of your Government, that this Commission of Inquiry should be open to the public and broadcast live, including on the internet, given the international interest that exists in this matter, and I have so advised the Governor by letter today."

He said due to the territory being heavily dependent on international business, the success of various industries rides on the territory's repetition; a reputation that was severed when the Governor made allegations of corruption existing in the territory and in the government's use of public funds.

While the Premier announced that his administration welcomes the inquiry, he said, "We have companies and individuals who are today having to face international business associates who are reading uncomplimentary reports about the BVI and its people in the international press."

He added: "The BVI's international reputation and indeed the reputation of Virgin Islanders and persons who do business in the BVI are affected by these reports that are being syndicated through and republished from the UK media houses."

The highly questionable CoI, which many believe was called by the ex-governor to get back at the elected government over a strained relationship, is to probe whether or not there is any truth to the allegations of victimisation and corruption in government.

The highly questionable Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which many believe was called by the ex-governor, Augustus J. U. Jaspert, to get back at the elected government over a strained relationship, is to probe whether or not there is any truth to the allegations of victimisation and corruption in government.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) believes the Commission of Inquiry should be open to the public and broadcast live, including on the internet, given the international interest that exists in the matter.