The British Virgin Islands should have its constitution suspended, elected government dissolved and effectively return to direct rule from London, according to research.
British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin ordered the report to investigate “corruption, abuse of office and other serious dishonesty” in the government of the British Overseas Territory.
Released in 2021, it was directed by British judge Gary Hickinbottom.
“He has concluded with a particularly heavy heart that, unless the most drastic and urgent measures are taken, the current situation with elected officials willfully disregarding the principles of good governance will continue indefinitely,” said Rankin, who is the Queen’s representative. in the British Virgin Islands
“He points out that the people of the British Virgin Islands deserve better and that the UK government has an obligation to protect them from such abuses and help them achieve their aspirations of self-government as a modern democratic state.”
The report recommended that any new administrative arrangements should last for two years, but also that ministerial agreements
the government must resume “as soon as possible”.
If London accepts the core recommendation of the inquiry, one of more than 40 in the 946-page report, Rankin, a career British diplomat, would take over the day-to-day running of the British Virgin Islands.
And in a statement he said: “I promise that the best interests of the people of the BVI will continue to be my primary concern, ensuring transparent, honest and open government in accordance with the rule of law to strengthen the foundations of the British Virgin Islands.” .
“I believe the IOC Report is a vital and highly valuable contribution to achieving better governance in the British Virgin Islands in the interest of the people of the territory.”
Prime Minister Andrew Fahie. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
The report is not linked to Arrest Thursday of the island’s elected leader, Prime Minister Andrew Fahie on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to import cocaine.
Fahie was arrested in Miami, Florida, as part of an operation led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
According to the Miami Herald, he was arrested by DEA agents posing as cocaine traffickers for the Mexican Sinaloa cartel.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said in a statement: “Yesterday’s arrest of the Prime Minister of the British Virgin Islands on charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering is extremely worrying and underlines the need for urgent action. .
“In January 2021, we raised significant concerns about the deteriorating state of government in the British Virgin Islands, as well as the potential vulnerability of the islands to serious organized crime.
“The UK government supported the then Governor’s decision to launch an independent inquiry into the governance of the Territory.
“The investigative report released by the Governor today clearly shows that substantial legislative and constitutional change is required to restore the standards of governance to which the people of the British Virgin Islands are entitled.
“I have instructed the Minister for Overseas Territories to travel to the Territory immediately to speak with the Governor and key stakeholders. We will then announce a clear path forward.”
Reference-news.sky.com