-
by pltm
(PLTM) - Close to a year ago, the Virgin Islands’ Government of National Unity boldly committed to executing an aggressive reform plan following damming revelations by a Commission of Inquiry into allegations of Government corruption.
The framework for the implementation of the CoI recommendations with strict deadlines was backed by the United Kingdom (UK), who in turn held the threat of imposing direct rule over the island if the timelines were not met.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. Natalio Wheatley has outlined a series of challenges that now weigh heavily on the BVI meeting the timelines.
“I have written to the Governor with the request that he seeks the United Kingdom Government’s approval of the requested extensions. I expect that we will have further discussions on this matter with Lord Goldsmith when he visits next week,” the Premier has stated.
Dr. Wheatley continues to maintain that the process is not a box-ticking exercise.
“It is about getting quality work done and properly implemented,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
Delays
Premier Wheatley stated that with the delay in commencing the public information and consultation process for the Constitutional Review, as well as some administrative delays, the Chair of the Constitutional Review Commission has requested the full 18 months instead of the initial 12 months to complete the process.
He said another factor that we must take a closer look at is the timeframe required for drafting new policies and legislation, now that through the ongoing work, the scope of the legislative component of the reforms is becoming clearer.
“With the limited number of drafters in the Attorney General’s Chambers, it will be difficult to address all of the requirements for new policies and legislation within the timeframes we initially set. This is something the Government will seek to address so that we can get the work done in an acceptable timeframe,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
Additionally, the Premier pointed out that General Elections constitutionally due by May of this year, the House of Assembly will have to be dissolved by March of this year.
“While the Government of National Unity will attempt to tackle as much of the legislative work that is possible before elections, we recognise the challenges to see the full legislative programme through. What this means, however, is that the incoming 5th House of Assembly and the Government will be in a position to carry forward the baton when it is handed over, and to proceed with ample pace,” Dr. Wheatley shared.
With respect to the appointment of reviewers, Dr. Wheatley admitted that he and Governor have had a few challenges in selecting the right reviewers for certain important Recommendations.
According to Premier Wheatley, the delayed appointments in some instances have prevented the reviews being completed before the agreed deadlines, and therefore the actions dependent on the completion of these reviews will now also be delayed.
“Additionally, a few reviewers have asked for more time in order to complete their remit in the most comprehensive manner,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
-----
Copyright 2023 by Virgin Islands Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
You don't possess the intellectual capacity to be a minister of finance. You possess no formal academic training in the field. So if someone told you that sugar was salt you would tell the same bull **** to financial institutions. My son stay within your lane.
You handle no ministry before, now you taking over the same load that Andrew had, you are no Andrew my son know your place.
Finally my son, you have restless nights, sleepless nights, you know the people don't support you, you know they dont have your back. Folks within your party will not support you. My son watch your back.
