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Months after the British Virgin Islands celebrated the lifting of the Order in Council, UK-appointed Governor Daniel Pruce has identified slippages in governance reforms, with dozens of actions overdue and key accountability bodies still not fully operational.
The Order, which had been held in reserve and could have suspended significant portions of the Territory’s Constitution, was formally revoked on March 13, 2026. Its removal was celebrated by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley as a national achievement in preserving democratic self-government.
However, the Governor’s first review of progress on governance reforms points to a slowdown in delivering the measures intended to strengthen public administration and sustain improvements arising from the Commission of Inquiry.
The Governor in a press release issued today November 11, announcing the review, said 96 of the 150 actions in the Governance Reform Implementation Action Plan have been completed, while 48 are overdue.
By September 2026, recorded completion stood at 64 percent, against a target of approximately 95 percent — a shortfall of about 31 percentage points.
The review identifies integrity in public life and statutory board reforms as areas requiring renewed attention. Despite the necessary legislation being in place, neither the Integrity Commission nor the Parliamentary Commission for Standards is yet fully operational.
The findings highlight the gap between passing legislation and ensuring that the institutions established under those laws are functioning effectively.
Governor Pruce acknowledged that the Territory had made important progress and established stronger foundations for good governance.
However, he cautioned against measuring success solely by legislation passed or actions recorded as complete.
“The real test is whether institutions are functioning effectively, government services are improving and people in the Virgin Islands can see and feel the benefits in their daily lives,” he said.
The review recognises that reforms in public assistance, immigration, the public service, law enforcement and the administration of justice are beginning to produce practical improvements. Progress in other vital areas, however, has stalled.
“While progress has been made, the evidence shows delivery has slowed in some critical areas,” Governor Pruce said.
“Renewed focus and commitment are now needed to ensure reforms are fully embedded and their benefits are sustained over the long term.”
To address the delays, the review calls for stronger political oversight, clearer accountability, more realistic timelines and additional resources to get the programme back on track.
The next governance reform review is due within six months, by April 2027, providing a further checkpoint on whether overdue commitments have been delivered and key institutions brought fully into operation.
With General Elections expected next year it remains to be seen what impact these assessments from the Governor will have on voters.
The Order, which had been held in reserve and could have suspended significant portions of the Territory’s Constitution, was formally revoked on March 13, 2026. Its removal was celebrated by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley as a national achievement in preserving democratic self-government.
However, the Governor’s first review of progress on governance reforms points to a slowdown in delivering the measures intended to strengthen public administration and sustain improvements arising from the Commission of Inquiry.
The Governor in a press release issued today November 11, announcing the review, said 96 of the 150 actions in the Governance Reform Implementation Action Plan have been completed, while 48 are overdue.
By September 2026, recorded completion stood at 64 percent, against a target of approximately 95 percent — a shortfall of about 31 percentage points.
The review identifies integrity in public life and statutory board reforms as areas requiring renewed attention. Despite the necessary legislation being in place, neither the Integrity Commission nor the Parliamentary Commission for Standards is yet fully operational.
The findings highlight the gap between passing legislation and ensuring that the institutions established under those laws are functioning effectively.
Governor Pruce acknowledged that the Territory had made important progress and established stronger foundations for good governance.
However, he cautioned against measuring success solely by legislation passed or actions recorded as complete.
“The real test is whether institutions are functioning effectively, government services are improving and people in the Virgin Islands can see and feel the benefits in their daily lives,” he said.
The review recognises that reforms in public assistance, immigration, the public service, law enforcement and the administration of justice are beginning to produce practical improvements. Progress in other vital areas, however, has stalled.
“While progress has been made, the evidence shows delivery has slowed in some critical areas,” Governor Pruce said.
“Renewed focus and commitment are now needed to ensure reforms are fully embedded and their benefits are sustained over the long term.”
To address the delays, the review calls for stronger political oversight, clearer accountability, more realistic timelines and additional resources to get the programme back on track.
The next governance reform review is due within six months, by April 2027, providing a further checkpoint on whether overdue commitments have been delivered and key institutions brought fully into operation.
With General Elections expected next year it remains to be seen what impact these assessments from the Governor will have on voters.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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