TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC – Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has welcomed Governor Daniel Pruce’s first quarterly review of the Implementation of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations under the Framework Agreement between the governments of this British Overseas territory and the United Kingdom.
During a recent press conference, Pruce said his office is working well with the elected government and is progressing with implementing COI reforms.
Although the reform process will not be completed by the original May 31 deadline, Pruce indicated that no punitive measures are necessary right now.
On Tuesday, Wheatley expressed his deep appreciation for the Governor’s comprehensive, balanced, and factual review of the status of implementing the COI recommendations.
“I endorse the review and its content, which reflect the work our respective teams have produced. The greater focus has been given to implementing the recommendations since establishing the Governance Reform Coordination Centre and onboarding the Governance Reform Manager, as evidenced in the review,” Wheatley stated.
He added that both his government and the Governor are committed to meeting the new August 31 deadline, adding that there have been enhanced levels of collaboration, coordination, and communication among the respective teams and all stakeholders.
“I am confident that we will achieve the recommended deadline jointly agreed. I am also pleased that we can continue our current working arrangement without additional powers being granted to the Governor. This is a testament to our shared confidence that the joint plan submitted to the Minister for Overseas Territories, David Rutley, is realistic and achievable,” Premier stated.
He reiterated his government’s strong commitment to public engagement, promising to step up their efforts and provide the media with weekly updates on the COI implementation process.
Only 36 of the 48 COI recommendations would have been completed by the end of May. However, given the new deadline of August 31, Pruce said an assessment would be done in September to determine what further actions should be taken.
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