Deputy premier slams inquiry at United Nations meeting

As the Commission of Inquiry continued its work here in the territory, Deputy Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley repeated the government’s often-stated complaints about the process this month before a United Nations committee focused on decolonisation, according to Government Information Services.

“Despite the questionable motives behind the calling of the inquiry, along with the tremendous disruption to the operation of the public service, the locally elected government of two years and seven months and the territory’s hardworking public servants have fully cooperated as we have nothing to hide,” Dr. Wheatley told the Special Political and Decolonization Committee at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Oct. 6.

Dr. Wheatley’s speech echoed complaints made here by Premier Andrew Fahie and other elected leaders in recent months.

Such allegations, however, have been sharply disputed by the COI, which has alleged that the government has not in fact provided information in a timely or complete manner as requested.

But Dr. Wheatley said otherwise at the UN meeting.

“The tremendous administrative burden of meeting unreasonable deadlines has taken away precious time and attention from hurricane preparedness and Covid-19 response, including responding to recent outbreaks,” he added. “We have also noted that the commission has shifted its focus from supposed corruption to now the ability of the local government to govern the islands.”

He also said the proceedings are being conducted “like a public trial,” and that the local government has “no right of rebuttal” and is not allowed to cross-examine witnesses.