VI Gov’t launching website to track CoI recommendations implementation Launch to be done today, January 3, 2024

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Government of the [British] Virgin Islands has said it is forging ahead with efforts to enhance the delivery of services to the people of the Virgin Islands, with the launch of a dedicated website to track the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations.

This it said is in line with the Virgin Islands Modern Governance Approach, “Government Business at its Best”, launched at the end of July last year, to further the implementation of the recommendations of the CoI Report.

Following a United Kingdom (UK) sponsored CoI in the Virgin Islands during the COVID-19 pandemic, a one-man Commission led by Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom made 50 recommendations to improve the standards of governance and the operations of law enforcement agencies in the Territory. One of them included the suspension of the Virgin Islands’ Constitution and the imposition of direct rule.

UK forcing VI to implement CoI recommendations

The UK; however, decided against the colonialist recommendation of direct rule after pushback from the Virgin Islands people, including through public protests, but is forcing the VI to implement the other recommendations within a certain timeframe or risk suspension of the constitution via an Order in Council being held in reserve.

Virgin Islands' leaders have said while reform is needed more time is needed for the implementation of some recommendations as they would require public consultations to ensure the will of the people is being done.

The VI has a revised deadline of May 2024 for the CoI Recommendations to be fully implemented.