Doughty recommends lifting Order in Council
The United Kingdom has agreed to lift the Order in Council that had been held in reserve over the British Virgin Islands (BVI), after confirming that the territory has made progress in delivering r...
The United Kingdom has agreed to lift the Order in Council that had been held in reserve over the British Virgin Islands (BVI), after confirming that the territory has made progress in delivering reforms from the Commission of Inquiry (COI). In a letter to Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley dated 22 September, Minister for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty stated, “It is clear to me that your government, working closely with the Governor and the public service, has made important and significant progress and that some of my earlier concerns have been addressed.” The Order in Council, introduced after the 2022 COI report revealed widespread failings in governance, gave the UK authority to impose direct rule if reforms were not implemented.
Doughty confirmed that “the Foreign Secretary, on my advice, has concluded that an Interim Administration will however not be required and has therefore issued instruction to ‘lift’ the draft Order in Council (through revocation) that would have provided for an Interim Administration.” He acknowledged that progress had been slower than expected but noted that “many significant pieces of legislation have been passed, and the agreed Framework actioned.” He added that while concerns remain about the implementation of certain measures, the level of reform achieved means the UK no longer considers direct intervention necessary.
The minister cautioned that “fundamental and sustained change in the spirit and practice of governance, public and political life and administration in the Virgin Islands, will be the only true safeguard against backsliding.” He stressed that continued implementation was essential to rebuild trust and repair the territory’s international reputation.
Doughty said the Governor would publish six-monthly reviews of good governance to ensure transparency and that “we agree to conduct a joint annual survey on implementation, and wider good governance to be made public.” The COI report, published in April 2022, had recommended sweeping reforms after uncovering concerns in areas including public contracts, land distribution, and governance practices.
In response, the BVI government committed to an implementation framework monitored by the UK.
Primary source: BVI News