Governor welcomes report that labels BVI “corrupt”

Governor Daniel Pruce has welcomed the findings of a new UK-commissioned review that paints a troubling picture of corruption and serious crime in the Virgin Islands, calling it a roadmap to reform.

The report — the second of its kind conducted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services — reviewed nine critical law enforcement and criminal justice bodies. These include the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the Customs Department, the Financial Investigation Agency, the Department of Immigration, HM Virgin Islands Prison Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Magistrate’s Court, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

The review concludes that the BVI is plagued by “local serious crime and corruption and transnational organised crime (including financial crimes),” raising concerns about the territory’s ability to manage key law enforcement agencies without external support.

In a statement, Governor Pruce praised the report’s recommendations, calling them “an ambitious and far-reaching roadmap for change, to make the territory safer over the next decade and beyond.”

“It recommends improvements designed to optimise and support law enforcement agencies in performing their duties,” he added.

Controversial recommendation to strip gov’t control

Among its most contentious recommendations, the report suggests placing the Customs Department, Financial Investigation Agency, and Immigration Department under the direct control of the Governor — effectively removing them from the elected government’s remit.