Premier to seek removal of UK Order in Council next month

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley is expected to lead a contingent to the United Kingdom (UK) in the coming weeks to seek the removal of an Order in Council placed in reserve over the BVI.

The Order in Council was placed in reserve in the event that the BVI does not satisfactorily implement Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommended governance reforms agreed to in a framework document between the United Kingdom and the BVI.

Special envoy of the premier, Benito Wheatley, told the 77th session of the UN General Assembly last week that the order has presented challenges for the relationship between the UK and the BVI.

In a statement made by the special envoy, it was noted that the Premier and his delegation will further engage the UK government on the progress of the ongoing reforms in the BVI when they travel to London early next month to attend ministerial talks between UK ministers and British Overseas Territories political leaders.

“Among other things, the BVI delegation will encourage the UK government to reconsider their current position on maintaining an Order in Council in reserve that allows the governor to impose direct rule over the islands at his discretion,” Wheatley stated.