(PLTM) - The United Kingdom (UK) is not acting outside of its ambit by ordering the introduction of a Beneficial Ownership Public Register in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), which is forecasted to severely impact the local economy. This was expressed to members of the Third District by their representative, the Honourable Julian Fraser on Wednesday, when he held a public meeting at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre.
Reflecting on a march earlier in this year and the petition signed by thousands of BVIslanders against the register, Hon. Fraser told the constituents that despite the outcry, the UK is within its right to do so.
According to Hon. Fraser, “When the United Kingdom took the decision to pass a law that will require or mandate that the Virgin Islands establish a beneficial ownership register and make it public, many people were led to believe that the United Kingdom acted outside of its ambit.”
He however noted that this right is ingrained in the UK’s legislation.
“In fact, the United Kingdom has every right to make laws for the people of the Virgin Islands...it’s called imperial legislation. The thing we have that’s called a Constitution is a document that was given to us by the Government of the United Kingdom,” he stated.
However, Hon. Fraser also told those present that the BVI needs to demand of the UK, a position as to what the status of the populace is in relation to their relationship with the UK.
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