No Discussions On Future Elections

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Sonje Greenidge/BVI Platinum News
The multi-party Unity Government Cabinet.

(PLTM) - Dr. Natalio Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance, in a press conference on Friday May 13th provided explanations about why there were no consultations with the public before the proposal on the intended governmental reforms was submitted to the United Kingdom.

According to Dr. Wheatley, the reason for this was due to time constraints.

“The proposal that has gone forward is a proposal affirming our commitment to implement the reforms,” Dr. Wheatley stated.

He stated that over the last few weeks, the events that transpired happened quickly.

“We had to gather ourselves, had to meet, had to devise a strategy and we had to negotiate with Minister Milling by that same Monday,” Dr. Wheatley said.

He also argued that the people of the Virgin Islands are in support with the reforms being implemented, and the proposal sent to the United Kingdom (UK) are in alignment with the recommendations in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report, which is accessible to the public.

Dr. Wheatley reported that the National Unity Government will have detailed discussions with the Virgin Islands public about the changes that are necessary for improved good governance in due course.

However, he reaffirmed that the priority and main focus for his government remains the preventing the temporary and partial suspension of the constitution.

“What the people also have to recognize is Recommendation A1, which speaks about the partial suspension of our constitution. That takes us back close to 200 years,” the Premier stated.

He added, “In order for us not to go back to that, we have to have a firm commitment to implementing those recommendations.”

Dr. Wheatley also revealed that he thinks that the recommendations are reasonable and relevant, based on the findings presented in the CoI hearings.

In the press conference, Dr. Wheatley also announced that there have been no discussions with other members of the government on elections, which were constitutionally due by February 2023.

Dr. Wheatley confirmed that the decisions on if and when general elections will occur is solely the UK’s decision.

“Those are decisions for the United Kingdom and the Governor to make right now. They have a decision to make about whether they are going to impose direct rule or not. If they impose direct rule, there will be no elections in the Virgin Islands and people will not have a choice as to who will represent their interests, there will be no House of Assembly, there will be no cabinet,” Dr. Wheatley confirmed.

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