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by pltm
(PLTM) - Governor John Rankin has expressed the view of having the controversial Police Bill passed before the House of Assembly is dissolved and elections held, but Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. Natalio Wheatley has other plans.
"Based on the Governor’s press conference last week, the public may also be under the impression that the Bill was somehow delayed by the elected arm of Government. This is absolutely not the case," Premier Wheatley stated about the delay.
He explained that following earlier consultations on the Bill and thereafter, he has asked over and over for the Bill to come forward.
"It was not delayed because of us. We are not to blame. What is needed at this stage is proper consultation on the elements of the Bill that the public has not had any input on," the Premier stated.
He added, "This bill will not be passed until the public and the members of the House of Assembly are comfortable that it does not trample on our human rights and civil liberties."
Governor Rankin who has responsibility for security in the Territory is adamant that the Bill had been delayed and that it protects human rights while providing the police the modern techniques which are required to tackle modern crime.
There have been public criticisms of the Bill including the view that it erodes civil liberties by ceding power to the police in areas of searches without warrants and mandatory fingerprinting and DNA sampling.
Dr. Wheatley said he believes that reform must be delivered in a timely fashion and that they must proceed swiftly.
However, this cannot be at the expense of non-consultation with the public. This is not a box ticking exercise. I am committed to public consultations because reforms must reflect the views and aspirations of the people of the Virgin Islands," Dr. Wheatley stated.
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