OT minister visits, avoiding press and public meetings

United Kingdom Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty visited the Virgin Islands this week to assess the recent Commission of Inquiry reforms and meet with leaders eager to convince him that London should lift its threat to impose temporary direct rule.

“It is vital that the Commission of Inquiry recommendations are implemented in full, and that plans are in place to ensure reforms are sustainable and will lead to long-term change which will benefit the lives of those who live in the British Virgin Islands,” Mr. Doughty said in a brief press release issued Monday by the Governor’s Office.

Like many of his predecessors, Mr. Doughty — who hasn’t responded to the Beacon’s interview requests since he took up his role in July — didn’t meet with the media here or make any official public appearances.

But VI leaders have described his visit as extremely consequential.

In recent weeks, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has argued that his government completed its end of the COI reforms following the recent passage of 15 bills and eight policies, and in return he has insisted that the UK should lift the order in council that allows it to suspend part of the VI Constitution and implement direct rule.

United Kingdom Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty, second from left, speaks with police officers on Tuesday. (Photo: GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Monday arrival

The Governor’s Office announced Monday that Mr. Doughty had arrived the same day and planned to stay until yesterday.

His schedule was to include meetings “to discuss governance reforms and progress” with the premier, Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton, other members of government, senior public officials, and “a range of community representatives,” according to the press release.

He was also scheduled to meet with acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool to discuss security challenges and progress on implementing the recommendations in a blistering law enforcement review that was made public in June.

“He will also seek an update from the government on the implementation of beneficial ownership transparency in line with commitments to deliver on this important reform,” the release stated.

Labour government

It added that the new UK government, which took office after the Labour Party swept into power in the July 4 general election, is also committed to working closely with the overseas territories to tackle climate change and “nature emergencies.”

“I am looking forward to meeting a wide range of government and community stakeholders during my visit,” Mr. Doughty said in the press release.

“Our new UK government is committed to working in partnership with the elected governments and governors of the overseas territories on shared priorities and responsibilities, ranging from governance and security to climate change and nature.”

No comment

Governor Daniel Pruce  did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the visit, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said Mr. Doughty was not available for an interview and did not wish to comment further on his visit.