OECS opposes additional powers for UK Governor in the BVI

In response to the present scenario within the British Virgin Islands, Heads of Authorities of the OECS:  

Famous with alarming concern, the evolving scenario within the British Virgin Islands (BVI), concerning the request by the Governor for extra powers which can permit him to bypass the Territorial Authorities, and implement unilaterally, the suggestions of the Fee of Inquiry (COI) for governance reforms within the BVI;

Condemned strongly any efforts to undermine the respectable Authorities of the BVI and expressed solidarity with the Authorities and other people of the BVI within the endeavor of the method for reforms;

Recommended the appreciable diligence exercised by the democratically elected authorities and other people of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the progress made to date in implementing governance reforms which have little doubt strengthened the BVI techniques and establishments, following the elections which have been efficiently held in April 2023;

Famous, nevertheless, their acute consciousness that a lot work stays to be carried out within the course of for the reforms as advisable by the Fee of Inquiry, and referred to as on the UK to offer the Authorities of the British Virgin Islands with any required technical help to help the method;

Famous with deep concern that efforts to bypass the elected Authorities of the BVI show a flagrant disrespect for elementary ideas of democracy which purpose basically to protect and promote the dignity and rights of the person, respect the need of the bulk, foster financial and social improvement, strengthen cohesion of society and to take care of/improve nationwide tranquility;

Famous the additional concern that the Governor’s request for extra powers is undemocratic, and unwarranted; such powers may solely function a deterrent within the ongoing reforms course of and would jeopardise the progress that has been achieved; and undermine the democratically elected authorities of the BVI.

Concurred with the views expressed by the Authorities and other people of the BVI, that granting further powers to the Governor is a ‘Colonial Act’ and one which has no place in fashionable democratic governance within the OECS area;

Reiterated that the historic duty for strengthening governance within the BVI should relaxation on the shoulders of the elected representatives and the folks of the BVI; that in the end would be the assure of excellent governance, and full and clear accountability; and that the inalienable proper of the folks of the British Virgin Islands to self-determination, as enshrined within the United Nations Constitution, should be preserved;

Reiterated additional {that a} choice to grant the Governor this request would contravene the democratic ideas and targets of the United Nations Constitution, the Common Declaration of Human Rights and the Worldwide Conference on Civil and Political Rights – Declarations and Conventions to which the UK is Social gathering;

Endorsed the UN decision on the Query of the British Virgin Islands (A/RES/78/79) adopted by the 78th Basic Meeting that expresses deep concern that the UK (UK) is holding an Order in Council in reserve that may droop the islands’ structure and requires the democratic and human rights of the folks of the British Virgin Islands to be revered, together with their rights to self-governance and self-determination.

Urged that the Authorities of the UK (UK) continues to work constructively and collaboratively with the democratically elected Authorities of the BVI to help completion of the continuing reforms course of;

Strongly urged that the Authorities of the UK refrains from granting the undemocratic powers requested by the Governor. This act will hinder democracy within the BVI and destroy current belief between the Authorities and other people of the BVI and the UK.

Reaffirmed the OECS’ willingness to offer technical and different help to the BVI (as an Affiliate Member of the Organisation), in its governance reforms course of.