Brian Ellsworth and William James

MIAMI (Reuters] – According to a critical report on governance in British overseas territories, the British Virgin Islands’ constitution should be suspended and its elected government dissolved. This was according to Reuters.

Governor John Rankin was Queen Elizabeth’s representative and ordered an inquiry to be conducted in 2021 into “the corruption, abuse, or other serious dishonesty in the territory’s governance.”

According to the report, millions of dollars were wasted each year by ministries and politicians without proper processes.

Although the report doesn’t directly relate to Andrew Fahie being arrested in Miami Thursday on money laundering charges and conspiring with to import cocaine, it is related to his arrest. However, Liz Truss, British Foreign Secretary, said that the arrest showed the importance of this inquiry.

Gary Hickinbottom was the British judge who led the investigation.

“He came to the conclusion that, unless drastic and immediate steps are taken,” Rankin stated at a press conference.

He noted that people in the BVI deserve better. The UK government has an obligation towards them to safeguard them and help them reach their goals for modern democratic self-government.

London could decide to suspend certain parts of the constitution. London said that they were sending a minister from London to the BVI and would announce a plan next Wednesday.

Truss stated in a statement that the report showed “clearly” that significant legislative and constitutional changes are needed.

Natalio Wheatley (Acting Premier of Islands), said that a suspension was unnecessary.

Report stated that principles of good governance were not being followed throughout Fahie’s administration. It also said witnesses were afraid to testify and government disclosures were “shambolic”.

“With few exceptions, the governance of the BVI has been poor in recent years. The executive summary stated that the situation was “very bad indeed.”

London would accept the central recommendation of the inquiry, which is one of over 40 included in the 946-page document, and Rankin – a British career diplomat – would assume the daily running of BVI.

The queen recommends that Rankin be appointed, but in reality his duties would not normally exceed those of a normal person.

Hickinbottom suggested that the administrative arrangements should be for two years. However, he also recommended that ministerial governance should resume as soon possible.