Despite the recent change in overseas territory ministerial leadership and the pending change of governor early next year, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said on July 25 that progress on …
July 27, 2023
March 13, 2023
EDITORIAL: The auditor general is a hero. Heed her advice.
When will politicians learn? Once again, Auditor General Sonia Webster has carried out her mandate with exacting professionalism. In two recent reports that should make taxpayers’ blood boil, she alleged …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: The auditor general is a hero. Heed her advice.”
October 18, 2022
EDITORIAL: Government, governor must collaborate on reform promises
This month brought good and bad news as Governor John Rankin and Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley both reported on the first three months of the ongoing Commission of Inquiry …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Government, governor must collaborate on reform promises”
September 12, 2022
Government auditors get new teeth
The recent Commission of Inquiry reported finding evidence that the Premier’s Office under former Premier Andrew Fahie may have obstructed government auditors investigating Covid-19 assistance programmes. A new law is …
July 25, 2022
EDITORIAL: Next year’s general election must not derail reforms
With a general election due early next year, there is a very real danger that a divisive campaign season could derail the ongoing governance reforms and trigger direct rule by …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Next year’s general election must not derail reforms”
July 11, 2022
EDITORIAL: So far, so good on governance reforms
Despite a few hitches, the National Unity Government is off to a good start with the governance reforms agreed with the United Kingdom. Already, the territory is seeing badly needed …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: So far, so good on governance reforms”
July 4, 2022
EDITORIAL: Reform detractors should put up or shut up
Make no mistake: The people of the Virgin Islands are fed up. For decades, they have watched their elected leaders waste taxpayer money, reward cronies, shun transparency, and otherwise break …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Reform detractors should put up or shut up”
May 26, 2022
EDITORIAL: Gov’t is saying the right things, but action and more info are needed
So far, the new National Unity Government is saying the right things as it works to dissuade the United Kingdom from implementing direct rule. For instance, it has rightly accepted …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Gov’t is saying the right things, but action and more info are needed”
May 16, 2022
EDITORIAL: Now is the time for transparency
Throughout his Commission of Inquiry, Sir Gary Hickinbottom demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to transparency. As a result, his findings have currency in the Virgin Islands community, which was able to …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Now is the time for transparency”
May 6, 2022
EDITORIAL: No way to go but up. The COI shows how.
The Virgin Islands hit rock bottom last week with the arrest of Premier Andrew Fahie in Miami on disturbing drug allegations. Fortunately, there is a way up. The roadmap is …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: No way to go but up. The COI shows how.”
January 21, 2021
EDITORIAL: Unfortunately, the corruption inquiry is needed
Monday was a dark day for the Virgin Islands, with the United Kingdom flexing its colonial muscle and announcing a wide-ranging corruption inquiry in the territory. However, we are sad …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Unfortunately, the corruption inquiry is needed”
