The U.K. government is concerned about the slow pace of the reform process in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), according to a letter sent by UK Minister for Overseas Territories Lord Zac Goldsmith to BVI Governor John Rankin. The letter addresses the governor’s second quarterly review of the progress made in implementing significant reforms undertaken by the BVI government to avoid a pending Order in Council that would impose direct rule on the UK territory.

Mr. Goldsmith expressed concern about insufficient commitment in some areas and the lagging progress in legislative reform and safeguards. He acknowledged the initial unrealistic timelines but agreed that serious efforts and prioritization are necessary to deliver the reforms the people of BVI deserve.

The minister asked the governor to collaborate with the government in place after the April 24 election to establish a new timetable for completing the action items. He also instructed the governor to consider whether more resources, technical expertise, or a grant of additional powers are needed to support or accelerate the reform program. A revised timeline is expected with Governor Rankin’s next Quarterly Review at the end of May.