Caribbean
UK Official Expresses Commitment to BVI’s Prosperity Amid Calls for Accelerated Reforms
In a decisive move to encourage governance reforms within the British Virgin Islands (BVI), David Rutley, the UK’s Minister for the Americas, the Caribbean, and UK Overseas Territories, has underscored the British government’s readiness to intervene should the pace of reforms remain unsatisfactory.
During his recent visit to the territory, Rutley’s remarks were highlighted in a statement from the BVI Governor’s Office, emphasizing the UK’s dedication to fostering the security, prosperity, and wellbeing of the BVI populace. “The UK Government is steadfast in its desire for a prosperous, well-governed BVI and will continue to support the Governor and the BVI community in achieving this objective,” Rutley articulated.
The Minister pointed out the slow progress of reforms stemming from the Commission of Inquiry, indicating the UK’s willingness to provide further technical support if necessary. Yet, he firmly stated that the UK would not shy away from taking additional measures to ensure the timely implementation of crucial reforms.
These comments arrive amid debates triggered by a proposal from John Rankin, the former governor, advocating for enhanced powers for the BVI Governor’s Office to independently advance reforms—a suggestion that met with strong opposition from local and regional leaders. The reiteration of such views by a UK minister signals a growing impatience with the pace of the reform process, despite assurances from Premier Natalio Wheatley and other officials regarding their progress.
As of early 2024, the reform efforts in the BVI were reported to be halfway to completion, a modest increase from the previous year’s progress report. Former Governor Rankin had previously highlighted the inadequacy of time extensions alone to expedite these reforms, pointing out the missed deadlines despite the extensions granted.
The recent months have seen minimal advancement, with the former governor noting the completion of only one significant task—the receipt of a constitutional review report by an independent third party—since the previous autumn.
Daniel Pruce, the newly appointed governor, reflected on the significance of Rutley’s visit, viewing it as a manifestation of the UK’s vested interest and commitment to the BVI’s success.
The critique from some quarters suggests that the current stance of the UK may be affecting the dynamics of the relationship between the territory and its colonial power, potentially hindering the BVI’s journey towards independence.
Caribbean
Haiti Appoints Garry Conille as Interim Prime Minister Amid Escalating Crisis
Haiti’s Transitional Council has appointed development specialist Garry Conille as the new interim prime minister, following the controversial selection and subsequent removal of Fritz Bélizaire. The decision comes amid increasing political turmoil and widespread violence in the nation.
The initial appointment of Bélizaire was met with significant backlash, with critics accusing the council of disregarding its own selection procedures. In response to these concerns, the council restarted the selection process, ultimately choosing Conille to assume the role.
Garry Conille, previously the regional director for UNICEF in Latin America and the Caribbean, brings experience to the prime ministership, having briefly served in the position from October 2011 to May 2012 under then-President Michel Martelly. His prior tenure ended due to an investigation into government officials holding dual nationality, which is prohibited by Haiti’s constitution.
Conille steps into his role at a critical juncture, as violence from armed groups surges and state forces struggle to maintain order. One of his immediate challenges will be the delayed deployment of a Kenya-led security force intended to bolster the Haitian National Police. Originally scheduled for this week, the deployment has been postponed by at least three weeks due to incomplete preparations, including the construction of necessary bases and provision of essential equipment for the 200 personnel.
Beyond addressing security concerns, Conille faces the daunting task of reviving Haiti’s economy, which is suffering from severe inflation and the disruption of internal trade routes controlled by armed groups.
The Montana Accord, a civil society organization with representation on the transitional council, has criticized the council for its lack of transparency and slow progress in addressing the country’s deteriorating situation. They accuse the leadership group of failing to take meaningful steps towards stabilization, while the population continues to suffer and gangs expand their control.
UNICEF confirmed that Conille would be stepping down from his role as regional director, but he has yet to make any public statements regarding his new appointment.
Caribbean
Fritz Bélizaire Named Interim Prime Minister of Haiti by Transitional Council
Fritz Bélizaire has been designated as Haiti’s new interim Prime Minister by the nation’s transitional council, a pivotal move aimed at steering the country toward fresh elections and restoring democratic governance. The announcement came on Tuesday, positioning Mr. Bélizaire as the successor to Michel Patrick Boisvert, who temporarily filled the role during former Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s international engagements.
Complications arose when Mr. Henry found himself unable to return to Haiti, leading to his resignation and the installation of Mr. Boisvert as the acting head of government. This situation prompted the formation of a transitional council tasked with charting a course forward for the nation.
The decision to appoint Mr. Bélizaire was not unanimous among the council members, with four endorsing him and three expressing reservations due to their unfamiliarity with his previous roles. Mr. Bélizaire served as the Minister of Sports under President René Préval from 2006 to 2011, a tenure that, according to Robert Fatton, a Haitian politics analyst at the University of Virginia, left him relatively unknown in political circles. Dr. Fatton suggested that Mr. Bélizaire’s low profile might actually facilitate broader acceptance as Prime Minister, offering a potential advantage in his new role.
Edgard Leblanc Fils, the president of the transitional council, affirmed the selection, emphasizing that Mr. Bélizaire represents a unifying figure capable of transcending political divides and fostering consensus. “This is a very good choice for Prime Minister,” Mr. Fils remarked. He highlighted the council’s commitment to overcoming internal conflicts and advancing toward stability and electoral processes.
The transitional council aims to stabilize the nation sufficiently to conduct elections by February 2026, at which point their mandate concludes.
Caribbean
Multiple Passengers Vanish During Cruise Ship Visits to BVI, Sparking Immigration Fears
The British Virgin Islands government is actively seeking information on the whereabouts of a Colombian woman who vanished after disembarking from a cruise ship, escalating concerns over potential illegal immigration. Monica Marcela Pineda, a passenger on the Norwegian Sky, failed to reboard the ship following its stop in the territory last Sunday, according to a government bulletin. Authorities confirmed that Pineda neither left the territory by other legal routes nor returned to the departing cruise ship.
This incident is not isolated. Recent weeks have seen similar disappearances involving passengers from the same vessel. On April 19, another port call by the Norwegian Sky saw two more passengers, Pascal Bosman from the Netherlands and Martire Cabrera, a Dominican Republic national with a St. Kitts & Nevis passport, also fail to return to the ship in Tortola without any record of them leaving the BVI by alternative means.
Further, on March 10, three Colombians—Jean Carlo Ospina Cano, Pamela Mesa Escobar, and Yesica Yogana Marin Ramirez—similarly disappeared after the Norwegian Sky docked in March. None of these individuals have been seen since disembarking.
The recurring disappearances of these five individuals during various visits by the Norwegian Sky in recent months have heightened concerns about illegal immigration in the British Virgin Islands. Authorities are urging the public to provide any information that could help address these incidents and ensure the integrity of the territory’s borders.
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