From BVI News

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has rejected suggestions that the BVI is a haven for criminal activity, saying such characterisations are false and do not reflect the territory’s values or reality.

Speaking during a recent broadcast of Virgin Islands Voice, Dr Wheatley denounced sections of a UK-commissioned law enforcement review that he said misrepresented the BVI.

“We reject criminality, we reject crime, and we also reject the characterisation of the Virgin Islands as a place where criminality runs rampant,” Dr Wheatley asserted.

He said the review, conducted by Sir Andy Cooke, contains recommendations that do not align with the territory’s governance structure or lived reality.

“Just the fact that you did a review doesn’t mean that that automatically becomes government policy,” he explained, noting that decisions on policies rest with the Cabinet and House of Assembly.

“This is one of the safest places in the world,” Dr Wheatley stated, adding that residents are often surprised at how freely he moves about without security. “They say they’ve never seen it in their life.”

The Premier made it clear that the BVI government will not support recommendations that undermine the territory’s autonomy, particularly in law enforcement and financial services.

“We are a responsible player, a responsible society, and also a responsible finance centre,” he said. “That is the role that we play, and we will continue to play globally.”

Premier Wheatley emphasised that the BVI remains committed to tackling any areas of concern. “It’s not to say that we don’t have challenges. Yes, we do. We have to work hard to eliminate those challenges.”

He said the government is working with the National Security Council and the Governor’s office to review the report’s recommendations carefully. A letter outlining the territory’s unified position has been drafted and is expected to be signed by all 13 members of the House of Assembly.

Dr Wheatley also pointed to the territory’s broader constitutional goals. “We are going to negotiate very hard with the United Kingdom to ensure that we are able to maintain control of our immigration department, maintain control of our customs department, maintain control of our financial investigation agency,” he said.

The Premier added that the Virgin Islands must continue on a path toward greater self-determination. “We cannot stay in the position where we are forever. We have to be able to advance, we have to be able to move forward.”

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