Foreign Secretary statement on the British Virgin Islands: 29 April 2022
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss issues a statement ahead of the publication of the Commission of Inquiry report into governance in the British Virgin Islands.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:
The arrest yesterday of the Premier of the British Virgin Islands on charges related to drugs trafficking and money undering is extremely concerning and underlines the need for urgent action.
In January 2021, we set out significant concerns about the deteriorating state of governance in the British Virgin Islands, as well as the potential vulnerability of the islands to serious organised crime. The UK Government supported the then Governor’s decision to launch an independent Inquiry into governance of the Territory.
The Inquiry report published today by the Governor shows clearly that substantial legislative and constitutional change is required to restore the standards of governance that the people of the British Virgin Islands are entitled to.
I have instructed the Minister for Overseas Territories to travel to the Territory immediately to speak to the Governor and key stakeholders. We will then announce a clear path forward.
The Overseas Territories are a core part of the UK family. The UK Government is committed to the security and wellbeing of the people of the British Virgin Islands.
Media enquiries
Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk
Telephone 020 7008 3100
Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.