Political leaders in the British Virgin Islands do not want the UK to take over the administration of the territory as it reels from a drugs-and-corruption scandal.
Acting premier Natalio Wheatley said he was “very concerned” about a recommendation for Britain to take direct control after the territory's leader was arrested in a US drugs operation.
Amanda Milling, the UK Minister for Overseas Territories, is set to meet the territory's Governor James Rankin and other senior figures on Saturday.
Andrew Fahie, the country's leader, was arrested in an undercover operation on suspicion of accepting cash to import a major drugs shipment organised with the aid of a group from Hezbollah, US court documents have shown.
Mr Fahie, 51, and his chief port official, Oleanvine Maynard, were detained in Miami, Florida, and accused of accepting $700,000 from an informant posing as a member of Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel.
The string of Caribbean islands, inhabited by 35,000 people, is administered under a 2007 constitution giving it limited self-governance under a governor who is the ultimate executive authority as the representative of Queen Elizabeth II.
Failures on many levels
An inquiry into corruption in the territory led by retired judge Gary Hickinbottom said the people of the territory were “badly served” by its government.
In the report, published on April 4, he recommended the governor take direct control of the territory for two years.
“Almost everywhere, the principles of good governance, such as openness, transparency and even the rule of law, are ignored,” his report said.
Mr Wheatley has argued against the recommendations before meetings on Saturday with Ms Milling.
“What this would mean in real terms is that there would be no more elected representatives who represent the people of the districts and the territory in the House of Assembly where laws are made for our society,” he said.
“There also would be no government ministers to advance the public's priorities or a Cabinet to approve policy. All of this authority would be vested in the governor.
“The benefit of representative democracy to the public is the understanding and responsiveness of their elected representatives to their challenges, who also serve as conduits of their views, especially on reforms.”
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Ms Milling would speak to Mr Rankin and other senior officials.
“The arrest of the premier of the British Virgin Islands on charges related to drugs trafficking and money laundering is extremely concerning and underlines the need for urgent action,” Ms Truss said.
Get Out
Director: Jordan Peele
Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford
Four stars
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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'Shakuntala Devi'
Starring: Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra
Director: Anu Menon
Rating: Three out of five stars
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
