UK MINISTER VISITS BVI FOR IMPORTANT TALKS

A Foreign and Commonwealth Minister was here last weekend to discuss a range of key issues with BV Islanders and members of Government. Mr. Bill Rammell Foreign and Commonwealth Minister for UK Overseas Territories was here on his first visit to the BVI, 2-4 September. He met with the Chief Minister, his colleagues and other key political figures within the British Virgin Island with whom he held talks about long term constitutional arrangements and policing issues.

He also met with the Police Authorities to get a real sense of what has been going on here, and some of the things discussed at the meeting focused on strategic challenges that the police have been confronted with. The Foreign and Commonwealth Minister said that he was quite impressed by some of the progress that the Police Department has been making, e.g. the 48 % percent detection rate and the fact that there has been a significant amount of increase in the number of arrests that have been made this year.

Mr. Rammell acknowledged that there are some concerns about the recent murders and he mentioned that he knows that in the UK whenever a murder occurs there is usually great concern. He disclosed that there is a very strong plan in place and there is a lot of action being taken and demonstrable progress.

The Foreign Minister also stated that the Foreign Office has recently funded the purchase of a boat to help patrol BVI waters to help tackle illegal immigration, which he knows has been a particular concern.

Chief Minister Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith and Mr. Rammell discussed  the long term constitutional settlement for the BVI; during this discussion Mr. Rammell made clear his view that the UK value the Overseas Territories as a whole and that they are very pleased that the territories remain  associated with the United Kingdom. However, if at any stage any of the Overseas Territories want to go down the road of independence, by consulting  properly and demonstrating  that the majority of their population is in favor of that, the UK will certainly not stand in way of independence.

Mr. Rammel also held talks with His Excellency Governor Tom Macan and  Opposition Leader Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal.