Wheatley takes over as British Virgin Islands premier as Fahie is ousted
By Brian Ellsworth and Zarrin Ahmed
MIAMI (Reuters) – The British Virgin Islands on Thursday swore in Natalio Wheatley because the British abroad territory’s new premier following the elimination of ex-premier Andrew Fahie, who was arrested on drug fees in Miami final week.
The transfer could assist the territory transfer past the scandal created by Fahie’s embarrassing arrest, however the British Virgin Islands nonetheless faces scrutiny over corruption that will lead the UK to imagine direct governance from London.
“This swearing-in ceremony represents one other essential and mandatory step in renewing our cherished democracy and reforming out establishments,” mentioned Wheatley, the previous deputy premier who may also maintain the publish of finance minister.
“It’s my hope that this present day might be remembered because the day we started a brand new period of democratic governance.”
Governor John Rankin in a speech mentioned he had revoked Fahie’s mandate following a no-confidence vote within the Home of Meeting.
Theresa Van Vliet, a lawyer representing Fahie in Miami, declined to remark. In a courtroom listening to on Wednesday, she mentioned Fahie will plead not responsible to the costs.
A fee of inquiry final week mentioned the territory’s elected authorities must be dissolved and its structure suspended for 2 years as a consequence of systematic dishonesty.
The fee’s report concluded that tens of millions of {dollars} in state funds had been being spent with out correct processes, including there was proof of widespread abuse in appointments.
The report was indirectly linked to Fahie’s arrest, however British Overseas Secretary Liz Truss mentioned his detention demonstrated the significance of the inquiry.
Fahie, 51, was arrested at a Miami airport together with the managing director of the territory’s Ports Authority, Oleanvine Maynard.
The U.S. Division of Justice says Fahie in recorded conferences with a confidential supply from the Drug Enforcement Administration agreed to assist smuggle cocaine via the territory in trade for a portion of the proceeds.
(Reporting by Brian Ellsworth and Zarrin Ahmed,; Enhancing by Matthew Lewis and Richard Pullin)
