Former BVI prime minister fights drug charges as Britain plans to take over

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It is a difficult time in the British Virgin Islands.

Overseas Britain swore a new leader in the Caribbean this week after becoming prime minister. In Miami, the US Drug Enforcement Administration created a conspiracy for drug trafficking and money laundering. They have confidential informants and designer bags full of cash.

Last month, a commission of inquiry led by a retired British judge found that “principles of good governance such as openness, transparency and even the rule of law have been ignored” “almost everywhere” in the region. And Britain is seriously considering one of the Commission’s key recommendations: temporarily suspend parts of the Constitution and establish a London-led government.

The proposal sparked controversy over the tax haven islands that swept the Caribbean, a popular tourist destination and known for their turquoise waters and financial secrecy, and posed a delicate challenge to Britain amid the growing showdown with the colonialism.

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one The opposition leader called the proposal “largely democratic”. The Eastern Caribbean Organization said it was “meaningless”. The Caribbean community, the main regional bloc in the Caribbean, called it “retroactive”. The prime minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines called it “ridiculous”.

British Foreign Minister Liz Truss, who said the investigation showed “significant legal and constitutional changes are needed”, sent Foreign Secretary Amanda Milling to the British Virgin Islands this week. She was greeted with protest.

Natalio Whitley, the country’s new prime minister, told reporters that their talks were “constructive but sincere and open”. He acknowledged that there were “shortcomings” and “serious problems” highlighted by the commission of inquiry, but said he did not directly believe that the rule was the answer.

He proposed a national unity government of all political parties to lead the district of 30,000 people.

“To be clear, I see the implementation of the recommendations as a path to our national renewal,” he said. “But it can be done successfully without using a direct rule.”

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Milling said everyone he met agreed on the need for “significant changes”.

“Let’s be honest: the report highlights important concerns about corruption, transparency and accountability.” “There is no escape. As many have told me, it’s not about doing something or not. The question is what has been done. “

A mile away from its more populous American counterparts, the British Virgin Islands is one of Britain’s 14 overseas territories. They have a crown-appointed governor, who represents the queen, and a national assembly made up of elected politicians. The UK is responsible for defense and foreign policy. Parliament takes care of the rest.

The investigation was launched last year over allegations of political corruption of the former governor of the British Virgin Islands. More than 900 pages of Sir Gary Hickinbotom’s report state that coherent governments experience “meaningless governance failures” that are “positively approved and even encouraged”.

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One of his main recommendations – “with a heavy heart” – was to partially suspend and enact the Constitution of the Islands. A rule in which the governor temporarily assumes executive powers from elected officials with the help of an advisory committee made up in part of local public officials.

The proposal came in part taking into account the lives of prominent black movements and the legacy of British colonialism caused by the scandal over Britain’s treatment of Windr’s belt შ. It evokes a republican mood in parts of the Caribbean and demands compensation for slavery.

Barbados overthrew the queen as head of state last year and became a republic. During a sometimes turbulent royal visit this year, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Hollens told Prince William and his wife, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, that she will “go”, even though she hasn’t gone yet.

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The last British Overseas Territory to be directly administered was the Turks and Caicos Territories in 2009, following a commission of inquiry. Found “High probability of systemic corruption in the government”.

Then, like today, the decision was met with opposition. The then Prime Minister, Galmo Williams, accused the country of being “invaded and recolonized” by Britain.

But today’s broader assessment of the sins of the British Empire adds to the new challenge. Decision.

“I think it’s an important subtext,” said Peter Clegg, professor of politics and international relations at the University of Bristol in the west of England. “Britain may have thought twice before intervening and even 15 years ago it was a decision that was not taken lightly.”

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British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin released the survey report in late April, before release was expected in June. He said he was “primarily in the public interest” and said he hoped this would dispel speculation that it was linked to the arrest of then Prime Minister Andrew Fahe on drug and money laundering charges. .

The manager of the region’s ports has also been indicted.

Federal prosecutors claim the DEA The source, a member of the Sinaloa cartel, met with the director to discuss smuggling thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States via the islands.

According to the Associated Press, Fahier’s attorney said he would not plead guilty. He also asked for immunity as head of the government. The port manager asks for the right to silence. His lawyers did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.

Confirmation said the port manager had told the source that Fahi would likely participate and that “sometimes he is a petty scammer”.

he argues Having repeatedly tried to convince himself that the alleged addict was not a whistleblower or a police officer, Fahier had agreed to help obtain the necessary licenses and hide boats full of cocaine for 12 percent of the total sales cost. in the United States.

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whore He was arrested on a private jet to Miami after seeing a $ 700,000 cash advance tucked into designer purses he was promised. HE IS A $ 500,000 bond was issued this week.

The oath report states that in one of the incidents, Fahiye was “confused” when she was calmed down by an informant and said “First of all, you’re not touching anything.”

“I mention one thing: the money,” Fahier replied as if.

Source: Washington Post

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