THE BRITISH Virgin Islands prime minister is resisting plans by the British government to impose direct rule from Westminster with a plan for a new government on the Caribbean island.

Boris Johnson’s minister as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are determined to take over the tax haven, said to be home to £1.2 trillion in offshore assets.

But the reason for the UK’s move – the instability of the BVI government following the arrest of former premier, Andrew Fahie on suspicion of drug-smuggling charges in Miami in April – has now been removed.

New prime minister Dr Natalio Wheatley, who is now leading the newly formed government, believes BVI’s new administration means there is no longer a need for the UK to get involved.

The ball is now in London’s court with FCO minister Amanda Milling set to press ahead with direct rule despite the new BVI government.

Critics have accused Britain of using any excuse to protect the wealth of tax-dodging billionaires. The Panama Papers, exposed by The Guardian in 2016 found more than 100,000 companies registered in BVI, making it the biggest bolt-hole for cash in the world.

Speaking in a national broadcast, Dr Wheatley said: “I’m pleased to report on behalf of the government of national unity that I have submitted a proposal to the UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, the Rt. Hon. Amanda Milling that sets out our approach to reform that presents a framework for the implementation under continued democratic governance.”

“It represents our commitment to good governance and strengthening our institutions and systems of government. We want to engender a new culture in the handling of the people’s business.

“I hope Minister Milling and the UK government will give due consideration to the proposal and not go down the path of direct rule.”

Local protestors on the island and leading organisations in the Caribbean have already voiced strong opposition to the proposals outlined in a one-man Commission of Inquiry (COI) report led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom prompted by the former Premier’s arrest and ongoing allegations of corruption in the BVI government. 

Sir Hickinbottom, who made 45 specific recommendations in the report, had called for the BVI to consider “a return to Ministerial Government and an elected House of Assembly as soon as practicable, with the Governor taking regular advice from the Advisory Council and others on the earliest practicable date on which such government can resume.”

Dr Wheatley is reported to be working closely with the Governor of the BVI on the concerns outlined in the report. 

The University of the West Indies was the most opposition to slam the UK’s attempt to attain direct rule of the Caribbean country while the Caribbean is amid challenges in seeking repertory justice for the British government’s and Monarchy’s part in the slave trade. 

UWI Vice-Chancellor of UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckle, said in a statement that the Caribbean nation should be given “full opportunity and autonomy” to resolve its own domestic issues and said it was prepared to “assist Britain in curing itself from the persistent impulse and cultural addiction to dominate the people of this region by imperial edict.”

The COI report outlines concern over access to the ports in the territory when Oleanvine Maynard, the Managing Director of the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority, also faced arrest alongside the former Premier last month. 

Dr Wheatley added: “In the meantime, we are proceeding with some immediate reforms that we believe are in the public interest. In regard to the Ports Authority, I have been in communication with the chairman of the board, and he has indicated that he will tender his resignation.”

“The term of the remaining members will expire within days, and a new board of suitably qualified persons will be appointed.”