Memorandum of
Co-operation and Partnership
between the Government of the British Virgin Islands
and the Government of the United Kingdom
Introduction
1.
This memorandum sets out the principal aims and objectives which the Government of the
British Virgin Islands (BVIG) has set itself in consultation with Her Majesty’s
Government (HMG) over the next three years in key areas of government policy, with
appropriate targets and performance measurement criteria. It also represents the agreement
of HMG for the programme and plans of BVIG.
2. The
memorandum is a tangible instrument created to facilitate the new thrust in co-operation
and a modern partnership between the United Kingdom and her Overseas Territories. This
co-operation and partnership is aimed at promoting sustainable and integrated development,
protecting the environment, participative democracy, good government, respect for human
rights and economic autonomy for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) over the medium to long
term.
3. The
memorandum is based on deliberations and conclusions reached to date on a National
Integrated Development Strategy for the BVI and on discussions by a consultant with
representatives of the United Kingdom and BVIG elected representatives and officials
between January and May 1998. The discussions focused upon the objectives for the
development and good government of the BVI over the next three years.
4. The parties to this
memorandum were guided in their deliberations by the need to ensure that optimum use is
made of the resources available to BVI from Government revenue and from the assistance to
be provided by HMG, by other governments and by multilateral and non-governmental funding
agencies.
Main Elements of the Memorandum
5. The
memorandum summarises the principal aims and objectives of the BVIG for the period
1998-2001 in key areas of government policy. It consists of two parts. The first part
identifies the broad principles on which the conduct of the public affairs of the BVI is
based and summarises the general commitments of BVIG in this regard. It also outlines the
principles being followed by HMG and the commitments to which it subscribes in relation to
the partnership programme.
6. The second part is
the BVI memorandum matrix, which sets out in tabular form the agreed policy objectives of
BVIG on a sectoral basis. It details the key policy and programme targets and the actions
necessary to achieve these. It provides the framework within which BVIG will monitor
progress on the implementation of these policies and programmes and for the review of the
future use of HMG’s aid and good government funds. It can also be used to provide
access to alternative sources of funding.
Principles Guiding the Administration of the
BVI
The BVIG confirms that its
mission is:
- to mobilise and deliver resources
to ensure the health, education prosperity, productivity, cohesiveness and resilience of
the people of the BVI in a responsible and integrated manner.
The BVIG confirms that its Vision
for the BVI is:
- an economically sound and socially
cohesive society that (a) honours and upholds the principles of human rights, good
governance and integrated planning to meet the needs and aspirations of all people of the
BVI in a global economy through the sustainable development and utilization of its natural
and human resources and (b) respects the culture, traditions and customs of the
BVI.
The BVIG confirms its commitment to
democratic principles of government. These include:
- respect for the rule of law
and fundamental principles in the Constitution, including the protection of fundamental
rights and freedoms;
- maintenance of human rights
standards in accordance with the laws of the BVI;
- maintenance of law and order
and social peace and stability;
- representative and
participative government including periodic free and fair elections; and
- freedom of speech.
The BVIG commits itself to the
principles of responsible, ethical and equitable government. Specifically, it reaffirms
its acceptance of the need for:
- accountability in Government;
- the pursuit of sound economic
and financial policies aimed at promoting sustainable and integrated development,
self-sufficiency and a decent standard of living for the people of the BVI;
- the provision of
appropriate services by Government to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of the
BVI in a global economy;
- maintenance of a
high standard of administration of justice;
- the
improvement of existing ties with regional and international organisations;
- the
adoption of enlightened social policies to promote the peace, stability and cultural
advancement of the community; and
- consultation
with the private sector in order to stimulate and promote private sector investment and
business expansion in a global economy.
General
Principles Guiding HMG
HMG reaffirms its commitment to the following principles:
- The reasonable needs of the BVI and
the other United Kingdom Overseas Territories will continue to be a first call on the
United Kingdom development programme.
- HMG is responsible through the
Governor for external relations, for defence, for upholding the Constitution and the rule
of law, for promoting good government in the BVI, for the efficient management of the
public service and for other areas of reserved responsibility. It is committed to firm
stewardship in the discharge of these functions. The Governor consults to the fullest
extent possible within the framework of the Constitution on all these issues.
- HMG shares the BVIG’s objective
of achieving economic independence. HMG remains committed to a policy of assisting its
Overseas Territories to full independence when and if it is the clearly and
constitutionally expressed wish of the people.
HMG’s Commitment
HMG:
- fully supports BVIG’s Vision
for the BVI;
- agrees to continue to work with BVIG
to achieve their joint objectives and to implement the programme set out in this
memorandum;
- accepts that there is a case for
further technical assistance to the BVI to enable the Government to achieve its
objectives; and
- confirms the availability of
emergency assistance for disaster relief.
Co-operation and Partnership
BVIG and HMG commit themselves to work in a spirit of close
co-operation and in a strong, secure and lasting partnership to achieve the policy
objectives, programmes and targets mutually agreed to in this memorandum. In so doing,
they further pledge to maintain regular and open communications and close working
relations between the representatives of the two Governments, to observe mutual respect
for the positions taken by each partner, to work diligently to implement the programmes in
a spirit of joint endeavour and to resolve disputes amicably.
BVIG commits itself to review annually the policy objectives,
targets and actions contained in this memorandum and to submit a report on progress to HMG
via the Governor within two months of the completion of the review.
The parties to this memorandum have agreed to confirm their
acceptance of the policy objectives, targets and actions by authorising their duly
appointed representatives to sign the memorandum on behalf of their respective
Governments.
…………………..…………..
…..……………………………………….
Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE H.E. Frank J. Savage, CMG LVO OBE
Chief Minister, BVI Governor, BVI
…………………..…………..
…..……………………………………….
Baroness Symons of
Vernham Dean
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Dated: 9th
September, 1998
BVI MEMORANDUM
MATRIX
LIST OF SECTOR ACTION PLANS
ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
AIM
To provide a high standard of administration of justice.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To strengthen the delivery of
judicial services.
- To provide an adequate level of
specialised legal and judicial services for the financial services sector.
- To provide better protection for
consumers.
ACTION PLAN
a. Develop by June 1999 a
programme of law revision and reform.
b. Seek resources for construction of a Legal and Judicial Services Facility.
c. Review the existing framework for consumer protection, establish whether there is
a need for it to be improved and implement any necessary improvements by legislation or
other means by June 1999.
d. Jointly with the Education Ministry and the Financial Services Sector and in
consultation with the Bar Association, develop and consolidate by June 1999 plans to
ensure adequate delivery of specialised legal and judicial services in the financial
services sector.
e. Develop by June 1999 a programme to improve court reporting and provide the
financial and human resources necessary to sustain it.
f. Establish appropriate means to ensure effective investigation of suspicious
financial transaction reports under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
g. Establish appropriate means to ensure effective delivery of Legal Aid.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Deputy Governor/Attorney General
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
AIM
To improve the production and marketing of local produce by 30% and link both to domestic
and tourism market consumption.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To promote backyard gardening, tree
crop development and the rearing of small stock and poultry.
- To promote increased agricultural
production by the use of alternative technologies.
- To diversify agricultural production
patterns by including non-traditional crops.
- To establish a programme of
irrigation and soil conservation.
- To create a nucleus of supportive
agricultural activities at Paraquita Bay.
- To increase the supply of local
fish.
- To improve institutional support.
ACTION PLAN
a. Continue to construct mini
dams and other irrigation facilities.
b. Initiate a programme of reforestation and soil conservation in areas most prone
to erosion by December 1998.
c. Develop a model results oriented agricultural facility at Paraquita Bay by
January 1999.
d. By June 1999 complete Phases I and II of the Institutional Support Programme and
commence Phase III of the Programme.
e. Continue the programme of backyard gardening, tree crop and livestock
development.
f. Initiate the trial production of non-traditional crops by June 1999.
g. Continue the monitoring programme for the pink mealy bug.
h. Continue to promote the production of Virgin Islands white sheep.
i. Establish by June 1999 a system for the control of stray animals, including dogs.
j. Develop by June 1999 a programme for fish breeding, fish farming and the
expansion of deep sea fishing.
k. Seek soft loan funding for farmers and fishermen.
Responsibility for Action Plan:
Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour
AVIATION
AIM
To ensure that BVI meets internationally required standards of safety and security and
maintain a safe and properly regulated aviation sector.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To establish and maintain regulatory
oversight in accordance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation
Organisation (ICAO).
- To develop quality infrastructure to
meet BVI’s sustainable and integrated development needs.
ACTION PLAN
a. Implement minimum ICAO
aviation safety standards by December 1998.
b. Undertake tests and inspections of airport and airline procedures to ensure that
they comply with Civil Aviation Agency (CAA) recommendations and take steps to rectify
deficiencies.
c. Provide lighting for Anegada airport by January 1999.
d. Ensure that there is a regular air link between Tortola-Anegada and Virgin
Gorda-Anegada by December 1999.
e. Complete replacement of terminal and landside works at Beef Island Airport by May
2000.
f. Complete runway extension at the Airport by July 2000.
g. Acquire and upgrade Virgin Gorda Airport by September 2000.
h. Complete upgrading of apron and new landside works at the Airport by January
2001.
Responsibility for Action Plan:
Ministry of Communications and Works
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL WELFARE
AIM
To build a socially cohesive, thriving community in BVI through integrated social and
economic policies which seek to strengthen community relations, minimise social tensions,
and eradicate poverty.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
To establish a
policy and institutional framework which will promote the rights of poorer and more
vulnerable members of society, enhance their livelihood opportunities and increase their
access to social services.
ACTION PLAN
a. Commission by December
1998 a Country Poverty Assessment.
b. Formulate by December 1999 community development and social welfare policy
guidelines particularly as regards issues affecting children, juveniles, the elderly, the
disabled, the family and gender.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Department of Health (Community Services)
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY
SERVICES
AIM
To maintain efficient and effective emergency services.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
To ensure that the emergency
services are properly staffed and resourced.
ACTION PLAN
a. Develop and implement a
policy for replacement and maintenance of emergency services vehicles and other assets.
b. Continue to improve disaster management, including disaster preparedness,
disaster response capability, disaster mitigation plans and recovery.
c. Continue the retrofitting of effective emergency shelters.
d. Bring into force a comprehensive Disaster Management Act by December 1998.
e. During 1999 launch a comprehensive mitigation programme based on the recently
completed Hazard and Risk Assessment Project Report.
f. Upgrade the capability to respond to oil spills.
g. Continue to support and encourage Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
Responsibility for Action Plan:
Deputy Governor
DRUGS
AIM
To establish BVI as a country where drug abuse in the community is an exception, where
drugs education and rehabilitation services are effective, and where the measures to
combat drug trafficking and abuse act as a real deterrent.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To establish and maintain an
effective drug interdiction capability and to participate fully in international and
regional co-operative efforts against drug trafficking in the region (e.g the EU Caribbean
Drugs Initiative).
- To develop and maintain a
comprehensive drug education demand reduction, and rehabilitation programme.
ACTION PLAN
a. Strengthen the role of
CADA and the National Drug Council, if necessary through legislation.
b. Develop by December 1998 a community education programme in relation to drug and
alcohol abuse.
c. Improve effectiveness of drug rehabilitation programme by December 1999.
d. Participate fully in the EU Caribbean Drugs Initiative (CDI) programmes.
e. Notify UNDCP Caribbean Co-ordination mechanism of all drugs-related projects on a
regular basis.
f. Take steps by December 1998 to reinforce co-operation within BVI between police,
customs and immigration services and their co-operation with neighbouring jurisdictions.
g. Ensure that the Police Marine Division, including its air branch, is fully
staffed and resourced and that the police aircraft and patrol vessels are properly
maintained and operating efficiently.
h. Keep up to date Designation Orders for confiscation and forfeiture under drugs
legislation.
i. Bring into force the Customs Management Act by December 1998.
j. Ensure that the Overseas Territories Regional Criminal Intelligence System
(OTRCIS) and the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) intelligence systems
are fully staffed and resourced.
k. Implement agreed recommendations of the World Customs Organization (WCO)
"Customs Reform and Modernisation Review."
l. Ensure that the Customs Mobile Task Force is fully staffed and resourced.
m. Review penalties under drugs legislation and increase these so that they act as a
real deterrent.
Responsibility for Action Plan:
Governor/Attorney General/ Police/Customs/ Immigration/Ministry of Health and Welfare
EDUCATION
AIM
To raise educational standards in order to facilitate the active participation of BV
Islanders in the economic, political and social development of the Territory.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To ensure that the education system
responds to and enhances the economic and social development of the Territory.
- To ensure that the education system
responds to demographics.
- To improve literacy, numeracy and IT
skills.
- To improve pre-primary and primary
education.
- To strengthen the secondary
education system.
- To further develop domestic tertiary
education.
- To improve technical and vocational
training skills.
- To improve cultural facilities and
avenues for cultural expression.
- To improve education management.
- To improve and better maintain
educational infrastructure.
ACTION PLAN
a. Introduce by December 1998
compulsory second/third languages in the Primary/High School system.
b. Evaluate the first "Five Year Education Development Plan" by June 1999.
c. Jointly with the Deputy Governor’s Office, the Chief Minister’s Office
and the Financial Services Sector, develop and consolidate plans by June 1999 to ensure
adequate delivery of specialist services in all sectors of the economy but especially in
the public service, tourism and financial services sectors.
d. In collaboration with regional and international educational institutions,
establish by June 1999 a distance learning programme to improve the skills of the working
population.
e. Conduct a comprehensive review of the education system by January 2000.
f. Develop and maintain a comprehensive new Education Development Plan by January
2000 which addresses issues such as infrastructure, curriculum development, management
reform, manpower policy, legislation, training and support services.
g. Review existing cultural facilities, establish whether there is a need for new
ones and reinvigorate the various avenues for cultural expression by January 2000.
h. Ensure a cadre of well-qualified teaching professionals, particularly Education
Officers, by providing educational programmes, in-service training, support services and
assistance in higher degree learning.
i. Ensure continuance of ongoing pilot programmes in primary, secondary and evening
schools.
j. Continue planned maintenance programme for all physical facilities.
k. Maintain a special educational facility for children with special needs.
l. Implement the OECS Education Reform Strategy by June 2001.
Responsibility for Action Plan:
Ministry of Education and Culture.
ENVIRONMENT
AIM
To preserve and enhance BVI’s environment and marine assets.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To identify the carrying capacity of
BVI’s natural resources.
- To guide the sustainable use of the
natural resources.
- To strengthen the legislative
framework, institutional capacity and implementation of effective programmes for:
- physical planning
and development control
- marine environment
conservation
- sewerage and waste
management
- preservation of
cultural heritage
- strengthening
environmental education
- To introduce enabling legislation to
implement the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species and the Convention on Biological
Diversity.
ACTION PLAN
a. Determine by December 1998
which environmental Conventions apply to BVI and develop a programme to implement them.
b. Formulate by June 1999 Sewerage and Waste Management policy guidelines.
c. Establish by June 1999 a general purpose environmental education programme for
the general public.
d. Review the Parks and Protected Areas System Plan by June 1999.
e. Improve implementation of the CITES Convention by strengthening relevant
legislation by June 1999.
f. Collaborate by December 1999 with international and regional organisations to
develop programmes identifying the carrying capacity of BVI’s natural resources,
guiding their sustainable use and strengthening their control, conservation, management
and preservation.
g. Review, update and strengthen legislation on physical planning and the
environment.
h. Develop a timetable by December 1998 for implementing measures under the Bonn
Convention and Biological Diversity Convention.
i. Strengthen environmental health control.
j. Assist in the establishment of a marine research centre by June 2000.
k. Develop by December 2001 a coastal zone management plan.
l. Develop by December 2001 a plan for environmental and fisheries protection with
the Police Marine Division and Customs Department.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour/Department of Conservation
and Fisheries/Solid Waste Department/Town and Country Planning Department.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
AIM
To promote a viable and properly regulated world-class financial services sector.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
To establish the
legislative and institutional framework in line with the highest internationally accepted
regulatory standards to allow the growth of diversified high-quality financial services
industry.
ACTION PLAN
a. Expand the company manager
legislation to provide for a mandatory code of practice by December 1998.
b. Introduce compulsory powers to extend regulator to regulator co-operation when
current financial services legislation is revisited later this year.
c. Prepare for and co-operate with the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF)
evaluation planned for July 1999.
d. Ensure that BVI meets the Basle Core Principles by early 1999, including the
transformation of the Financial Services Inspectorate into an independent statutory body
(ISB).
e. Ensure, if necessary through the hypothecation of revenue from the financial
services sector, that the ISB is properly resourced to the satisfaction of the Board.
f. Ensure, through training and a high quality recruitment policy, that the ISB is
properly staffed.
g. Consider studies, recommendations and funding for a Financial Services Building.
h. Consider the establishment of a bank deposit protection scheme for local
investors and make recommendations by March 1999.
i. Jointly with the Education Ministry, the Labour Department, the Deputy
Governor’s Office and the Attorney General and in consultation with local
associations connected with financial services, develop and consolidate by June 1999 plans
to ensure adequate delivery of specialised services in the financial services sector.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Ministry of Finance (Director of Financial Services)
Note: ACTION PLANS
d. AND e. TO BE THE SUBJECT OF FURTHER DISCUSSION.
HEALTH
AIM
To ensure the efficient and effective provision of health services.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To provide a well-managed, cost
effective and efficient primary and secondary health service.
- To realise a state of wellness among
nationals and residents based on the WHO’s definition of health.
- To ensure that the population is
able to gain access to appropriate and affordable medical treatment.
- To give high priority to
preventative medical services with emphasis on health, diet and nutrition education and
awareness.
- To provide an appropriate range of
services for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled.
- To strengthen environmental health
services.
ACTION PLAN
a. Develop assistance and
grant programmes for the care of the elderly by December 1998.
b. Revise the Health Management Information system by December 1998.
c. Develop by December 1998 policy guidelines addressing the problem of AIDS and
other STDs in line with best international practice.
d. Renovate clinics at North Sound and Anegada by December 1998 and upgrade clinic
at the Valley, Virgin Gorda and generally improve health services in the outer islands by
January 2000.
e. Extend Peebles Hospital by June 1999 and employ well-trained professional and
technical staff and provide modern and reliable equipment by June 2000.
f. Develop and implement a plan for the provision of specialist medical services by
June 1999.
g. Strengthen by June 1999 the operations of the Solid Waste Department in the area
of environmental health.
h. Determine the feasibility of establishing a National Health Insurance Scheme and
explore methods of implementation by June 1999.
i. Develop and implement protocols of care and clinical practice guidelines by June
1999.
j. Establish by June 1999 a proper management system for existing sports and
recreational facilities.
k. Develop by June 1999, with assistance from voluntary organisations, an integrated
sports programme to promote individual and team sports in schools and in the region.
l. Rationalise the operation of District Health Clinics by December 1999.
m. Consider studies, recommendations and funding for a new hospital complex with
modern facilities by December 1999.
n. Review and revise existing health legislation by December 1999.
o. Complete the Health Services Adjustment Project by January 2000.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Ministry of Health and Welfare
INFRASTRUCTURE
AIM
To provide social and economic infrastructure which is of good quality, cost effective and
meets the needs of integrated development.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To establish a transport sector
master plan in line with the public sector investment programme.
- To rationalise the management of
transport infrastructure.
- To rationalise public investment in
infrastructural services which may be provided by the private sector.
- To introduce planned maintenance for
all public structures and roads and provide the financial and human resources necessary to
sustain it.
- To extend water and sewerage
connections to the remaining major residential and commercial areas.
ACTION PLAN
a. Bring into force a modern
Building Code by December 1998.
b. Develop by December 1998 a policy on contracting out and privatization of public
services and continue to use the petty contracts system.
c. Develop and improve the Water and Sewerage Department and begin the
implementation of a long term plan for water and sewerage for the four major islands of
the Territory by January 1999.
e. Develop by June 1999 and implement an infrastructure maintenance plan for air,
land and sea transport.
e. Rehabilitate Queen Elizabeth II Bridge by June 1999.
f. Carry out by June 1999 a survey of Government assets in collaboration with the
Ministry of Finance.
g. Initiate by December 1999 a study into alternative sources of energy such as wind
and solar.
h. Complete major projects as follows:
- Blackburn Road and Drake’s
Highway by January 2001.
- Beef Island Airport terminal, runway
extension and apron upgrading by January 2001.
i. Continue Road Town
Improvement Scheme.
j. Consider studies, recommendations and funding for:
- improvements to Virgin Gorda airport
- resurfacing and improvement of
Anegada airport
- outstanding water distribution
projects
k. Develop by January
2001and implement a transport sector master plan.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Ministry of Communications and Works
INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS AND HUMAN
RIGHTS
(THIS SECTOR TO BE THE SUBJECT OF FURTHER DISCUSSION.)
LABOUR
AIM
To adapt labour policy to meet manpower and integrated development needs.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
To develop and maintain a
comprehensive and flexible labour policy which will:
- produce an efficient, well-educated
and well-trained labour force
- encourage the labour force to serve
as a catalyst for the development of the dominant industries of tourism, financial
services and government
- gradually reduce in a harmonious
manner the demand for foreign labour in selected categories
- To attain and maintain full
employment within the context of BVI’s overall macro-economic strategy and integrated
development plan.
ACTION PLAN
a. Review and
update the legal framework for the management and control of labour.
b. Complete the revision of the Labour Code by December 1998.
c. Develop by December 1998 a plan to allow the Financial Services Sector to have a
meaningful role in the processing of financial services work permits.
d. Develop and maintain a comprehensive and flexible labour policy by April 1999.
e. Integrate Labour and Immigration information systems by January 2000.
f. Set and accomplish by January 2001 targets for the reduction of foreign labour.
g. Provide incentives to encourage the return of trained nationals living abroad.
h. Provide further incentives for entrepreneurs.
i. Closely monitor and enforce the work permit regime.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour/Labour
Department/Immigration Department
LEGISLATURE AND DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
AIM
To improve the efficiency and accountability of Government and to maintain high standards
of good governance.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To complete the revision of the BVI
Constitution before the next election (due by May 1999).
- To ensure the effective operation of
the legislature and the democratic process.
- To assist in strengthening the role
of the Public Accounts and Expenditure Committees.
ACTION PLAN
a. Draft and approve the new
BVI Constitution by December 1998.
b. Complete the action to be taken by BVIG on the relevant recommendations in the
Constitutional Commissioners’ Report 1993.
c. Review by December 1998 the outcome of the study on election of members at large.
d. Consider the findings of the review on LegCo emoluments and implement an
acceptable package for members' entitlements by December 1998.
Responsibility for
Action Plan: Attorney General/Clerk of Legislative Council
MARITIME
AIM
To comply with internationally recognised shipping and maritime safety practices.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To achieve a self-reliant and
self-sustaining Category II Ship Survey, Inspection and Certification regime.
- To finalise and implement boundary
delimitation agreements.
ACTION PLAN
a. Implement the
recommendations of the "Hamilton Report" on Category II Shipping Registers and
Ferry Safety in the Overseas Territories.
b. Negotiate boundary delimitation agreement with Anguilla by December 1998.
c. Establish a regulatory framework designed to achieve a greater degree of safety
and reduce the number of marine accidents.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Ministry of Communications and Works
PENAL REFORM
AIM
To provide internationally acceptable standards and practices of custodial care.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
To maintain a
substantive penal reform programme, including the management and training of prison staff,
with particular reference to ensuring awareness of, and compliance with, international
human rights obligations as they affect the treatment of offenders.
ACTION PLAN
a. Revise prison rules in
accordance with European and UN minimum standards by December 1998.
b. Consider by December 1998 whether there is a case for building a juvenile
facility and, if necessary, agree implementation plan.
c. Consider by June 1998 whether there should be alternatives to custodial sentences
and, if necessary, introduce amending legislation.
d. Implement an annual programme of prison officer training for all grades of prison
staff, as from January 1999.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Ministry of Health, Education and Welfare
POLICE
AIM
To maintain an efficient and effective police force.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
To ensure that the police force is
properly staffed and resourced.
ACTION PLAN
a. Agree implementation plan
arising out of police review by December 1998.
b. Develop and implement a policy for replacement and maintenance of police vehicles
and other assets.
c. Maintain and strengthen effective liaison and participation in the Overseas
Territories Regional Criminal Intelligence System (OTRCIS).
d. Continue to improve disaster management, including disaster preparedness,
disaster response capability, disaster mitigation plans and recovery.
e. Institute a police training programme to provide awareness of, and compliance
with, international human rights obligations.
f. Ensure that the Police Marine Division, including its air branch, is fully
staffed and resourced and that the police aircraft and patrol vessels are properly
maintained and utilised to the best advantage.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Commissioner of Police
POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION
AIM
To achieve and maintain the optimal population size within the context of BVI’s
overall macro-economic strategy and integrated development needs.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To monitor closely and control the
population growth.
- To continue to monitor closely and
control the flow of immigration.
- To encourage the nuclear family
environment.
- To avoid ethnic grouping.
- To aspire towards a population of
top quality.
- To provide the DPU with adequate
data.
ACTION PLAN
a. Develop by June 1999
a programme to educate the community about:
- the advantages of limiting family
sizes and of the nuclear family
- population issues, particularly
those relating to health and education
- family planning
- the availability of education and
health services
b. Develop by June 1999
and maintain a programme which encourages the integration of all ethnic and island groups.
c. Promote family planning.
d. Develop by January 2000 and maintain a National Population Policy.
e. Develop by January 2000 and maintain a fair and realistic Immigration
Policy and procedures within the Immigration Department which are consistent with the
Constitution, the laws of the BVI and BVI’s international human rights
obligations.
f. Develop and maintain a programme of co-operation between the DPU and the
providers of raw data, supported by a Statistical Act.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Chief Minister’s Office and the Chief Immigration Officer
working jointly with the Governor (in respect of his public service management
responsibilities) and the Attorney General (in respect of the law and BVI’s
international human rights obligations).
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
AIM
To develop and maintain a well-structured, efficient public service to ensure the prompt
delivery of services in support of BVIG policies.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To institute a comprehensive public
sector development programme to improve personnel management, service delivery and
performance standards through structural and management reform, training, and a soundly
based pay and manpower policy.
- To maintain employment costs of the
public sector at less than 50% of recurrent expenditure.
ACTION PLAN
a. Establish a public sector
development planning and co-ordination committee by December 1998 to manage the reform
process.
b. Implement from December 1998 the Performance Management Programme, particularly
the merit and reward system.
c. Institute a rolling programme of job evaluation and efficiency reviews in all
government departments from December 1998 leading up to a comprehensive salary and grading
review in 1999.
d. Institute a training initiative to strengthen all areas of management by December
1998.
e. Develop succession plans for all sectors of the public service by December 1998.
f. Introduce legislation for a new pension scheme by December 1998.
g. Take the first steps by December 1998 to institute a comprehensive programme of
records management, including the establishment of National Archives.
h. Revise the Public Service Commission Regulations by March 1999.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Office of the Deputy Governor
PUBLIC FINANCE
AIM
To develop a soundly based economy, which allows BVIG to provide appropriate economic and
social services, through prudent financial management and budgetary control techniques.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
To develop a medium term economic
strategy which will incorporate agreed policies on:
- Revenue enhancement
- Borrowing and debt management
- Contingency reserves
- Public sector investment programme
- To develop and maintain sound
financial and budgetary controls buttressed by effective internal audit and management
information systems without stifling the economy.
- To introduce appropriate risk
management techniques, including insurance and asset maintenance programmes in order to
contain BVIG and UK contingent liabilities.
ACTION PLAN
a. Agree terms of reference
for a consultancy by December 1998 to assist in developing a medium term economic
strategy.
b. Agree terms of reference for a consultancy by December 1998 to assist in
developing a public sector investment programme.
c. Target recurrent surpluses at 3% of GDP.
d. Maintain reserves at a level equivalent to at least four months of recurrent
expenditure.
e. Increase the emergency/disaster relief fund to $1.5m by March 1999.
f. Recover 33% of revenue arrears by March 1999.
g. Revise finance and audit legislation by December 1999.
h. Bring government accounts up to date and clear backlog of statutory body accounts
by March 1999.
i. Introduce programme budgeting from January 2000.
j. Strengthen internal audit unit and implement structured work-plan; value for
money (VFM) audits to start from January 2000.
k. Restrict government borrowing to a level where loan repayments do not exceed 3%
of the previous year’s revenue and agree a threshold with HMG above which clearance
for borrowing will be obtained.
l. Ensure that all government information systems are year 2000 compliant and
institute remedial action by December 1998.
m. Review recommendations of the May risk management study and develop a
comprehensive risk management strategy.
n. Improve accountability by ensuring that all ExCo papers which have financial
implications contain Financial Secretary’s comments.
o. Improve controls over supplementary appropriations, in particular by heightening
the awareness of accounting officers to their role.
p. Bring into force the Customs Duties Act by December 1998.
q. Undergo a World Customs Organisation (WCO) "Customs Reform and Modernisation
Review" programme and implement recommendations.
r. Implement the automated system for Customs data (ASYCUDA) by March 1999.
s. Institute by December 1998 a programme for the disposal of assets forfeited to
BVIG under drugs legislation.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Ministry of Finance
TOURISM
AIM
To develop tourism on a sustainable basis with minimal environmental degradation in such a
way as to stimulate the economy for the benefit of BV Islanders while preserving their
heritage and culture.
OBJECTIVES
1998-2001
- To establish a framework for tourism
policies and programmes which addresses economic, social, cultural, environmental and
spatial issues.
- To enhance the institutional
capacity at the national level effectively to manage the tourism industry.
- To deepen and widen the tourism
product in new and established markets.
- To provide the direction whereby the
competitiveness of the tourism industry can be maintained.
- To provide a framework for
increasing the involvement of BV Islanders in the tourism industry.
- To emphasise the roles of heritage
and culture in the promotion of tourism.
ACTION PLAN
a. Implement immediately the
agreed recommendations in the Coopers and Lybrand Tourism Report 1996.
b. Review by January 1999 the outstanding recommendations in the Cruiseship Study
1992 and implement the agreed recommendations.
c. Implement short-term promotional measures in key tourism sectors to ensure
increased arrivals during the 1998/99 season.
d. Encourage BV Islanders to develop small hotels, guest houses, villas and rental
homes.
Responsibility
for Action Plan: Ministry of Tourism
|
The