British Virgin Islands will be placed under the control of London

In the context of corruption allegations against the government of the British Virgin Islands, calls were made for the overseas territory to be placed under direct control of London. An investigative report into corruption and abuse of power in his government was released on Friday following the arrest of British Virgin Islands Prime Minister Andrew Fahie.

The report, written by a British judge, recommended dismissing the government and placing the archipelago under the control of Governor John Rankin, who was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II at the suggestion of the British government, for two years. The report said it needed “major legislative and constitutional changes”.

The investigation had been launched prior to Fahie’s arrest, and publication of the final report was brought forward due to current developments.

London is ‘extremely concerned’

Fahie was arrested Thursday at an airport in Miami, Florida. He is accused of drug trafficking and money laundering. The head of the British Overseas Port Authority in the Caribbean, Oleanvine Maynard, was also arrested. The two reportedly agreed to accept money from undercover officers posing as Mexican drug dealers. They were taken to a judge on Friday.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Fahie’s arrest was “extremely worrying and underscores the urgent need for action”. She announced a visit to the Virgin Islands by Foreign Minister Amanda Milling.