Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the UK government would support the investigation, announced by the territory’s governor, of “deeply worrying” allegations, including political interference, intimidation and serious organized crime.
Governor Gus Jaspert made the announcement on Monday after allegedly returning to the Caribbean islands, which are British overseas territory, after a period of leave in the United Kingdom.
Mr Raab said he agreed to the investigation after serious concerns were raised with Mr Jaspert.
They included allegations of “political interference and coercion” in relation to public appointments, the criminal justice system and individual criminal cases.
In a written statement from Commons, Raab said it had been alleged that public officials, community leaders and media people were so intimidated that they spoke of living in a “climate of fear”.
It was claimed that the funds set aside for families in difficulty during the pandemic were “reallocated to political allies”, while government contracts were awarded without any proper procurement process.
There was also concern about the misuse of taxpayers ‘money in infrastructure projects and the islands’ “potential vulnerability” to serious organized crime.
These concerns were highlighted last November with the seizure of more than two tons of cocaine worth almost £ 190 million.
“The UK is extremely concerned about the state of good governance in the British Virgin Islands,” said Raab.
“A number of consistent and deeply worrying concerns have been raised by the local institutions and the community to the governor.
“The UK government is responsible for ensuring the security and good governance of BVI.
“We have a constitutional and moral duty to protect the interests of the BVI people. We cannot ignore these serious claims.
“The commission will investigate whether there is information to substantiate allegations that corruption, abuse of position and serious impropriety have occurred in public office in recent years and will make recommendations.”
Mr Raab said that the commission’s inquiry will be conducted by Sir Gary Hickinbottom, who will have the powers of a superior court judge when it comes to gathering evidence in the territory.
He said he expected Sir Gary to deliver his report to the governor within six months.
Additional press association reporting