People in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) on Monday protested outside the official residence of Governor John Rankin against the recommendations of a report of a Commission of Inquiry that examined allegations of corruption and abuse of office by elected and statutory officials.
The Commission of Inquiry has outlined several recommendations including that the British Virgin Islands government cease to exist in its current format for at least two years.
The residents took to the streets shouting, "A people united will never be divided!" as they called for Britain to allow the status quo to continue.
One of the protesters, Bishop John Cline, said while the islanders acknowledge that there are some faults, there would push back against the move.
The protest coincides with meetings involving UK Overseas Territories Minister Amanda Milling and local stakeholders on the report.
The talks started on Saturday.
OECS
Leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are also opposed to moves by the United Kingdom to impose direct rule on the British Virgin Islands.
Grenada's Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who chaired a meeting of the sub-regional leaders on Monday, said they are of the view that they cannot support the move by London.
Dr. Mitchell is chair of the sub-regional grouping that consists of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts-Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla and the BVI.
The leaders say the decision by the British in the 21st century, is similar to what was done years ago in other countries.
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