Whistleblowers in VI to be Rewarded 10% of Money Recovered

Breaking News: Premier Fahie Announces New Whistleblowers Act

Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands (VI) - A proposed Whistleblowers Act 2021 is set to revolutionize the way whistleblowers are rewarded and protected in the VI. According to Premier Andrew A. Fahie, those who come forward with information that leads to the recovery of money can expect a reward of up to 10% of the cash.

Background

The Whistleblowers Act 2021 was introduced and received its first reading at the House of Assembly (HoA) on March 4, 2021. The legislation aims to encourage whistleblowing in the territory by providing a reward structure for those who come forward with information that leads to investigations or prosecutions.

Key Provisions

• Whistleblowers will be protected from victimisation and can receive a cash reward of up to 10% of the money recovered, or an amount determined by the Governor after consultation with Cabinet.
• The Whistleblowers Fund, which will be established to provide rewards to those who come forward, will consist of voluntary contributions and other allocated funds.
• Whistleblowers can also claim reimbursement for expenses incurred during investigations, which must be approved by the Accountant General.

Benefits

The introduction of the Whistleblowers Act is seen as a major step towards promoting transparency and accountability in the VI. It is expected to encourage more individuals to come forward with information that can lead to investigations and prosecutions.

Timeline

• The Minister responsible for the fund, with the approval of Cabinet, will determine how the disbursements are made.
• Payments will be made within three months from the date of approval.

The Whistleblowers Act is a campaign promise of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Administration and aims to provide a framework for individuals to disclose information that relates to unlawful or corrupt practices without fear of victimisation.