Alliance Seeks Public Input on Constitution
Opposition members of the Alliance have launched a public consultation on more than 50 recommendations from the Constitutional Review Commission, urging Virgin Islanders to submit feedback before the House of Assembly resumes debate on October 13, 2025. The questionnaire, available via the Alliance VI Facebook page and district offices, covers issues from term limits and recall provisions to an Integrity Commission and rights protections.
Opposition members of the Alliance have opened a public consultation inviting residents to comment on the Constitutional Review Commission's recommendations ahead of the House of Assembly's scheduled debate next week. The initiative is being led by Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn together with Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull and Territorial At Large Representative Stacy ‘Buddha’ Mather.
The group says the constitution belongs to every Virgin Islander and urged the public to make their voices heard during the committee stage of the review, which begins when the House reconvenes on Monday, October 13, 2025. The Alliance has published an online questionnaire that summarises more than 50 recommendations from the Commission.
Residents are encouraged to access the form through the Alliance VI Facebook page or request an electronic copy at any Alliance district office. The survey asks for views on a wide range of proposals, including boosting transparency and public participation, introducing recall provisions for elected officials, imposing term limits on the Premier, and creating an independent Integrity Commission.
Other recommendations open to comment include setting fixed schedules for the House of Assembly, amending the preamble to be more inclusive, establishing a Human Rights Commission, and legislating administrative and financial independence for oversight bodies. The consultation also poses constitutional questions about the right to education, the political participation of public servants, the administration and management of Crown lands, and proposals relating to self-determination.
The Constitutional Review Commission’s report, presented earlier this year, called for measures to strengthen democratic governance, clarify the separation of powers between the Executive and Legislature, enhance accountability, and increase citizen involvement in national decision-making.
For residents, potential changes could affect everyday matters such as access to education rights, how Crown lands are managed, and the balance of oversight over public institutions and officials. The Alliance said public input is essential before lawmakers vote on which recommendations to accept, amend or reject. “Let your opinion count,” the group urged.
Residents who want to weigh in should complete the online questionnaire or visit an Alliance district office for an electronic copy of the full recommendations ahead of the House debate next week.
Primary source: BVI News