BVI to Begin Constitutional Talks 2026
The Government of the Virgin Islands has secured UK agreement to start formal constitutional negotiations in the first quarter of 2026, Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley announced after the Joint Ministerial Council in London. The move follows the House of Assembly's Committee Report on Constitutional Advancement and is expected to lead to a new Constitution and a bilateral compact with the United Kingdom.
The Virgin Islands will enter formal constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom in early 2026, Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley announced during a government press conference on Friday after attending the recent Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London. "We secured agreement to begin formal constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom early in 2026," Premier Wheatley said, describing the development as an important milestone that will allow the Territory to advance recommendations from its own House of Assembly and continue building a more self-reliant jurisdiction.
As part of the next steps, the Premier said he will soon lay the Committee of the House’s Report on Constitutional Advancement on the Table of the House of Assembly. That report will be forwarded to the UK’s Overseas Territories Minister, after which a negotiating team for the Virgin Islands will be appointed.
The talks are expected to culminate in a new Constitution and a bilateral compact setting out cooperation between the Territory and the United Kingdom over coming years. In a related update, the UK Government has confirmed the Virgin Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) Order 2022 is expected to be formally revoked in March 2026, subject to completion of required UK constitutional and Privy Council procedures.
The revocation is linked to the broader constitutional process and the planned negotiations. Security and law enforcement were central themes at the JMC. The Virgin Islands secured additional support from the UK Home Office for anti-violence and anti-gang programmes, and additional funding was obtained in the 2026 UK budget to strengthen local law enforcement agencies, including Customs and Immigration.
On fiscal matters, delegates reached a constructive, in-principle agreement to reduce the mandated liquidity ratio — the minimum reserve of cash and short-term assets — from 25% to 20% of recurrent revenue. The Territory also pushed for reforms to strengthen the public service, governance systems, youth development programmes and engagement with the diaspora.
For residents, the process signals a concerted effort by local leaders to translate governance reforms into concrete constitutional change and greater self-determination, while securing practical support for security and public services. The Premier’s Office emphasised its role in coordinating these cross-sectoral policies to promote sustainable development, transparency and trust as negotiations proceed.
The Government of the Virgin Islands said it remains committed to good governance and a stable, prosperous society as the Territory prepares for the negotiations and subsequent steps that will shape its constitutional future.
Primary source: BVI Government