Farara: Devolution Drove VI Progress
Justice Farara told a public engagement in Virgin Gorda that the Constitution is the Virgin Islands’ most important legal instrument and that major social and political advances have followed the devolution of power to local elected representatives. He urged residents to read and understand the Constitution and reminded the public that further consultations will continue, with the next session set for June 7 in Anegada.
Justice Farara told residents at a public engagement in Virgin Gorda on May 26, 2026, that the Constitution is the Virgin Islands’ “most important and most fundamental legal instrument” and that the territory made its greatest strides when authority was devolved to local people and elected representatives.
Speaking during a meeting organised by the negotiating team, Farara stressed that the Constitution establishes the legal framework and the legislative, executive and judicial institutions that underpin development and democratic governance. “Rest assured that it is the foundational document from a legal point of view of this democracy, and all the other laws in some fashion spring from the Constitution,” he said.
Farara criticised the tendency for some people to view the Constitution abstractly and urged greater public engagement with its provisions. “Most people don’t pay attention to it in terms of reading it or in terms of trying to understand some of its most important provisions,” he said, noting that clear delineation of the functions of government branches is essential for citizens to grasp the document’s importance.
Linking constitutional clarity to social and political progress, Farara referred to findings in both the 2007 and 2024 Constitution Review Committee reports. He said the historical record shows “major advancement in the Virgin Islands has occurred when there has been significant evolution of executive and legislative responsibility and power to the people and elected representatives.” He added that while the United Kingdom has provided assistance at times, local devolution has been critical to the territory’s growth.
The remarks come as part of a wider series of public consultations led by the negotiating team to discuss constitutional matters and related governance issues. Organisers say the sessions are intended to explain legal provisions to the public and gather community feedback that can inform any proposed changes or negotiations.
The next public engagement is scheduled for June 7, 2026, at the Emile Dunlop Community Centre in Anegada beginning at 2:00 P.M. Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions and read the Constitution so they can participate knowledgeably in discussions about the future shape of local government and rights under the law.
Citizens who want more information about the consultation schedule or background materials should check announcements from the negotiating team and local government offices ahead of the Anegada session.
Primary source: VINO