Fraser: HOA Not Seeking More Power
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has rejected claims that members of the House of Assembly are trying to expand their own authority through the constitutional review process, saying proposed changes are meant to empower the people of the Virgin Islands. Fraser spoke during a public engagement in Virgin Gorda as the territory prepares for upcoming negotiations with the United Kingdom on constitutional reform.
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has dismissed suggestions that members of the House of Assembly (HOA) are pursuing constitutional changes for personal gain, insisting the aim is to strengthen local authority and empower residents across the Virgin Islands. Speaking during a public engagement on constitutional negotiations in Virgin Gorda, Fraser said the HOA spent months examining the Constitutional Review Commission's report and produced a consolidated negotiating position after debating the recommendations "term of reference by term of reference." He told residents elected representatives were focused on advancing the territory rather than expanding their own power. "There are people who question whether or not the House of Assembly has this right," Fraser said, defending the legislature's role in reviewing and amending the Commission's recommendations.
He argued that elected members are legitimate voices for the territory, noting the number of votes they received compared with attendance at the Commission's public consultations. Addressing criticism that reforms are designed to boost politicians' authority, Fraser said: "I don't think there's a single soul in the House of Assembly today who is thinking about empowering themselves.
I think all of us are more concerned about empowering the people of the territory than we are about empowering ourselves." He also referenced accusations of corruption that some have used to question the motives behind the reform push. Fraser positioned constitutional advancement as a means to give the BVI greater control over its own affairs.
He cited other British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies — including Bermuda and the Cayman Islands — as examples of jurisdictions that enjoy broader powers and fewer UK-imposed restrictions. Linking the constitutional debate to practical concerns, the Deputy Premier said current governance arrangements can complicate major projects such as airport expansion, which often require UK approval.
He argued that reforms could remove hurdles to local development and decision-making. The government expects constitutional negotiations to begin in the coming months, with an initial round of discussions to be held in the Virgin Islands before further talks in the United Kingdom.
Fraser urged residents to consider the territory's long-term interests and "rally behind the recommended amendments," while the HOA and government prepare to represent the agreed negotiating positions. As negotiations proceed, residents can expect updates and further public engagements as the territory seeks to balance local aspirations with the responsibilities of a British Overseas Territory.
Primary source: BVI News