Gov’t seeks public input on proposed Sexual
The Government of the Virgin Islands has launched a territory-wide consultation on the proposed Sexual Offences Bill, 2025, inviting residents and stakeholders to review the Discussion Paper and submit feedback by 31 March 2026. BVI News has separately reported the launch and posted the draft Bill and Discussion Paper on its website; the government says submissions and upcoming public consultation sessions will inform revisions before the Bill goes to Cabinet and the House of Assembly.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has opened a Territory-wide public consultation on the proposed Sexual Offences Bill, 2025 and is inviting residents and stakeholders to review the Discussion Paper and submit feedback, the Ministry of Health and Social Development said in a government press release.
The draft Bill aims to modernise and consolidate existing sexual offences laws. According to the government, it updates measures addressing rape and sexual assault, child sexual abuse, abuse of positions of trust, human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The proposal also seeks to address online offences such as the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and to include specific protections for persons with mental disorders.
The Bill would strengthen evidential rules, clarify the statutory definition of consent, enhance anonymity protections for complainants and introduce penalties intended to reflect the seriousness of these offences, the press release states. Health and Social Development Minister Honourable Vincent O.
Wheatley said the Bill is a major step toward stronger protections for vulnerable people and survivors. "This Bill represents a significant step forward in strengthening protections for children, vulnerable persons, and survivors of sexual violence in the Virgin Islands," Wheatley said, adding that "legislation of this importance must be shaped by the people it serves." He urged residents, advocacy groups, legal professionals, faith-based organisations, and young people to review the Discussion Paper and submit feedback.
Permanent Secretary Tasha Bertie reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to an open consultation. "The Ministry is committed to a transparent and inclusive consultation process. We are seeking practical feedback on the clarity of the definitions, the appropriateness of the penalties, and the overall balance between victim protection and the rights of the accused," Bertie said.
She added that public submissions will inform revisions to the Bill before it is presented to Cabinet and later to the House of Assembly. Local media outlet BVI News has also published coverage of the consultation and made the proposed Sexual Offences Bill, 2025 and the Discussion Paper available on its website, giving residents another way to view the draft legislation, the outlet reported.
Members of the public may submit comments by email to ministryofhealth@gov.vg or by mail to: Virgin Islands Sexual Offences Bill Review, Ministry of Health and Social Development, Vorinica's House of Commerce, Long Bush, Tortola, Virgin Islands. The Ministry says public consultation sessions will be announced shortly.
Copies of the Discussion Paper and the proposed Bill are available at the Ministry of Health and Social Development for review. The deadline for submissions is 31 March 2026. For further information, residents can contact the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Information Officer I, at (284) 468-4138 or FRandall@gov.vg.
Officials encourage wide participation to help shape the Territory’s legal response to sexual violence and to ensure the final law reflects community needs while safeguarding victims' rights.
Primary source: BVI Government