House Tables Constitutional Review Report
The Fifth House of Assembly today received and tabled 'A Report of the Committee of the Whole House', setting out the House's deliberations on the Constitutional Review Commission (2022–2023) report during the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly. According to a Government press release, Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley described the document as the House's collective, progressive negotiation position and invited members of the public to engage as the report moves through legislative procedures.
The House of Assembly today received a formal report summarising the Fifth House's deliberations on the Constitutional Review Commission (2022–2023) report. Natalio Wheatley laid in the House what is titled 'A Report of the Committee of the Whole House' during the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, a step the Government describes as a pivotal moment in the constitutional review process (BVI Government press release).
The tabling presents the collective position reached by the democratically elected members of the House after lengthy and in-depth consideration of the Commission's 2022–2023 findings and recommendations. The Government says the document provides a comprehensive summary of the Commission's recommendations and reflects extensive consultations aimed at strengthening governance, enhancing democratic processes, and addressing key priorities identified by residents across the Virgin Islands.
Premier Wheatley told the House that the Committee's work produced a negotiation position that is "progressive, forward looking, and transformative." He said, according to the official release, that "by tabling this report today, we commit to transparent dialogue and meaningful reforms that uphold our shared values and aspirations as a people." The Premier characterised the report as the House's collective stance after detailed deliberations on the Commission's recommendations (BVI Government).
Officials emphasise that tabling the Committee report does not itself change the constitution. Instead, it marks the next phase of a process that may include further parliamentary debate, public consultations and formal legislative steps before any constitutional amendments could be finalised.
The Government also says the Committee report will guide the territory's negotiation position as it considers possible reforms. Members of the House of Assembly and members of the public are invited to read and engage with the report as it advances through legislative proceedings.
The full Committee of the Whole House report has been attached to the Government's press release and is available from the House of Assembly; the press release refers to the report file hoa_report_crc_deliberations_2026_final.pdf and to the House's social channels for further information (BVI Government).
For enquiries, Giovanni Herbert, Public Relations Officer, House of Assembly, can be contacted at 1 (284) 468-6909 or gherbert@gov.vg. International media enquiries may be directed to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. General government services and appointments are available by calling 1 (284) 468-3701 or using the Government of the Virgin Islands' virtual booking system, the Government release notes.
For residents, the tabling is a key development that could influence the territory's governance framework. Community groups, civil society organisations and individuals are encouraged to review the Committee's findings and to participate in upcoming consultations and debates so their views can help shape any future constitutional changes.
Primary source: BVI Government