Premier addresses UK House of Lords Constitution
Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley appeared before the UK House of Lords Constitution Committee on 11 February to give evidence for its review of the 2023 UK–Overseas Territories Joint Declaration, outlining the Virgin Islands’ priorities on governance, climate finance and security. The Premier praised the Joint Declaration but called for consistent implementation and urged the UK to update its Overseas Territories White Paper (last published in 2012) so the Declaration’s principles are better reflected in policy and practice.
Wheatley appeared before the United Kingdom House of Lords Constitution Committee on Wednesday, 11 February to give evidence as part of the Committee’s review of the 2023 UK–Overseas Territories Joint Declaration, the Government of the Virgin Islands said in a press release issued by Angela U Burns, Information Officer II, Premier’s Office.
The Joint Declaration, described by the Government as a framework for a “modern partnership” grounded in shared democratic values, human rights and the rule of law, was the central focus of the inquiry into whether current engagement mechanisms between the UK and its Overseas Territories support partnership, accountability and good governance (Government of the Virgin Islands).
In his statement to the Committee, Premier Wheatley commended the Joint Declaration for guiding a modern, progressive partnership between the UK and the Overseas Territories, but he stressed that its success depends on consistent implementation across all areas of joint responsibility.
He told the Committee that translating commitments in the Declaration into measurable progress for residents must be the next phase of the relationship (Government of the Virgin Islands). Joining other Overseas Territory representatives, Dr Wheatley also urged that the UK White Paper on the Overseas Territories — last published in 2012 — be updated to reflect recent global events and constitutional developments within the Territories.
BVI News reported that he said such an update is essential to ensure the Declaration’s principles are more fully reflected in UK policy and practice. Climate vulnerability was a major focus of the Premier’s testimony. Referencing the devastating impact of the 2017 hurricanes, he warned that the Virgin Islands remain highly exposed to extreme weather, rising seas and other climate risks.
The Premier highlighted ongoing barriers to accessing international climate finance, specifically naming the UN Adaptation Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund for Developing Countries, and he urged that Overseas Territories not be disadvantaged within those mechanisms so they can secure the resources needed to mitigate and adapt to future events (Government of the Virgin Islands; BVI News).
Security concerns also featured prominently. Dr Wheatley noted the Territory’s strategic position between North and South America and its consequential role in the fight against transnational crime networks. He called for improved collaboration with the UK to reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen security frameworks and more effectively combat illicit cross-border activity to safeguard communities and uphold law and order (Government of the Virgin Islands).
After his appearance, the Premier said he was “honoured to give evidence to the House of Lords Constitution Committee” and welcomed the opportunity to place the Virgin Islands’ perspective on record and to engage constructively with Committee members, a sentiment reported in the Government’s release and by BVI News.
The Government of the Virgin Islands said Dr Wheatley’s testimony formally places the Territory’s priorities on record as the review proceeds and as discussions on UK policy and practical support continue. The session included representatives from several other Overseas Territories, reinforcing shared priorities on engagement and governance within the UK–OT constitutional framework (BVI News; Government of the Virgin Islands).
Primary source: BVI Government