Premier Denies Push For Independence
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has rejected Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn’s claim that the government is quietly pressing for independence without public approval. Wheatley says the constitutional review is a collective House of Assembly effort aimed at securing full internal self-government and that a report will be tabled for public release ahead of planned talks with the UK.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has pushed back against recent comments by Opposition Leader Hon. Myron Walwyn, who alleged the government was advancing independence without a clear mandate from the people. At a press conference on October 23, Mr Walwyn noted that the Constitutional Review Commission had produced 54 recommendations and said the government’s debate had largely centred on independence.
Speaking at his own press briefing last week, Dr Wheatley rejected that characterisation and said the constitutional process has been a collective effort by all members of the House of Assembly. “I must express my disappointment in the last press conference of the Leader of the Opposition, Hon.
Myron Walwyn, which in my view sought to politicise the constitutional process,” the Premier said. He added that a committee of the House had taken a position on next steps to self-determination that Mr Walwyn’s comments did not accurately reflect. Dr Wheatley said committee discussions have concluded and that a report on the constitution will soon be tabled for public release.
He said the position of House members has been “clearly and widely communicated” — that the Virgin Islands should be pursuing a constitution providing for full internal self-government. The Premier emphasised the importance of presenting a united local position ahead of negotiations with the United Kingdom. “Our constitutional process must be free of partisan politics and the likelihood of success is enhanced with uniformity of our position,” he said, noting he will shortly name members of the BVI’s negotiating delegation.
Dr Wheatley also said he will propose dates and a framework for talks in an upcoming bilateral meeting with UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, David Doughty. The timing and composition of the delegation were not disclosed at the press conference. For residents, the distinction between full internal self-government and independence matters.
Full internal self-government is generally understood to mean greater local control over domestic affairs while some responsibilities — often external affairs, defence and certain reserved powers — remain with the UK. Any change in status would require negotiated agreements with the UK and a clear public mandate.
Legislators across the BVI broadly support greater autonomy, but differ on how much distance to seek from the United Kingdom. The Premier has framed the immediate task as producing a clearly communicated local position and advancing negotiations without partisan divisions; further public engagement and details on next steps are expected when the constitutional report is tabled.
Primary source: BVI News