Sister Islands to Host Constitution Talks as
The Government of the Virgin Islands will take constitutional reform discussions to the sister islands next week with three public sessions for residents to review proposed amendments and give feedback (Government of the Virgin Islands). Separately, the Territory has secured UK agreement to begin high-level constitutional negotiations expected in 2026, a step Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley described as 'an important milestone' in the Territory's democratic development (Guavaberry).
The Government of the Virgin Islands is taking its constitutional reform discussions to the sister islands next week, giving residents a direct opportunity to review proposed amendments and share their views ahead of formal talks with the United Kingdom (source: Government of the Virgin Islands).
Members of the Constitutional Negotiating Committee (CNC) will hold three public sessions for residents to discuss proposed amendments to the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, field questions and provide feedback. The scheduled meetings are: Tuesday, 26 May at the Catholic Community Centre on Virgin Gorda from 5:30 p.m.; Thursday, 28 May at the Methodist Church on Jost Van Dyke at 10:30 a.m.; and Friday, 29 May at the Emile Dunlop Community Centre on Anegada from 10:00 a.m. (source: Government of the Virgin Islands).
The consultations form part of a wider, planned process since the House of Assembly approved the establishment of the CNC. Government briefings have emphasised that the committee will ensure the Virgin Islands is properly represented in discussions with the UK as the Territory seeks to modernise its constitutional framework (source: Government of the Virgin Islands).
In London at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), the Virgin Islands secured agreement from the UK Government to commence formal constitutional negotiations, with the high-level talks expected to begin in 2026, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley confirmed (source: Guavaberry). According to the Premier, the talks will focus on constitutional modernisation, greater internal self-governance, and the future political relationship between the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom in the aftermath of the Commission of Inquiry reforms (source: Guavaberry).
Officials say the negotiations will build on recommendations from the House of Assembly and the Constitutional Review Commission and will be grounded in the 2007 Constitution Order, which anticipated a review after 10 years (source: Guavaberry). The move follows years of political tension after the 2022 Commission of Inquiry report and the subsequent Order in Council that was later revoked when the Territory completed COI-related governance benchmarks.
The Government has also moved to secure international legal support for the negotiations, engaging Sir Jeffrey Jowell, KC of Blackstone Chambers in London, to assist the Attorney General's Chambers. Premier Wheatley said external counsel was chosen to provide focused legal expertise; Sir Jeffrey Jowell has prior experience with constitutional talks for other Overseas Territories (source: Guavaberry).
The CNC comprises government ministers, opposition representatives, legal experts and members of the Constitutional Review Commission and will formally represent the Territory during discussions with UK officials (source: Guavaberry). Preparatory work is already underway, including submission of constitutional recommendations to the UK’s Minister for Overseas Territories, and officials say discussions may explore a new bilateral compact outlining mutual responsibilities and cooperation mechanisms (source: Guavaberry).
The Premier's Office will coordinate communications and cross-sectoral policies during the review, and the Government has pledged a coordinated communications strategy to keep the public informed. Residents who cannot attend in person are advised to follow official updates and may contact central services to book appointments or request information: (284) 468-3701 or BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com.
A virtual booking system and a WhatsApp line at 1 (284) 468-9760 are also available (source: Government of the Virgin Islands). Officials stress that the consultations are an opportunity for residents to raise practical concerns about governance, rights and the balance of local autonomy with responsibilities under the constitutional arrangement, and that the outcome of the talks could shape the Territory's governance for decades to come (sources: Government of the Virgin Islands; Guavaberry).
Primary source: BVI Government