Respect BVI Autonomy
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn used a special House of Assembly sitting to warn UK officials that talk of suspending parts of the Virgin Islands Constitution is deeply troubling and undermines local self-governance. He also cautioned against a fully public beneficial ownership register, saying such moves could harm the BVI's economy and privacy protections.
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn told a visiting senior UK official that the British Virgin Islands’ autonomy must be respected and protected, describing recent signals of possible constitutional intervention as "deeply troubling." Speaking at a special House of Assembly sitting convened to welcome Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Walwyn said the territory’s expectations have evolved after 75 years of parliamentary democracy.
Walwyn used the rare opportunity to address Sir Lindsay directly and remind UK representatives that the constitution is more than a legal text. "A constitution is not merely a legal document. It is the foundation of our democracy — the embodiment of the people’s will," he said, warning that the suggestion parts of the constitution could be suspended even temporarily raises fundamental questions about the limits of local self-governance.
The Sixth District representative argued that suspending constitutional protections would interrupt the democratic compact between citizens and their elected representatives and described such a step as among the most drastic measures against a democratic society. Instead, he urged reform, partnership and capacity-building to address institutional weaknesses while preserving representative authority.
Walwyn also linked constitutional partnership to the territory’s economic foundations, making financial services central to the conversation on autonomy. He warned against the UK’s push for a fully public register of beneficial ownership for BVI-registered companies, saying the territory already complies with international standards through regulated verification and exchange of ownership information with competent authorities.
Moving to an open public register, Walwyn said, would represent a fundamental shift that could harm privacy, commercial confidence and the BVI’s competitive standing. He called for proportionate reforms that balance global transparency objectives with economic sustainability, noting that the financial services sector underpins government revenue, jobs and livelihoods for many residents.
Despite his firm stance, Walwyn spoke respectfully of Sir Lindsay, suggesting the UK Speaker could advocate for the territory "in the corridors of power." Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley also thanked Hoyle for his longstanding advocacy for overseas territories and for fostering constructive channels between the UK Parliament and small jurisdictions facing complex constitutional and economic challenges.
Walwyn’s remarks underline a growing local demand for greater trust in BVI institutions and for consultations that consider the territory’s unique economic and social realities as London pursues international reform agendas.
Primary source: BVI News