Wheatley Hails Order Revocation Victory
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley called the UK’s revocation of the 2022 Order in Council a "national victory," saying it ends a period of constitutional uncertainty and affirms the BVI’s ability to govern itself. The revocation, formalised in March 2026, follows a programme of governance reforms and reports of substantial implementation of Commission of Inquiry recommendations.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has described the United Kingdom’s decision to revoke the 2022 Order in Council as a “national victory” for the British Virgin Islands, saying the move marks a defining moment for the territory’s democracy after nearly four years of constitutional uncertainty.
Speaking in a national address, Dr Wheatley said the lifting of the draft order signals the end of a period during which the territory faced the possibility of direct rule by the UK. "Today is the day that what has been known as the Order in Council is lifted. And our hopes, dreams, and aspirations are lifted along with it," he said.
The draft Order in Council was prepared in 2022 after publication of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report into governance in the Territory. If enacted, it would have suspended significant portions of the Virgin Islands Constitution and transferred governing authority to the governor.
The UK placed the order in reserve while the BVI worked to implement the COI's recommendations. In response to the threat of direct rule, local leaders across political lines formed the Government of National Unity, the Premier said. Public officers and officials then undertook an extensive reform programme to strengthen institutions, modernise governance systems and improve accountability under sustained public and political pressure.
Dr Wheatley told UK officials in September 2024 that the BVI had "substantially implemented the 48 key recommendations of the COI." On advice from Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper decided in September 2025 to revoke the draft Order in Council.
The revocation was formalised when the Virgin Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) (Revocation) Order 2026 was laid before the UK Parliament and took effect on March 13, 2026. "This is not merely a procedural development. This is a national victory," the Premier said, adding that the outcome belongs to every resident of the Virgin Islands and reaffirms the territory's capacity for self-governance. "Today, the Virgin Islands stands tall.
Our democracy remains intact." Dr Wheatley stressed that the lifting of the order does not end reform work. The Government remains committed to continuing the Governance Reform Transition Programme, maintaining high standards in public life and ensuring the reforms are embedded across government institutions.
For residents, the revocation restores constitutional normalcy and shifts focus back to local accountability, public-sector strengthening and sustained civic engagement as the territory moves forward from the COI era.
Primary source: BVI News