Constitutional review for debate in early 2025
The BVI will begin debating its constitutional review in early 2025, according to Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley.
The announcement signals a crucial step in shaping the territory’s governance framework for the future. Premier Wheatley confirmed that the constitutional review will be a priority for the House of Assembly in the new year.
“It will be one of the first items we do after the Speech from the Throne in the new year,” he explained during a recent press conference. He added that a negotiating committee would be established following the debate to discuss the proposed changes.
The constitutional review process began in June 2022 with the establishment of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC). The Commission was tasked with engaging the public and making recommendations to reflect the aspirations of the people of the Virgin Islands. After months of consultations and submissions, the CRC delivered its report to former Governor John Rankin and Premier Wheatley in December 2023.
Among the key recommendations in the report is a proposal to prohibit same-sex marriage in the Virgin Islands. Another suggestion calls for restricting the positions of Premier and Deputy Premier to At-Large Representatives, regardless of their political party.
The CRC also stressed the importance of including all residents in the constitutional review discussions, despite their immigration status, to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive process.
The constitutional review comes after the 2021 Commission of Inquiry, which highlighted governance weaknesses in the BVI. The Inquiry recommended reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability while aligning governance practices with the aspirations of the BVI people. The review is widely seen as a critical step toward greater self-governance.
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The at-large requirement for Premier and Deputy Premier is a good idea. Popular vote across the island rather than 8 people in 2 districts deciding fate of all. Also would mean the current two would be out.
The suggested prohibition on same-sex marriage is a disgrace beneath any modern civilised country, an illegal denial of Human Rights in a British Overseas Territory and beneath the people of the BVI who, in the main are tolerant, welcoming and understanding people. If only the Government was.
MOST OF THE ATLARGE CANDIDATES WIN OFF THE DISTRICT CANDIDATES AND PARTY STRENGTH
Same sex marriage is the disgrace. Its a weapon formed against indigenous culture.
Same sex marriage is the disgrace. Its a weapon formed against indigenous culture. Modern civilization is spearheaded by the Fallen Angels.
We need to stop Natalial from using this as an opportunity to further forcing his own Colonial Styled form of Government on the VI. We are done with oppressive regimes that think they should answer to no one. We need to stop Natalials New Colonial ways in their tracks.
The majority of the BVI wants the Vote of No Confidence back on the agenda, whether or not it succeeds.
The Constitution Review needs to reflect the wants of the people,which is to have the Premier and Deputy running on the same ticket and having no party affiliation.
That is away of democracy whan implemented
Moreover, the Territory should and must be one day albe to elect its own Governor.
Until then we will have no destiny of our own as God suggest and gave us onlly to be defered by the current rulers.
Where political rulers with a philosophy of foriegn ownership is tedious, at nes65t, for some.
But that is not Authentic Democracy for all.