Every constitutional review gave us more powers — Premier
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has reminded the public that each constitutional review in the Virgin Islands has steadily increased the power of elected representatives while reducing the authority of the Governor, a process he says must continue as part of the territory’s journey towards self-governance.
Speaking at a press conference to mark the submission of the Government’s self-assessment report on the implementation of Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations, Dr Wheatley highlighted the importance of constitutional reform and the shift in power dynamics over time.
“Every constitution that we’ve had has diminished powers of the Governor, who is the UK’s representative, and added more authority to the elected government. Every constitution has done that,” Dr Wheatley stated.
He argued that this trajectory should persist as the BVI seeks to assert more control over its affairs. “We have to continue that path, continue that journey as we seek to achieve our ultimate goal, which is self-governance,” he added.
The Premier’s comments come as the UK government considers whether to lift the Order in Council, which was enacted to allow for direct rule if COI reforms stalled. Dr Wheatley said the Virgin Islands had fulfilled its obligations under the framework agreement, including the implementation of 48 recommendations and the passage of critical legislation.
Premier Wheatley also addressed the controversial idea of granting the Governor additional powers, a notion floated during the early stages of the COI report. “This whole entire process has been a process that we have fought very hard to keep democratic,” he asserted.
He praised current Governor Daniel Pruce for acknowledging that giving the governor more powers was unnecessary and for supporting collaboration with elected leaders. “We don’t want a situation where one side is imposing on another, but we want a situation where we’re working together collaboratively in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands,” Dr Wheatley said.
The Premier further noted that it has been 18 years since the last constitution was enacted, despite reviews being expected every 10 years. He stated that the next steps include a debate on the Constitutional Review Commission’s report in the House of Assembly and initiating negotiations with the UK for a new constitution.
“We’re going to have a series of meetings where we’ll discuss that Constitutional Review Commission’s report with the public and have a fully transparent process,” he explained.
The government hopes to begin those negotiations ahead of the next Joint Ministerial Council.
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Except this one. My guess is that will likely take away rights because of leaders like S!0wW@nde and the weak representation that we have on HoA
How about using that new power to actually get something completed with pride!
Who is Northam and when are they going to finish the Hodge’s Creek road? This is ridiculous!
And because things keep getting worse and worse I suppose your have made sure that this time they take some power back. If not all of it.
as usual. He needs to read the Volumes 1 and 2 of the review of law enforcement and criminal justice bodies in the BVI AGAIN!!!
This review is recommending more power to the UK Governor not less. If the current governor becomes too soft on the review recommendations then he will be replaced by the FCDO,
The Party Mare strikes again !!!
Who is recommending more power to the UK, and why?
Do the African descendants inhabitants have no say in their natural existence. and Gods naturral commandment to self determination?
Are those humans still being classfied as slaves and property of the UK, or are they free human beings with inalienable rights?
Who ever they are continue to blow smoke, but just now where there is smoke there is fire.
Last, it is assumed also that the present governer anf the political machinery in the UK have more knowledge and a sense of right and wrong versus colonialism, neo-colonialism and current day political status of these islands, than most haters of the Virgin Islands and its people.