Gov’t launches public outreach on constitutional changes

The government has announced a series of public meetings as the newly formed Constitutional Negotiating Committee (CNC) begins engagement with residents ahead of discussions with the United Kingdom on constitutional reform.

A 10-member committee has been established to lead discussions with the United Kingdom government on the reform and modernisation of the territory’s constitution. Cabinet and the House of Assembly approved the committee’s composition on April 21.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley will lead the body, which includes government and opposition members, representatives from the Constitutional Review Commission, the Attorney General, and constitutional law expert Justice Gerard Farara KC. The committee will also be supported by six resource personnel drawn from key public sector agencies.

The formation of the CNC follows the completion of the Constitutional Review Commission’s report in November 2023 and subsequent deliberations by the House of Assembly. In April 2026, the House laid its report on those deliberations as a public document to guide the next phase of engagement.

“The establishment of the Constitutional Negotiating Committee ensures that the Virgin Islands is properly represented in discussions with the United Kingdom as we seek to modernise our constitutional framework,” Dr Wheatley stated. “This process is essential to strengthening governance, enhancing self-determination, and securing a constitution that reflects the will and future of our people,” he added.

Keeping the public informed

The government said the committee’s work will be supported by a communication strategy to keep the public informed and engaged throughout the reform process.

As part of that effort, members of the CNC will host a series of public meetings across the main islands. The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5 at the Eileene L Parsons Auditorium at HLSCC on Tortola at 7pm. Additional meetings will take place on Virgin Gorda on May 26 at 5:30 pm at the Catholic Community Centre, on Jost Van Dyke on 28 May at 10am at the Methodist Church, and on Anegada on May 29th at 10am at the Emile Dunlop Community Centre.

“These sessions provide an opportunity for residents to be informed, ask questions, and share their views on proposed constitutional amendments ahead of upcoming negotiations,” the government stated.

Residents attending the meetings are expected to receive information on the constitutional negotiation process and engage directly with CNC members on the House of Assembly’s deliberation report.