Legislators to commence informal talks for constitutional review next month

Informal talks are expected to commence late next month for the territory’s next constitutional review cycle, Premier Andrew Fahie has said.

The Premier made the disclosure during the recent sitting of the House of Assembly while responding to questions by Third District Representative Julian Fraser.

Premier Fahie said: “I have given thought to this reality … [and] before the date is set for the start of the next constitutional review for the Virgin Islands, I intend to call an informal meeting of the House of Assembly in late August this year so that we can discuss this matter as a body.”

He further said a formal announcement will be made on times envisaged for the review once the informal meeting with legislators is completed.

The Premier further said this meeting is important since the input of all legislators will be required during the process.

“These types of exercises transcends politics and party lines. Hence, we need all hands on deck for an initiative such as this,” the Premier said.

About the VI Constitution

According to government’s official website, the Virgin Islands Constitution Order of 2007 replaced the former Constitution of 1976. It provides for a Governor as Her Majesty’s representatives in the Islands as well as local elected representatives.

Constitution currently makes provisions for a “Public Service Commission, a Teaching Service Commission, a Judicial and Legal Services Commission, and a Police Service Commission to provide advice on appointments to offices in these services. A new National Security Council is established, as is the office of Director of Public Prosecutions. Provision is also made for public finance, a Complaints Commissioner, and a Register of Interests”.