Premier urges UN to support BVI decolonisation efforts
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has called on the United Nations (UN) to strengthen its support for the British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) decolonisation process, saying the territory is ready for a change in political status that gives it full self-government.
Addressing the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, Dr Wheatley thanked the UN’s Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) for sending a visiting mission to the BVI in August 2024. He said the mission’s report confirmed that “the British Virgin Islands is ready for a change of political status to achieve a full measure of self-government,” he stated.
The report also recommended an education programme on self-determination, full internal self-government, and a timetable for independence.
“My government welcomes the findings and recommendations of the report,” Dr Wheatley said, noting that the BVI remains engaged with the UN on technical assistance to support the education initiative.
He announced that the House of Assembly had recently concluded a debate on the constitutional review report to prepare for negotiations with the United Kingdom (UK) on a new constitution.
“The primary constitutional advancement my government is seeking is full internal self-government,” he explained, adding that this would require the UK to devolve powers currently held by the Governor, including internal security, the public service, administration of the courts, and external affairs.
Dr Wheatley said his administration would also seek provisions for the Premier to chair Cabinet as Head of Government, along with a “fixed future date for a referendum on change of political status.”
He urged the UK to honour its obligations under Article 73(b) of the UN Charter to “develop self-government to take due account of the political aspirations of the people and to assist them in the progressive development of their free political institutions.”
The Premier also reported a positive step in UK-BVI relations, revealing that UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper had accepted a recommendation to lift the UK Order in Council that allows London to suspend the territory’s constitution.
“This is a positive development,” Dr Wheatley stated while noting that the rescinding process would take several months.
He thanked CARICOM, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the C-24, the Caribbean Overseas Territories Caucus, and the government of the US Virgin Islands for their “staunch international support over the past three years that was instrumental in the BVI maintaining democratic governance.”
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This man believes that he owns the place. Who authorized him to go to do this on our behalf? WHO?
All done in SECRET.
like the salaries.
Blacks every where have rights to.
It does you don’t.
You just have to hold the referendum but you know you won’t get what you want that way.
And you begging the UK to come aboard with help for Air Port improvement. Boy continúe rating, dr***ing what you on, cause I know a of the driddle out of your mouth is from your advisors bunch of criminals
MASTER WEATIE , IS SAYING )> C,MON U WHITE MS ” FREE” US UP , WE GOT ENOUGH SKILLZ , HERE TO DO OUR OWN TING WE DON’T WANT Y’ALL LOOKING DOWN OVER OUR SHOULDERS ANYMORE , YO KILLIN OUR VIBEZ – SO BEAT IT AND CART YO AL ARZEZ FRON HAE •
Imagine what will happen to the BVI if we lose affiliation with the UK? Scary to think.
Globe-trotting saying it’s on behalf of the VI but who gave him the permission to, is this how it will be, no respect for what the people want.
I am deeply disappointed in CARICOM for supporting Natalio Wheatley in his quest for independence, particularly in the leadership of Mia Mottley of Barbados and Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, who continue to prioritize the interests of their own citizens—something our own leaders should take note of.
In contrast, this Territory is burdened with a failed leader who lacks both the qualifications and the experience necessary to effectively carry out his duties as Minister of Finance. He holds no degree in economics, finance, or accounting, and his only professional experience is that of a part-time teacher. To make matters worse, he surrounds himself with a host of advisors who allegedly contribute little to nothing and appear incapable of providing sound guidance on critical national matters.
Mr. Wheatley spends far too much time jet-setting around the world, and it is alleged that he often fails to attend the very functions he travels to. To add insult to injury, he was already highly overpaid and has now increased his salary by an astounding 120%—not including the generous allowances that reportedly exceed his basic pay.
Instead of encouraging investment in the BVI or providing support to struggling businesses and individuals facing hardship, he has introduced a series of new taxes that place even greater strain on the public—particularly on local, indigenous BVIslanders.
Now, he is pushing for independence, despite never once consulting the citizens of this Territory on whether this is something they want. If he wields this much unchecked power while we are still under UK oversight, one can only imagine what would happen if the Territory became independent. His increasingly autocratic behavior is already cause for concern, and the people of this country have made it clear—they do not want independence under his leadership.
I agree but wait there is so much wrong with this beside his rush to dume. A polotrican job is to fool the blind and lead them into dark and depress times. Your opioins counts every four year whiles their in power the mess begins. I personally dont vote for this very reasons electing wicked man to leadership has and will never sit well. This mf see that things getting hard and trying to branch off like woodlice eat his brain like really in what universe this independence seeking should be the main focus. Road employment the water infurstucture these should be top on the list. You want independence what dose the bvi have to sustain itself on the global market please tell me cause tge rum and beer do taste all that to be in high demand tourism is a seasonal market. Think about the ones you will hurt playing this game of burning down the country. Let say UK honor your wish are you ready for whats to come. Listen young man fix the infurstucture then strengthen the country. You yourself say the economy not as strong as you would like. Who advising you should advise you to stop and think cause i dont see how bvi can stand up being independant.
If the opposition campaigns on no independence then they will win the next election and the mandate will be clear.
Nathalio clearly does not speak on behalf of the majority and the mandate should be removed and his brother also.
This focus on independence and subsidized events is a screen to stop scrutiny of the inefficiency and corruption in government. Show what you can do by fixing the huge problems in your country first. There is no one stopping you, except your own incompetence and graft.
I truly believe that this guy is looking for some loophole that would allow him and the HOA to vote on independence without the people.
To be king and live in splendor. So no one can question when he raises his salary secretly
If we get independence, I am sorry for my country
Every fowl fighting to fill his craw