Public to weigh in on Human Rights bill
The Deputy Governor’s Office has announced that public meetings will continue across the four main islands, allowing residents to review the Human Rights Commission Bill and provide feedback.
“The launch of this process marks a critical phase in the legislative journey. The Human Rights Commission Bill is a significant step forward in the proper handling of human rights matters. As we begin this process, it is vital that individuals across the Territory listen, participate, and lend their voices to shaping the future of this Bill,” Deputy Governor David Archer Jr stated.According to the Deputy Governor’s Office, the proposed Human Rights Commission would be empowered to:
- Receive and investigate complaints about acts or practices that may be inconsistent with or contrary to human rights as established in Chapter Two of The Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.
- Promote public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of human rights and related international agreements.
- Handle complaints against public officers, government departments, statutory bodies, individuals, and corporate or unincorporated entities regarding human rights violations.
Discussions surrounding human rights gained momentum during the House of Assembly’s debate on the Police Act in January, which proposed measures such as electronic surveillance, covert operations, and controlled deliveries. These provisions raised concerns among some lawmakers about potential infringements on human rights, leading to pushback from the Opposition.
Health Minister Vincent Wheatley supported the Human Rights Commission Bill while emphasizing the importance of protecting fundamental rights. Many lawmakers, including Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, expressed that such a commission was long overdue and could play a critical role in addressing human rights concerns in future legislative debates.
In April 2024, the Deputy Governor’s Office called on residents to participate in shaping the Human Rights Commission Bill, 2024. Similar to the proposed 2025 Bill, the commission would consist of five human rights commissioners, ensuring equal representation of men and women. Additionally, at least one commissioner would be required to reside on a Sister Island, reflecting the territory’s diversity.
Public meetings will continue, giving residents the opportunity to voice concerns, ask questions, and influence the development of the Human Rights Commission Bill.
Copyright 2025 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
If the BVI had had an effective Human Rights Bill in the early 1990’s; and in particular, a bill that addressed the Rights of a Child, my attempts to secure my children’s right to a father may have had a happier ending.
Although The Children Act 1989 did not, did not at that time apply to the British Virgin Islands, it nevertheless was a valuable guide to the current trends of thought.
In seeking clarification from the Law Commission as to what would be considered “lengthy delay” I was told that a period in excess of twelve weeks would be considered unreasonable. In my case, the court took no less than SIX YEARS to attend to outstanding matters. This is twenty-six times over the recommended limit and must surely represent a record in the delay of matters concerning the welfare of a child.
My book “For the Sake of the Children” is a personal account of parental alienation. There are millions of similar cases worldwide, but mine has the distinction of being one of the worst.
https://www.studiopublications.org/product-page/for-the-sake-of-the-children