Review constitutional report ahead of HOA debate, public told
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has urged residents to study the Constitutional Review Commission Report and to tune in to next week’s House of Assembly debate on the document.
The House will meet on Thursday, September 18, to consider the report, which outlines a range of proposals for updating the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007. The Commission completed its work in November 2023 and presented the findings to former governor John Rankin and Premier Wheatley.
“As Premier of the Virgin Islands, I want to reiterate the importance of everyone carefully reviewing the Constitutional Review Commission Report, and following the upcoming debate in the House of Assembly,” Dr Wheatley stated. “This report represents a critical step in the process of negotiating a new Constitution. It comes at a pivotal time in our development, and we intend to seize the opportunity to advance our journey towards self-determination.”
The 2022-2023 review followed months of public consultations on all major islands. Residents discussed various subjects, including term limits for the Premier, the direct election of the Premier, reform of the at-large system, fixed election dates, freedom of information, human rights, Cabinet reform, Crown lands, and the roles of junior ministers.
Dr Wheatley said the debate offers a chance for Virgin Islanders both at home and abroad to take part by staying informed and paying close attention. The government will broadcast the proceedings live on the House of Assembly’s YouTube channel, on the government’s Facebook page, and on local radio station ZBVI 780AM.
The constitutional review has been a long-running issue. In 2020, calls grew for a comprehensive review after concerns about governance and accountability. By 2022, the Cabinet appointed the Commission with a mandate to evaluate the 2007 Constitution and recommend reforms.
Its final report in 2023 marked the first full review since the Constitution came into force. The debate is seen as a milestone in shaping the territory’s political future.
Leaders have emphasised that the outcome could influence negotiations with the United Kingdom and strengthen the push for greater self-determination.
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Hon. Premier you keep Harping On Self- Determination every chance you get. Self- Determination will be decided upon by the People, Not You and your Government. Let Us talk about Self-Determination when We hear about our 5Mil Dollars. Until then, All Hell is going to Break out. We shall NEVER Forget about it and if you think it will be swept under the Rug and Forgotten, Think again. So Self aint gon Determinate No time soon..
Actually, what is the outcome with The Bank of Asia and the missing funds?. When will we know the spend for all of the parties you have been having Premier and stop taking The Virgin Islands ppl for fools.