At a press conference earlier today, Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley provided an update on the Virgin Islands’ progress in implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.
He outlined the path towards governance reform, a process crucial to lifting the Order in Council that threatens to suspend the territory’s Constitution.
Premier Wheatley recounted the November 2024 visit of UK Overseas Territories Minister Steven Doughty, who assessed the territory’s progress on governance reforms and discussed the review process that will influence the decision to lift the Order in Council.
He said that Minister Doughty highlighted several critical elements required for the decision to lift the Order in Council.
Premier Wheatley confirmed that the Virgin Islands government has already presented Minister Doughty with a comprehensive Governance Reform Transition Plan, which outlines steps to ensure ongoing reforms and institutional improvements.
The Transition Plan shifts the focus from implementing COI recommendations to building sustainable governance systems.
Premier Wheatley also emphasized the importance of public understanding.
Premier Wheatley expressed gratitude for Minister Doughty’s constructive engagement and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to governance reform. He stressed the importance of achieving sustainable reform to build a modern partnership with the UK, rooted in mutual trust, respect, and cultural understanding.