Virgin Islanders Urged to Make Their Voices Heard in Constitutional Review

Former Virgin Islands legislator Carvin Malone, spokesperson for the One Virgin Islands Agenda, has called on Virgin Islanders to actively participate and voice their opinions in the ongoing review of the Constitutional arrangement between the United Kingdom (UK) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

This appeal comes as the UK House of Commons’ Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) nears the end of public consultations on the appropriateness of the current constitutional arrangements for UK Overseas Territories (OTs) in the 21st century.

The PACAC’s deadline for public submissions of evidence on several issues regarding the UK’s Constitutional relationship with the OTs is set for 5 pm London Time on Monday, September 4, 2023. Currently, the BVI is awaiting the report of the Constitutional Review Commission, which will inform the BVI Government representatives’ position during negotiations with UK Government officials to establish a new Constitutional arrangement to replace the existing Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007.

During a recent One Virgin Islands Agenda Open Forum radio broadcast, Mr. Malone emphasized the need for Virgin Islanders to take personal responsibility for educating themselves on the relevant issues and processes involved in revising the Constitution and advancing the BVI’s political status. He warned that failing to participate in the decision-making process could lead to decisions being made for them by others, with potentially regrettable consequences.

Mr. Malone highlighted the importance of active participation, stating, “Let us compile our responses on these questions so that when the Government writes to the UK on these particular questions, as they should, then it would be one that comes from the bowels of the people and the mindset of the people.”

The UK PACAC is seeking public comments on various questions, including the satisfaction and appropriateness of the current constitutional arrangements for the Overseas Territories in the 21st century, the engagement of the UK Civil Service with the OTs, the representation of the OTs within different departments across Whitehall, and the protection of the rights and interests of British Overseas Citizens.

Virgin Islanders are encouraged to visit the PACAC’s website for more information on the call for evidence and to make submissions on the questions related to the appropriateness of the current constitutional arrangements for UK’s OTs in the 21st century.

The One Virgin Islands Agenda is a nonpartisan movement organized by concerned Virgin Islanders, focused on encouraging residents to actively participate and learn about the Constitutional Review process. The movement aims to simplify and promote the participation of residents in shaping the future of the BVI.

Virgin Islanders are urged to seize this opportunity to have their say and actively contribute to the ongoing review of the Constitutional arrangement, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are represented in the decision-making process.