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Constitutional Review Commission Delivers Landmark Report to Premier Wheatley
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley welcomed the completion of the comprehensive report by the Constitutional Review Commission, marking a significant stride in the constitutional progress and evolution of the territory’s democratic system.
The completed report, focusing on the full review of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, was formally handed over to His Excellency the Governor, Mr. John Rankin CMG, and Premier Wheatley on Monday, November 27.
Expressing gratitude, Premier Wheatley commended the Chairman and members of the Constitutional Review Commission for their diligent efforts in compiling a report that reflects extensive public and private consultations, thoughtful deliberation, and thorough research. He stated,
“This report is not only responsive to several recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry but also aligns with the Territory’s aspirations for progress, emphasizing the checks and balances crucial for the development of an even greater democracy that our people deserve.”
Premier Wheatley outlined the forthcoming steps, noting, “The report will undergo review by the Cabinet and subsequently be presented for parliamentary debate in the House of Assembly (HoA). Following this, the document will be open for public review, informing the next phase, including the establishment of a negotiating team.”
The genesis of the Constitutional Review Commission dates back to July 2020 when the House of Assembly (HoA) passed Resolution No. 15 of 2020, approving the formation of an 11-member Commission. The initial decision was ratified by Cabinet for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive review of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007.
In response to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report and the approval of the Framework for the Implementation of the recommendations, Cabinet, on June 29, 2022, expanded the Commission’s membership from 11 to 16. Notable members include Mrs. Lisa Penn-Lettsome (Chairman), Ms. Janice Stoutt (Deputy Chairman), Rt. Hon. Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron, and others.
Four commissioners – Ms. Janice Stoutt, Mr. Ronnie W. Skelton, Mr. Coy Levons, and Mrs. Bernadine Louis – resigned prior to the submission of the report.
The Commission’s extensive work, spanning from July 2022, employed various methods such as town-hall meetings, private consultations, online feedback via www.yourconstitution.vg, radio and television interviews, infomercials, secondary school outreach, and a consultative meeting with Virgin Islanders in the United States Virgin Islands.
The report, crafted with comprehensive terms of reference, aims to re-evaluate the vision of the people of the Virgin Islands, assess the strategic fit of the current constitution, identify gaps, make recommendations for reform, review the path towards self-determination, and consider the placement of law enforcement and justice agencies within the constitutional framework.
With the handover of the CRC’s report, the territory takes a significant step forward in fulfilling the COI Recommendations. The Government of the Virgin Islands remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting overall development through the pursuit of constitutional goals, democratic ideals, good governance, and sustainable transformation.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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