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.