The Office of the Deputy Governor has issued a formal statement refuting reports that Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. denied public officers the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

According to the statement released  Wednesday, June 4, the reports—shared via a media platform—“falsely reported the Deputy Governor’s refusal to allow public officers the opportunity to express their constitutional rights.” The rights in question are enshrined in Sections 23 and 24 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which guarantee freedom of expression and assembly.

The Office clarified that on Friday, May 30, Mr. Archer received a copy of a letter from His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce to Mr. Floyd Burnett, acknowledging receipt of a request for a peaceful demonstration in Road Town.

The Governor’s correspondence, which included a request for the Deputy Governor to inform senior managers of the demonstration, was executed the same day, the statement said.

“The Deputy Governor’s communication included instructions on how public officers can be released if they intended to attend the march while ensuring the delivery of services to clients,” the Office noted. These directions, it added, are consistent with existing Public Service policies.

The statement also pointed to ongoing efforts to establish a Human Rights Commission as a means of reinforcing the Government’s commitment to protecting individual rights in the Territory. Public officers and residents are encouraged to review Chapter 2 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 to become more informed about their fundamental rights and freedoms.

Following a recent protest that brought national frustrations to the forefront, the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley, issued a formal statement Tuesday acknowledging the concerns of demonstrators and pledging continued action to address long-standing social and economic issues.

The protest, described as peaceful and orderly, was accompanied by a formal letter submitted to the government detailing grievances that span infrastructure deficiencies, cost-of-living pressures, public safety concerns, and the pace of governmental reform.

“I thank the individuals and groups who have taken the time to voice these matters in a structured and respectful manner,” the Premier said in his official address. “Civic engagement is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and your voices have been heard.”

Premier Wheatley assured the public that many of the concerns outlined are already being targeted through ongoing initiatives. He pointed to recent efforts in public sector reform, infrastructure improvements, social support expansion, and adjustments to ease cost-of-living burdens.

“These areas, and our progress to date, were outlined in the recent Territorial Address,” he said, referencing a government report detailing completed actions and ongoing initiatives across the Territory. Copies of the address were made available alongside the statement.

Premier Natalio Wheatley

To reinforce transparency, the Premier highlighted the bi-monthly “Virgin Islands Voice” program — a televised and radio platform airing on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month — as a primary channel for public updates and engagement.

“While some matters require long-term planning and resource mobilisation, others are already showing signs of tangible progress,” he noted. “We remain committed to informing the public as further steps are taken and timelines for additional initiatives are established.”

The Premier emphasized that the public’s frustrations are neither being dismissed nor minimized.

“Let me reassure you: your concerns are not being ignored,” he said. “My administration remains fully committed to delivering real, measurable progress that reflects the needs and aspirations of all who call these Virgin Islands home.”

The statement follows mounting public pressure on the government to accelerate reforms and enhance its responsiveness amid economic strain and perceived institutional inertia. Protest leaders have indicated they will continue to monitor government actions in the coming weeks.