Local News
Premier Urges UK to Revoke Order in Council Suspending BVI Constitution
Premier Dr. Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley has called on the United Kingdom to withdraw its Order in Council, which grants the power to suspend the British Virgin Islands’ constitution, during his address to the United Nations (UN) Fourth Committee on Special Political and Decolonisation at the 79th Session of the General Assembly in New York. Premier Wheatley stated that the order is no longer necessary, as governance reforms in the Territory are nearing completion.
“We maintain that the Order in Council is undemocratic, unnecessary, and should be lifted. Its removal would not only improve the UK-BVI relationship but also enhance the UK’s standing regionally and internationally,” Premier Wheatley said.
He also noted that he looked forward to welcoming the new UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Hon. Stephen Doughty, to the British Virgin Islands in November for further discussions. The Premier expressed optimism that these talks would help forge a modern partnership between the UK and the BVI, focusing on self-determination, sustainable development, climate resilience, economic stability, security, and democracy.
Additionally, Premier Wheatley lauded the successful visit by the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24), which conducted a fact-finding mission in the Territory from 26-27 August to assess progress on decolonisation. He thanked the C-24, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the UK’s Permanent Mission to the UN for their roles in ensuring the visit took place.
While at the UN, Premier Wheatley met with Her Excellency Ambassador Menissa Rambally, Chair of the C-24 and Permanent Representative of Saint Lucia to the UN. Ambassador Rambally reaffirmed the C-24’s commitment to supporting the will of the people of the British Virgin Islands, as mandated by the committee.
Premier Wheatley delivered his statement on 7 October, accompanied by Special Envoy Mr. Benito Wheatley. The general debate of the Fourth Committee concluded on 16 October.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Crime/Police19 hours agoTarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
-
Crime/Police6 days agoTwo Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
-
Elections 202320 hours agoHon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMystiq Flax Charles Wins Best Look of the Night at Style Week Event
-
Local News20 hours agoCivil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
-
Elections 20235 days agoWalters Elected NDP Vice President as Party Finalizes Leadership Team
-
Crime/Police1 week agoSix New Police Vehicles Added to RVIPF Fleet to Strengthen Operations
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoThree Contestants Confirmed for Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant in Tortola