UK’s Grip on BVI Under Scrutiny as UN Calls for Decolonisation

The United Nations has released the official report of the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation’s visiting mission to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), conducted from 26-27 August 2024. The mission assessed the Territory’s progress towards decolonisation and gathered insights from the population on the next steps towards self-governance and independence.

Premier Natalio D. Wheatley acknowledged the report’s findings in a statement on February 6, welcoming its recommendations. Key proposals include implementing a national education programme on the path to independence, establishing a timetable for self-governance, engaging in discussions with the United Kingdom (UK) as the administering power, and evaluating the need for a referendum on independence. The Premier confirmed that the report would be presented before the House of Assembly for debate within the framework of the constitutional review process and that public consultations would be held on its findings.

The mission, the first of its kind in 48 years, was met with broad engagement from government officials, residents, and representatives of the UK. It identified three central themes: the need for greater public education on decolonisation and self-determination, the preservation of cultural identity and values, and the role of human capacity in ensuring economic and social resilience.

The mission reported that while the people of the BVI remain determined about their future political status, further dialogue is necessary to build trust among the people, their leaders, and the UK government. Emphasising the fundamental principle of self-determination as outlined in the UN Charter, the report highlights the importance of inclusivity, particularly among young people and women, in shaping the Territory’s future.

The report also noted progress in the constitutional review process and the implementation of recommendations from the 2021 UK-led Commission of Inquiry. However, concerns were raised regarding the UK’s continued influence over the Territory’s governance, economy, and social policies, including regulations affecting the financial services sector and social issues such as same-sex marriage. While some viewed the Commission of Inquiry as an imposition of colonial oversight, others acknowledged improvements in public administration as a result.

The mission recognised increasing public support for independence but noted that a clear process and timeline remain undefined. Achieving independence, it stated, requires strong political institutions, economic sustainability, and infrastructure development. Key recommendations for the BVI’s transition include:

• Strengthening national institutions, particularly in security and economic management;
• Investing in infrastructure, including healthcare, education, and disaster resilience;
• Pursuing international partnerships for technical and financial support;
• Enhancing public communication to foster national unity;
• Implementing long-term development plans with periodic progress reviews;
• Establishing a transition period, with continued UN oversight to ensure preparedness.

The UN emphasised that cooperation between the BVI, the UK, and the international community will be essential in navigating this process. Lessons from other nations that have undergone decolonisation should also be considered to facilitate a smooth transition.

As the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism progresses, the report calls for concrete steps towards self-determination. These include a structured education programme on independence, a defined timeline for self-governance, continued negotiations with the UK—potentially with a UN-appointed arbitrator—and a possible referendum, should public consensus support it.

With the report set for parliamentary debate and public consultations, the coming months are expected to shape the next phase of the British Virgin Islands’ decolonisation journey. The level of engagement from the UK government and the broader international community will be pivotal in determining the Territory’s future political status.