Premier Rejects UK Report, Defends Self-Governance

Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has issued a forceful rebuttal to the findings of a UK-led law enforcement review, rejecting several of its key recommendations and defending the territory’s right to self-governance.

The report, Law Enforcement Review Part Two, was published by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and forms part of an ongoing UK oversight effort following the 2022 Commission of Inquiry. While the Premier acknowledged the government’s cooperation throughout the inspection process, he condemned what he called a “mischaracterisation” of the Virgin Islands and its people.

“The safety of our citizens is paramount,” Wheatley stated. “Equally, the legal and regulatory stability of our jurisdiction is at the heart of its appeal as a leading international finance centre.”

Though some of the report’s recommendations will be reviewed and potentially implemented, Wheatley said others will be firmly rejected. Chief among his concerns was the suggestion that more power should be transferred to the UK Government—a move he described as a threat to the territory’s democratic and constitutional rights.

“To accept this premise would also represent submitting to colonial overreach, and a retrograde step for democracy in the British Virgin Islands,” he said.

Wheatley also criticized the report for overlooking significant reforms already underway since the fieldwork was conducted in 2023. These include enhanced measures to combat financial crime and broader efforts to improve governance, many of them driven by the territory’s response to the Commission of Inquiry and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s evaluation.

The Premier underscored that the Governor, who is appointed by the UK and holds constitutional responsibility for security, is not beyond scrutiny and is also the subject of criticism in the report.

“We wish to work constructively alongside the UK Government and Governor in a modern partnership,” Wheatley added. “But we cannot compromise on our democratic and constitutional rights.”

He confirmed that the House of Assembly will systematically evaluate each recommendation in the report, determining which are in the best interest of the territory and which will be formally rejected. A formal response will be delivered to both the Governor and the UK Government.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office had not responded publicly by press time.