The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley, is due to meet with the United Kingdom’s Minister for the Overseas Territories, the Hon. Stephen Doughty, MP, in London as part of a formal review process which could determine the lifting of the Order in Council and the restoration of full democratic self-governance to the territory.
The meeting comes in the wake of the Virgin Islands Government’s submission of its self-assessment report, outlining its completion of all 48 recommendations set out in the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (COI). These reforms include legislative amendments, institutional restructuring, and the implementation of new accountability mechanisms across the public service.
“This meeting forms part of the comprehensive assessment process announced by Minister Doughty during his visit in November 2024,” Premier Wheatley said during a press conference held earlier this week. “It is a crucial next step in determining the future of democratic governance in the Virgin Islands.”
The Order in Council, issued in 2022, grants the UK Government the power to partially suspend the Virgin Islands Constitution, though it has not been exercised to date. Its removal is widely viewed as a milestone in the return to full constitutional autonomy.
“We are confident that we have fulfilled the spirit, intent, and letter of the framework agreement,” Premier Wheatley stated. “Therefore, it would be just for the Order in Council to be lifted, restoring full democratic self-governance to our people.”
Premier Wheatley further highlighted the Virgin Islands’ close cooperation with the Governor’s Office throughout the reform period.
“We have maintained the mechanisms that supported the COI implementation—regular meetings of senior managers and ongoing Cabinet oversight to ensure alignment and accountability,” he said.
The Premier added that public officers began implementation of the governance reform plan prior to its formal Cabinet approval in April 2025 to maintain momentum and demonstrate commitment to lasting institutional change.
The London meeting forms part of a broader evaluation that includes feedback from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), public consultation, and a final review of governance reforms.
