Local News
Virgin Islands Moves to Reclaim Key Powers From Governor in Constitutional Reform Push
Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley on Thursday, April 9, tabled a report in the House of Assembly outlining proposed constitutional reforms that include transferring several key powers from the Governor to the elected government.
The report, titled A Report of the Committee of the Whole House, sets out the House’s position on recommendations from the 2022–2023 Constitutional Review Commission and includes proposals to pursue the devolution of responsibilities such as internal security, public service administration and the administration of the courts.
The proposals form part of the territory’s ongoing constitutional review process and reflect efforts to expand local decision-making authority within the existing constitutional relationship between the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.
Under the current Constitution, which came into force in 2007, the Governor retains responsibility for areas including internal security, defence and aspects of public administration, acting on behalf of the United Kingdom Government.
The report reflects the collective position of the House of Assembly following its review of 57 recommendations made by the Constitutional Review Commission. Of those, 22 recommendations would result in constitutional amendments, along with five additional matters raised by the House, bringing the total number of proposed amendments to 27.
Members of the House agreed to pursue the transfer of certain reserved powers while emphasising that governance arrangements must remain workable and sustainable over time.
The constitutional review process follows broader governance discussions in the territory, including recommendations from the 2022 Commission of Inquiry, which examined the structure and accountability of public administration in the Virgin Islands.
In addition to the proposed devolution of powers, the report outlines reforms aimed at strengthening democratic accountability, clarifying executive authority and improving institutional effectiveness, including changes to legislative procedures and the role of the Cabinet.
The document also includes proposals related to the territory’s long-term constitutional development, including a requirement to hold a referendum on its political status no later than 2031.
The report does not enact constitutional changes but establishes the House of Assembly’s agreed position as discussions continue on potential amendments to the Virgin Islands Constitution.
ADVERTISEMENT:
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/Police18 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 News19 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