Local News
Premier Wheatley Leads Delegation to UK for Talks on Strengthening OTs-UK Relations and Honouring Late Former Premier
Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley is set to participate in the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meetings in the United Kingdom from November 13 to November 15, with the primary aim of advancing the socio-economic and political interests of the Virgin Islands.
During the official visit, Premier Wheatley emphasized that the 2023 JMC will concentrate on reshaping the relationship between the Overseas Territories (OTs) and the UK, along with the formulation of a new UK strategy for engagement with these territories. He explained, “This initiative to redefine the relationship seeks to identify and affirm key political principles guiding the collaboration between the UK and OTs, with the goal of minimizing conflicts and fostering a more supportive stance by the UK, particularly after the strains experienced in recent years that strained the relationship.”
Premier Wheatley is expected to engage in bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing the UK’s ties with the Overseas Territories. These discussions will encompass various aspects, including recognition of the roles and responsibilities of OT legislatures, acknowledgment of the will of the people and the unique cultures and values of the Overseas Territories, and respect for their self-governance aligned with the United Nations Charter.
Additionally, the talks will address UN declarations and resolutions, support for sustainable development in the Overseas Territories to help them achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and assistance to OTs in addressing the adverse effects of climate change due to their vulnerability.
Premier Wheatley announced that the Virgin Islands delegation will participate in an event dedicated to honouring the late former Premier, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, at a reception at the BVI London Office, culminating in the unveiling of a commemorative bust.
The Premier’s delegation includes Deputy Premier Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE; Special Envoy to the Premier, Mr. Benito Wheatley; Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt Igwe; Financial Secretary, Mr. Jeremiah Frett; Deputy Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, Ms. Dwynel Davis; Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission, Mr. Ken Baker; Director of Policy Development and External Relations of the Financial Services Commission, Mr. Cherno Jallow; and International Relations Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers, Mrs. Fiona Forbes-Vanterpool.
During Premier Wheatley’s absence, Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer will assume the responsibilities of Premier and Minister of Finance from November 10 to 18, in accordance with the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 Section 55 (2). This provision states that if both the Premier and Deputy Premier are expected to be absent for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorize another Minister designated by the Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier, with the authority revoked upon the return of either the Premier or Deputy Premier.
Premier Natalio Wheatley
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.
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