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.

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