The Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom have advanced to the closing stage of constitutional reform discussions, with officials targeting early 2027 for the Privy Council to consider a finalised document.
Premier Natalio Wheatley, who heads the Virgin Islands Constitutional Negotiating Committee, stressed on 30 September that an agreement on any single issue does not bind either party until all matters are resolved. He made the clarification to address what he saw as public confusion about which proposals had been locked in.
The committee's second round took place in London from 23 to 25 September, building on an initial session held in the Territory on 14 and 15 July. Wheatley characterised the London gathering as "very successful", noting that delegates covered nearly every topic on their agenda and gained clarity on the UK's stance across most subjects.
During the talks, the Virgin Islands team modified or dropped certain proposals. The UK has signalled in some instances that it would rather see particular matters addressed through domestic law than embedded in the Constitution.
The Virgin Islands' negotiating framework stems from an April 2026 House of Assembly report outlining 27 proposed constitutional changes. Among the main objectives are shifting powers from the Governor, including oversight of internal security and court operations, to local hands; creating two additional at-large positions in the House of Assembly; and scheduling a vote on the Territory's political future no later than 31 December 2031.
Wheatley highlighted that government and opposition members worked as one during the London discussions. He noted that observers could not distinguish which delegates represented the ruling party and which the opposition.
Upcoming steps include additional technical work and a separate meeting between the Premier and UK Minister for the Overseas Territories Uma Kumaran MP. A closing round of face-to-face talks will follow, where both sides will aim to settle the complete wording of the revised Constitution. After agreement is reached, the House of Assembly will debate the text before it moves to the Privy Council.
Wheatley pledged to make public all positions that have been agreed upon once the UK Minister confirms them.
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