UK rejected some BVI constitutional demands, Premier says

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has disclosed that the United Kingdom has turned down specific constitutional proposals put forward by the BVI, forcing the territory to alter its stance in ongoing talks.

Appearing on the Virgin Islands Voice programme on Monday, Dr Wheatley noted that both negotiating teams had embraced flexibility. He explained that the BVI had made adjustments to positions that London had not endorsed. "There were some positions that we've had that clearly have not been accepted by the UK," he said. "So some modifications of our positions have had to take place."

The Premier did not disclose which specific demands had been rejected or how the BVI had changed them. He suggested, however, that the territory might abandon certain requests altogether as talks continue.

Dr Wheatley proposed that some goals the BVI sought could be achieved through domestic law rather than constitutional amendment. He indicated the UK appeared willing to accept this approach, viewing certain issues as better suited to local rather than constitutional action.

The Premier called on the UK to reciprocate the flexibility the BVI has demonstrated. He noted that members from both government and opposition benches in the delegation had maintained a unified front, advocating for identical positions throughout the process.

Dr Wheatley outlined the timeline ahead: technical discussions and further talks with the UK minister would precede a final negotiating session. Once both sides agreed on the constitutional text, it would go to the House of Assembly for consideration.

"Our goal would be to get it on the agenda of the Privy Council sometime early in 2027," the Premier said.

The Constitutional Review Commission conducted more than 45 public consultations before the House of Assembly examined its recommendations on the constitutional revisions.