Brits must now see VI Constitutional Reform as important-Jamal S. Smith. Photo: VINO/File

Opposition Leader, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) at left, and Attorney-at-Law, Jamal S. Smith during their interaction with the media on September 3, 2018. Photo: Team of Reporters

The submissions were had following consultations spearheaded by Opposition Leader, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

The Opposition Leader along with chairpersons of his working groups, reported on their findings ahead of submitting a formal submission in keeping with the stipulated September 3, 2018, deadline.

Addressing members of the media in the Village Cay Marina and Hotel’s Conference Room on September 3, 2018, Chairperson of the Governance Committee, Attorney-at-Law, Jamal S. Smith, said based on the contents of the report, Constitutional Reform will have to be addressed on the part of the UK in its consideration of its future relationship.

Veto Powers

He said, “we got a lot of support to things that would lend itself to Constitutional Reform,” as such this “must be something that the British government sees as important coming out of the report.”

Mr Smith reported too that the matter of a veto power by the legislature of the VI, in relation to things passed by British Parliament, was also raised by residents, in addition to support for the Territory having an elected representative in the UK’s Parliament.

“That came up quite a lot in our discussions” he said.

Speaking to the matter of independence from the UK, the Attorney told reporters while it was not advocated for, the notion was raised as something that the Territory needs to be preparing for.

He said however, “what people want to see is an improved system of governance” domestically, with “proper checks and balances in place.”

According to Mr Smith, a lack of trust in the current leadership of the VI, an improved system of governance with proper checks and balances in place were among the key issues raised during the consultations.

Honourable Fahie told reporters during the engagement in Village Cay Conference Room, while the UK has extended its original deadline for the submissions to September 18, 2018, he would still be submitting his report meeting the original deadline.