The negotiations with the United Kingdom are expected to lead to a new Constitution, followed by a bilateral compact with the United Kingdom, guiding the territory’s cooperation over the next few years. Photo: Internet Source

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has stated that the Virgin Islands government will begin consititutional negotiations with the United Kingdom in the first quarter of 2026. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

According to wheatley, he will soon be laying on the Table of the House of Assembly the Committee of the House’s Report on Constitutional Advancement, which will be sent to the Overseas Territories Minister and thereafter a negotiating team will be appointed. Photo: VINO/ File

The Premier told reporters at a press conference on Friday, December 12, 2025,  that the Government of the Virgin Islands has secured an agreement with the UK to commence formal constitutional negotiations in the first quarter of 2026.

Hon Wheatley was reporting on the territory’s participation at the recent Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London.

Agreement with UK

“We secured agreement to begin formal constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom early in 2026. This is an important milestone. These talks will allow us to advance the recommendations of our own House of Assembly and continue the work of building a stronger, more self-reliant territory.”

According to Premier Wheatley, he will soon be laying on the Table of the House of Assembly the Committee of the House’s Report on Constitutional Advancement, which will be sent to the Overseas Territories Minister, and thereafter a negotiating team will be appointed.

New constitution

The negotiations are expected to lead to a new constitution, followed by a bilateral compact with the United Kingdom, guiding The Territory’s cooperation over the next few years. 

“We continue to celebrate the most robust governance reform programme in the history of the Virgin Islands, which provided the foundation of good governance, transparency and trust upon which we negotiate,’ Premier Wheatley said.