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Governor assents to Human Rights Commission Act, 2026

His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce has assented to the Human Rights Commission Act, 2026, paving the way for the long-overdue legislation to come into force in the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). The Human Rights Commission Act, 2026 will come into force on a date the Premier may appoint by Notice published in the Gazette. Photo: GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). The Human Rights Commission Act, 2026 will come into force on a date the Premier may appoint by Notice published in the Gazette. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce has assented to the Human Rights Commission Act, 2026, paving the way for the long-overdue legislation to come into force in the Virgin Islands. The Act will come into force on a date the Premier may appoint by Notice published in the Gazette.

The Human Rights Commission Bill, 2026, which was provided for in the 2007 Constitution but never before approved by the House of Assembly (HoA), was passed with amendments in the HoA in April 2026.

The Human Rights Commission, when formed, will be tasked with investigating and reconciling complaints about human rights violations. It will also be responsible for informing the public about constitutional rights and providing advice on human rights-related procedures and policy.

“As we seek to mature as a people with some degree of self-governance, we have recognised the importance of building institutions which safeguard and protect our people,” Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) stated in 2025, regarding the Human Rights Commission Bill. 

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