Independence referendum won’t be ‘valuable’ now- E. Benito Wheatley
In a video posted to his YouTube channel on Friday, August 1, 2025, also Emancipation Day, titled ‘Completing Emancipation of the BVI: Education for self-determination’, Mr Wheatley revealed that currently there is no data available on the attitudes of Virgin Islanders towards independence.
His statements were made at the Caribbean Studies Association’s 49th Annual Conference, which was held under the theme 'Reparations, Resistance, Resilience, Reproduction and Rehabilitation' in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, in June 2025.
Mr Wheatley presented during the session 'Towards The Eradication of The Caribbean Colonial Condition'.
Talks of independence have been ongoing for quite some time. However, under the current Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government, led by Dr Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), these discussions have seemed to increase.
VI 1 of 17 remaining ‘colonies’
The VI is one of the 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories falling under the remit of the United Nations (UN) Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24).
A visiting mission from C-24 was sent to the VI in August 2024 to assess the progress of decolonisation and ascertained that the Territory is ready for a full measure of self-government and should take preparatory steps.
C-24, in its latest resolution in July 2025, said, “In the process of decolonisation of the British Virgin Islands, there is no alternative to the principle of self-determination, which is also a fundamental human right, as recognised under the relevant human rights conventions.”
A referendum won’t be valuable now- E. Benito Wheatley
Mr Wheatley, in his discussions, said, “We only have anecdotal evidence, but there is a dynamic that we understand that’s important. A referendum would not be valuable right now.”
Instead, he opined, an education campaign is first needed.
“When the UN dispatched the visiting mission to the British Virgin Islands, most of the people asked for [an] education campaign. [The] majority of people said they don’t have a problem really with self-determination, they just want the facts; and what we noticed is that the more the issue was discussed in a neutral, structured way, the more people started saying it’s not a bad idea.”
Mr Wheatley added that in his presentation, he indicated that the problem is that the people of the VI have not been “meaningfully engaged” as to what self-determination means.
“Taking control of your future, what are the possibilities, but the more they hear it, the more they’re interested in it.”
The C-24 report following the 2024 visit recommended a UN-backed education programme on the political status options that were sanctioned by the UN to “achieve a full measure of self-government that includes integration, free association or independence”.
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9 Responses to “Independence referendum won’t be ‘valuable’ now- E. Benito Wheatley ”
Because they would vote no!!!
The Wheatley Boys Gang in control!! The going full Colonial on us.
What the people of the VI want counts for nothing to these dictators.
Y'all just found more guns again during festival and we aim even done yet
Y'all got no shame to be saying this after that bank of Asia scheme
With independence, a country has full sovereignty and self-governance with full control over its internal and external affairs. On the other hand, here is an AI overview of Free Association: “Free association, while also involving self-governance, entails a special, formalized relationship with another, independent nation, often involving shared citizenship, defense, or economic ties. “
Moreover, the VI westerly neighbor Puerto Rico on its 05 November 2024 election referendum ballot had free association as one of three options. Statehood won out as the self-determination choice (approx 60%)followed by free association with independence bringing up the rear.
Which developed country could the VI pursue a free association compact with, eg, UK, Canada, etc?
Further, Virgin Islanders should discuss, debate and decide on their choice based on fact not on unquestionable obedience, blind faith, etc. Deciding on next political status is a major decision , which should not be taken lightly. As noted, a public education and outreach programme project is needed but what is the timeframe? A timeframe should be set. What is the target date for a referendum?
Further, the British Empire has been the largest empire in history, controlling some 25% of the globe. Why has no territory been integrated into the UK?