‘It would be just’ for Order in Council to now be lifted- Premier Wheatley
Speaking at a press conference on July 11, 2025, Premier Wheatley said a Self-Assessment Report by the Government was submitted on May 17, 2025, to the Overseas Territories Minister, the Hon Stephen J. Doughty, marking the culmination of the implementation of the 48 recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report.
It was noted in the Report, according to the Premier, that two remaining legislative pieces, the Immigration and Passport Amendment Act 2024, and the Public Assistance Amendment Act 2024, required detailed regulations for full implementation.
“I am pleased to confirm that Cabinet has approved both sets of regulations, which are in force.”
Premier Wheatley stated that the Self-Assessment Report also reinforces the VI’s unwavering commitment to long-term reform through the Governance Reform Transition Plan approved by Cabinet on April 30, 2025.
Premier to meet with UK Ots Minister
He said even before formal approval, public officers had already begun implementation to ensure momentum was not lost.
“We have maintained the successive mechanisms that supported CoI implementation, such as regular meetings of senior managers and consistent collaboration with the governor’s office.
“My upcoming meeting in London with Minister Doughty forms part of the comprehensive assessment process he announced during his visit in November 2024.”
The assessment includes the Governor’s final review, public input and feedback from Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials.
“I am confident that these elements taken together will affirm our government’s belief the Virgin Islands has fulfilled the spirit, intent, and letter of the framework agreement. Therefore, it would be just for the Order in Council, which would have suspended the Virgin Islands Constitution, be lifted following the completion of this assessment, restoring full democratic self-governance to our people.
Who has the final say?
The ultimate decision on whether to lift the controversial Order in Council, which currently reserves the power for the UK Government to impose direct rule over the Virgin Islands, lies solely with UK Foreign Secretary David L. Lammy and Minister for Overseas Territories Stephen J. Doughty, Governor Daniel Pruce stated on May 9, 2025.
The UK has been criticised by regional and international bodies for even considering the recommendation of imposing direct rule on the Virgin Islands.
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7 Responses to “‘It would be just’ for Order in Council to now be lifted- Premier Wheatley”
No it is not just the lifting of the Order in Council that is needed. We need new leadership, new ideas a better future.
Ticking boxes for COI without actually embracing the changes means nothing. You have pushed back all the way and now look at the nation.
What about actually making a change of actual behaviour. Move away from your support of Criminals and Corruption. Support fixing and maintaining thing. Look at the statements you have made on sustainability, the environment, culture and museums and educations. Take a look at what you have said and then have a look at the libraries, the museums, the culture, the roads, the water, the docks, the prospect reef, the decrepit airport terminal, the "welcome" toilet, the lack of old people services, the non operational tax office, the not functional labour portal, the childish games in HOA, the lack of travel connections to Anegada, the guns, the scooters, the tinted windows. the lack of respect for laws and regulations by leaders and people, the lack of reports, the lack of financial reports, the lack of transparancy and the airport and just about everything, the stupid concerts, the lack of accountability, the admin building, the lack of a postal service, duplication and waste in Marine safety services, the aricultural wasteland, the school thugs, the lack of a proper as recommended minimum wage, the continued use of consultants without results, the big Government cars and kickbacks, the roads, the roads, the roads, the water, water, water, continuing poor internet and criminal costs, the failiure of the DPP to bring criminals to account, lack of equipment for the hospital, the constant push, push, push for an Independence that will leave the nation impoverished and under the colonial control of a few elites and their families.
No it is not just the lifting of the Order in Council that is needed. We need new leadership, new ideas a better future.
Ticking boxes for COI without actually embracing the changes means nothing. You have pushed back all the way and now look at the nation.