Lifting of Order in Council reflects UK's 'confidence' in current Gov't- Premier Wheatley
The Premier’s statement comes following the announcement that the draft Order in Council by the United Kingdom (UK) to suspend the Virgin Islands (VI) Constitution is to be lifted.
A letter from the Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen J. Doughty, dated September 22, 2025, conveyed the message to Premier Wheatley.
In a video posted to the government’s Facebook page following the announcement, Premier Wheatley said, “As Premier, I assure the public that my government and I remain committed to good governance and leading this territory with honesty, integrity and democratic accountability.”
Confidence in current administration
He said from the beginning, Virgin Islanders were adamant about “protecting democratic governance and the hard-earned constitutional gains of our ancestors who built this territory with courage, vision and fortitude”.
Premier Wheatley also said there are some procedural matters that will have to be completed for the Order in Council to be lifted, which will take a bit more time.
He noted that the decision to lift the Order in Council, “reflects the completion of the Governance Reform Program agreed in May 2022 and confidence in my administration’s firm commitment to good governance”.
Dr Wheatley said the government is committed to a long-term transition plan to continue governance reform and mainstream it into the daily working of the government.
“We will continue to build on the progress achieved for the benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands.”
Thanks all around
Premier Wheatley thanked God for granting them the strength and resilience to forge ahead under challenging circumstances, requiring the implementation of the 48 recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), while at the same time delivering public services to the people.
He also thanked his Cabinet and House of Assembly colleagues and Governor Pruce and his team for the tireless work in implementing the CoI recommendations, as well as his internal team.
Premier Wheatley also expressed gratitude to CARICOM, OECS, the United Nations, the Caribbean Overseas Territories Caucus, the United States Virgin Islands, and all the VI’s international partners “who have stood by our side these past three years”.
“I thank the Foreign Secretary for accepting the recommendation to lift the order. I also thank the OT Minister Stephen Doughty, as well as the previous OT ministers involved, for embracing a collective approach, which allows us to implement the reforms under continued democratic governance, as we strive to build a model democracy.”
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17 Responses to “Lifting of Order in Council reflects UK's 'confidence' in current Gov't- Premier Wheatley”
Moreover, letting the Unity/VIP government have a go at implementing the 49 recommendations was in the UK’s interest, for if the effort went deep south, it was more ammunition for instituting direct rule. Further, the UG/VIP government’s priority was to get the order in council lifted and avoid direct rule. In the end, the UK decided reluctantly perhaps to lift the order in council. IMO, it was a ‘ lukewarm’ agreement. What should the VIP and succeeding government(s) do? What should be the primary priorities?
In addition to building a first world infrastructure, ie, water, wastewater, storm water ( drainage), modern sea and airports, safe, functional, modern, and quality road network; telecommunications, gas (LP), reliable/quality electricity supply, etc, strong social services, diversifying the economy, stabilizing labor and immigration, lowering the cost of living, adhering to democracy and rule of law, ensuring speedy resolutions for those accused and charge with crimes, ensuring human rights, holding a referendum soonest on self-determination option(s), etc, should be to determine what action(s) resulted in a CoI being commissioned, constitution being suspended( held in abeyance). Cause(s) determined, as you noted the territory should capitalized on and learn from the CoI findings, shortcomings, etc. More importantly, the territory leadership should take action(s) to avoid having its constitution suspended and threat of direct rule instituted or held over its head. It should develop goals, objectives, and employ effective planning measures. And put structurally sound procedures, best management practices, polices, etc in place to guide and keep the territory on course, avoiding being hard grounded on political reef/shoal.
1. Up to date audit of all BVI government accounts for each year from 2010
2. Plausible reasons for the HOA members increasing their annual salaries and pensions since 2022.
3. Acceptable resolution to the BAnk of Asia scandal, with full compensation for all BVI Treasury money invested in this failed bank .
4. Criminal prosecution for all politicians and civil servants involved in any of the above.