During a special announcement to the nation on March 13, 2026, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) revealed that the Order in Council was officially lifted. Photo: Facebook

On February 10, 2026, the Virgin Islands Constitution Interim Amendment Revocation Order 2026 was laid in the United Kingdom Parliament, and revokes the Virgin Islands Constitution Interim Amendment Order 2022. Photo: Hansard Society

The Virgin Islands Constitution Interim Amendment Revocation Order 2026 was approved by the Privy Council in February 2026. Photo: Privy Council

During a special announcement to the nation on March 13, 2026, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) revealed that on February 10, 2026, the Virgin Islands Constitution Interim Amendment Revocation Order 2026 was laid in the UK Parliament. This order was approved days prior by the Privy Council. 

“This revocation order revokes the 2022 order, effective today, 13th March, 2026,” he said. 

A defining moment for the VI

The order was held in reserve while the government of the Virgin Islands developed and implemented the reforms recommended by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI). If the order were to have been enforced, it would have suspended significant portions of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007. 

“This is a defining moment in the story of our beloved Virgin Islands. The Order in Council that [has] hung over our democracy since 2022 is now lifted. Today, we turn a page in our history. Today, we stand together as a people stronger, wiser and more united.”

Dr Wheatley explained that the lifting of the Order in Council is not merely a procedural development but a national achievement and victory. 

“It belongs to every single one of us from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke, from Virgin Gorda to Tortola. For nearly 4 years, the Virgin Islands lived in the shadow of a constitutional threat…It hung over us like a sword, a constant reminder of how fragile progress can be and how quickly political advancement can be interrupted.”

The lifting of the Order in Council, through. Hard work and dedication mean that threat is no more, Premier Wheatley added. 

“Today, the Virgin Islands stand tall, our constitution stands firm, our democracy remains intact, and we, the people of these Virgin Islands, stand vindicated in our belief that we are capable of governing ourselves.”

In expressing thanks to all those involved, Premier Wheatley said, “Delivering on the commitment to implement the CoI recommendations to get the Order in Council lifted was indeed a collective effort and a demonstration of what can be done when we all work together.”

March 13, 2026, Premier Wheatley said, will long be remembered in the annals of VI history.