Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

‘Order in Council that hung over our democracy…is now lifted’- Premier Wheatley

-called it a national achievement & victory
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
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
The Virgin Islands Constitution Interim Amendment Revocation Order 2026 was approved by the Privy Council in February 2026. Photo: Privy Council
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands Constitution Interim Amendment Order 2022, which was laid in the United Kingdom (UK) parilament has officially been lifted.

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. 

25 Responses to “‘Order in Council that hung over our democracy…is now lifted’- Premier Wheatley ”

  • Corruption & Crime (14/03/2026, 09:30) Like (16) Dislike (18) Reply
    That is very unfortunate as corruption & drug trafficking thrive in the absence of any supervision from the UK
    • What!! (14/03/2026, 11:31) Like (10) Dislike (12) Reply
      Please shut the hell up. You sound dumb. Who does more under cover sniffing exchanging buying and distributing of drugs here 8n the BVI than UK and other nationals. The same people you trying to lock up is who your buying it from. 2. Go back to the UK to help solve their corruption and drug trafficking. Contrary to your dumb @$$ belief we do see and read your news as well.
    • All 13 must... (14/03/2026, 19:02) Like (4) Dislike (15) Reply
      All 13 Must Go right back in .They have saved the BVI and now without the Order handing over their heads NOW you will see progress. The 13 Together making the BVI Better
  • hmm (14/03/2026, 10:47) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    The Order in Council caused by the Head Coach and the Party Premier sand their set of cronies is now lifted? We have not forgotten! We remember your behavior when being questioned by the COI. We remember who casted the VI into this state of corruption and victimization
  • Tax returns when (14/03/2026, 11:06) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    If we had true democracy all 13 would be out and my tax money would actually be used to develop and better the country and make it look like the Iran war
  • No democracy here (14/03/2026, 11:07) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    And nagico is the "best insurance" in the Caribbean. What other lie is true?
  • Xxx (14/03/2026, 11:08) Like (8) Dislike (38) Reply
    VIP deserves another 4 years
  • Deliverance (14/03/2026, 11:11) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
    Excellent delivery Premier . You are definitely cut out for this position but I’m afraid you have ruined your chances of being re-elected. The people aren’t please with you . What a shame !
  • %100 raise (14/03/2026, 12:25) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Vip will also be lifted from hanging over our heads
  • E. Leonard (14/03/2026, 13:11) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    Congratulations to Dr. Hon Premier Natalio Wheatley, R-7, MoF, etc, and Team for successfully navigating the way through this political minefield. Nonetheless, it is the dawn of a new day, a new area. The threat of suspending the VI constitution which hung over the head of the VI and its people like the Sword of Damocles may have been lifted but the work in shedding and freeing the VI of the chains of colonialism continues. The VI people must actively engage, decide the next self-determination option, viz, independence, integration, free association, etc. The VI must be vigilant and vigilate. It must unite, ethno-aggregate, etc., to plot, chart a new course:path forward, resetting the compass.
    • Rattler (14/03/2026, 17:40) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      E. Leonard, my bro, indeed the VI must be vigilant and vigilate, must unite and ethno - aggregate (I’m not familiar with the word but I assume is something valuable). Nonetheless, though one-man Commission of Inquiry (COI) commissioned by former UK-appointed Governor Gus Jaspert and led by Sir Gary Hickenbottom outcome may have been predetermined, the findings revealed some structural weaknesses which required addressing. These weaknesses should have been identified before the CoI and correction completed or in progress. There can be no respite in the lifting of the order in control. It must be full speed ahead in action to prevent a repeat of the failures of the past.
    • School mate (14/03/2026, 19:17) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      @E. Leonard, good read, encouraging Virgin Islanders to unite in charting a new path forward. It is reflects pride, purpose, patriotism, etc. It will take signature Virgin Islander “rugged individualism” to get us there.
    • Raw and Unfiltered (15/03/2026, 15:00) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Leonard, you dishing out high praise for having the Order in Council lifted. But hear this, there is no leadership “ Halo Effect” with this forced action. Ok. Let’s see the same diligence executed with the efficacy, transparency, prioritizing, etc, of the territory’s limited budgetary resources. Let’s put repairing potholes before partying. The Premier needs to listen to his wise , experienced, etc, counsel.
  • De intelligent man (14/03/2026, 16:34) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bring back Fahie! ...now the corruption is allowed again
  • Josiahsbay (14/03/2026, 18:29) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Are we really so naive as to think that this is a significant achievement? When we reach a point where the UK cannot implement an Order in Council, then we can say we have truly succeeded. What is the difference between having that Order hanging over our heads and them having the power to implement and enforce it whenever they choose? I am astonished that our people fail to recognize the lack of progress and non-achievement when it is so obvious.
  • What Ever Next (14/03/2026, 18:57) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    When can we see the a bank of Asia report please?

    Also when will you publish the BVI annual returns for the preceding years!!!!
  • Rubber Duck (14/03/2026, 18:59) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
    The premier is good for the bvi he has saved us again
  • lodger (14/03/2026, 20:29) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Now we can get back to business as befoe.
  • Meh son (14/03/2026, 21:01) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    When ah hurricane coming you don't keep the dog chained up in the backyard.
  • Thank You Hon. Premier (15/03/2026, 09:02) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    Thanks to you Hon Premier, HOA Government, and all the hard working Public Officers for persevering so diligently to bring us to this significant milestone in VI history. We the people of the VI who have experienced our plight, from the track roads and no voices, now to a place where we have the most intellectual leader that the Lord has gifted us with, we are very proud of your achievement. It is a WIN for the people who love these BEAUTIFUL islands. The Lord has us covered under His MIGHTY STRONG arms!

    The VI HATERS that are here sounding stupid with their negativity, should seriously consider returning to their homes where the grass is FAR LESS greener…
  • BRAD BOYNES (15/03/2026, 14:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    In their minds...we are still on the plantation..
  • Cindy (16/03/2026, 17:19) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Everyone knows I am not a fan of the premier, nor VINO, BUT, I have to give him credit for this. That is all.
    GBM - Out!
  • One cent (16/03/2026, 23:34) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I predict we will be incorporated into the UK by 2030.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.