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Order in Council to be lifted in March 2026

The UK Government has confirmed the that the Virgin Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) Order 2022 be lifted in march 2026 following the completion of the required UK constitutional and Privy Council processes. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
On Thursday December 11, 2025, Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen J. Doughty, MP (left) announced that the order in council will be revoked in March 2026. Photo: VINO/File
On Thursday December 11, 2025, Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen J. Doughty, MP (left) announced that the order in council will be revoked in March 2026. Photo: VINO/File
Following the 2022 Commission of Inquiry, the UK implemented the order of council allowing potential suspension of constitutional reforms. The UK recently decided to revoke in late 2025, signaling confidence in the VI government's progress on governance reforms. Photo: Internet Source
Following the 2022 Commission of Inquiry, the UK implemented the order of council allowing potential suspension of constitutional reforms. The UK recently decided to revoke in late 2025, signaling confidence in the VI government's progress on governance reforms. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The United Kingdom (UK) Government has confirmed that the Virgin Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) Order 2022 will be lifted in March 2026 following the completion of the required UK constitutional and Privy Council processes.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) made this announcement during a press conference on Friday, December 12, 2025.

The premier told the press conference that on Thursday, December 11, 2025, Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen J. Doughty, MP, announced that the Order in Council will be "revoked" in March 2026.

Order in Council instituted since 2022

Following the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (CoI), the UK implemented the Order in Council, allowing potential suspension of constitutional reforms. The UK recently decided to revoke it in late 2025, signalling confidence in the VI government's progress on governance reforms.

It was previously reported on May 9, 2025, that Premier Wheatley said the VI had fulfilled its obligations under the Framework Agreement, and as such called for the lifting of the Order in Council—a controversial legislative instrument enacted in 2022 that enables the UK government to impose direct rule should the reforms fail. 

Cabinet commended 

The Premier welcomed the decision by the UK to revoke the Order in Council while commending the work of the cabinet members for this success.

"I pay tribute to the Cabinet and the Cabinet Office, the Speaker and the members of the House of Assembly, my Special Envoy, my Chief Advisor, our dedicated public officers in this effort.” 

8 Responses to “Order in Council to be lifted in March 2026”

  • hgg (17/12/2025, 16:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    from the last article in the gardian it seems that order was a bluff, as the UK had no intention of taking over governance as it cost too much
  • rattie (17/12/2025, 20:54) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Myron party or the ndp could never achieve this
  • Lifted. Hmmm (17/12/2025, 21:36) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    With this horrible state the country is in..Bad, bad roads, no water, high rent expenditure, financial mis- management. Greed and corruption rampant...The Govt need to keep in check, to lift it is a mistake...I rather see a short take over, these people running the country to the ground, it can't get no worse..
  • kel (17/12/2025, 22:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why March?
  • %100 raise (18/12/2025, 06:36) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    We shall lift the vip next election.
  • dpp (18/12/2025, 07:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Was a complete waste of time.

    No one held accountable

    Not one

    Even if they were the dpp would of lose regardless cuz them so less smh
  • Stealth (18/12/2025, 08:03) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The order in council is like the escalating, skyrocketing, etc., cost of living, which goes faster than the speed of lighting but slower than molasses in the Antarctic to come down. The order in council was quick to put in place but it too is slower than molasses at -273 degrees. What is the hold up? Is the UK looking for another manufactured reason(s) to keep it in place?? Is it time to cut the umbilical cord altogether. It cannot do any worse. The BVi has been off of grant-in-aid and self-supporting since 1979. The BVI needs to look at a free association compact with a developed country. What is taking so long for a referendum on self-determination? Why can’t BVI geh ur fun? What happened to the referendum on same sex marriage? Wee must not only talk the talk but must also walk the walk. Let’s get some credibility, ie, when we say something we act on it. Geez dum bred mon!
  • News Flash (20/12/2025, 21:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lift or not, you all must go. We cannot take another cycle of you all at all.


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