Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has expressed confidence that the systems that are being put in place will position the Virgin Islands to govern itself in the future. Photo: Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) added that the government continues to increase transparency and autonomy within its system. Photo: Internet Source

During the Virgin Islands Voice programme on March 18, 2026, when asked what the government will do to ensure that there is not another lifting day [for an Order in Council] in the Virgin Islands, the Premier stated that the government is strengthening its institutions.

Strengthening institutions

"We're seeking to strengthen our institutions. It's extremely important right now in the House of Assembly. We're looking at our Human Rights bill. We have an Integrity Commission. We have a Parliamentary Commission of Standards, we are strengthening the Complaints Commissioner's Office, and establishing a whistleblowing mechanism."

Honourable Wheatley added that the government continues to increase transparency and autonomy within its system.

"We have registration of interests where we have a certain level of transparency and autonomy around the interests that public officers and elected officials have to ensure that we don't have conflicts of interest, so all of these institutions, we are strengthening while at the same time, seeking to deliver public services efficiently and effectively for the people of the Virgin Islands."

He further stated, "I believe if we continue along the track that we're on right now, I have no doubt that one day, we will build the confidence to know that we are able to govern ourselves."

The revocation of the Order in Council took effect on Friday, March 13, 2026, following the Virgin Islands Constitution Interim Amendment Revocation Order 2026, which was laid in the UK Parliament on February 10, 2026, and approved days prior by the Privy Council.