Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), has called for the Virgin Islands' security responsibilities to be transferred from the United Kingdom to the Virgin Islands government. Photo: Facebook

A series of public consultations is taking place across the territory ahead of formal constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom, which are expected to begin later this year. Photo: VINO/File

He stated that security should be managed with a certain level of democratic accountability.

Speaking at a public engagement session held by the negotiating team in Virgin Gorda at the Catholic Community Centre on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Honourable Wheatley noted that many other territories, such as the US Virgin Islands and St Martin, have control over their own security, and he believes the Virgin Islands should have the same autonomy.

This series of public consultations is taking place across the territory ahead of formal constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom, which are expected to begin later this year.

Need for democratic accountability in security matters

Honourable Wheatley emphasised the need for democratic accountability in security matters, stating, “We believe that there should be a certain level of democratic accountability to those persons who are responsible for security. So that the public, themselves, can evaluate how well you are doing on providing good security to the people of the Virgin Islands.”

He added, “If the people of Virgin Gorda are not satisfied with how they are protected by the security services, they need to be able to have the tools to hold somebody accountable. Right now, we don't have the tools to hold anyone accountable for how we secure ourselves, and I should say to you, with power comes responsibility."

UK responsible for security

The premier also cautioned that while the Virgin Islands seeks to transfer authority from the governor to the elected government, it is crucial to maintain checks and balances on executive power. “No executive should have the wherewithal, or the ability or the opportunity to run roughshod over the people.”

Under the current Virgin Islands Constitution, established in 2007, the United Kingdom, through the governor, is responsible for areas such as defence, internal security, and certain aspects of the public service.