Premier Wheatley supports transfer of security power to elected Gov't
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.
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18 Responses to “Premier Wheatley supports transfer of security power to elected Gov't ”
They will need to fix this through the UN decolonization unit or examine the specific constitutional arrangements for territories like the BVI. Are virgin islands elected officials readily prepared to deal with security matters in a fair unbiased and reasonable way.
The same government that with all these schemes and scandals ?
If yqll didn't trust the police before best believe it will be worst with them lol
Jails were opened bad guys on the loose.
Royal marines to the rescue thank god.
This place cannot survive without supervision of the UK.
Sorry if you disagree but it’s true.
Mr. Premier stop dreaming. Look at the individuals who are getting contacts and form your own opinions. I don’t see security coming under the government in the next 10 years. Government cannot be trusted with the task of security. You want security so you can put square pegs in round holes.