Our Constitution, a public information campaign to ensure every person living in the Virgin Islands, and every Virgin Islander abroad, understands the constitutional reform process now underway, has been officially launched. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and members of the Constitutional Negotiation Committee (CNC) visited the four main islands in the Virgin Islands and presented the 27 points the team will be negotiating. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands Constitutional Negotiation Committee (CNC) will begin constitution negotiations with the United Kingdom in July 2026. Photo: Internet Source

The announcement was made on Friday, July 3, 2026, by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Whealtey (R7). The campaign also went live online at www.ourconstitution.vg ahead of the first formal round of constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom, scheduled for later this month. 

This information campaign runs through July 2026 across Facebook, WhatsApp, radio, and the website, featuring video interviews with the Constitutional Negotiating Committee, past negotiators, legal experts, and community voices from across the Territory. It is expected that diaspora content will be distributed through the BVI London Office for Virgin Islanders living abroad. 

All residents are invited to visit the website to read the summaries of all 27 proposed amendments, explore the process timeline, and read the frequently asked questions section, which archives questions posed in public forums about the 27 amendments and the negotiation process.  The public may also ask questions via the website. 

It’s our responsibility to ensure everyone understands- Premier 

The Premier and members of the Constitutional Negotiation Committee (CNC) visited the four main islands in the Virgin Islands and presented the 27 points the team will be negotiating. During those sessions, the Committee had the opportunity to provide residents with information about the negotiations’ timeline, what those negotiations would mean, and, importantly, to listen to residents' concerns.

Premier Wheatley said that for generations, the people have built something on these islands worth protecting and passing on, adding that this constitutional review process was not handed to us; we chose it.  

He said the people who participated in the CNC’s meetings listened and presented recommendations based on those discussions.  

“When our House of Assembly came together, the 13 elected members agreed on 27 changes to bring to the negotiation table, which I believe is a strong mandate from our people. Now our responsibility is to make sure every person who calls these islands home understands what we agreed to negotiate, and why it matters for all of us."

According to the Premier, the proposed 27 recommendations are rooted in Virgin Islander identity but also look ahead, building on the work of previous generations and setting the pace for the next generation.  

“Some amendments speak to all - governance, rights, the courts.  Others, including Belonger status, ancestral land, and the new Ancestral Virgin Islander category, speak specifically to Virgin Islander heritage." Premier Wheatley said. 

Proposed amendments cover 5 themes

The 27 proposed amendments cover five themes:

• Who We Are - identity, Belonger status, Ancestral Virgin Islander, and Virgin Islands land
• Our Rights - fundamental rights, elderly protection, disability, and the right to marry
• Taking Control - devolution of the Governor's powers, UK consultation requirements, and a mandatory referendum on political status by 31 December 2031
• How We Govern - Senate, at-large seats, five-year elections, Cabinet reform, and Attorney General reform
• Our Communities - District Councils, the Deputy Governor, and Magistracy reform