UK commits to supporting removal of OTs from UN list of Non-self-governing Territories
This is according to a communique issued by the United Kingdom and Overseas Territories (OTs) on November 28, 2025, on the conclusions of the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), held November 24-28, 2025.
Under Chapter XI of the Charter of the United Nations, the Non-Self-Governing Territories are defined as "territories whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government”.
The Virgin Islands is one of 17 territories classified as an NSGT by the United Nations.
According to the communique, the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, as enshrined in the UN Charter, applies to the peoples of the British Overseas Territories.
"The UK and Overseas Territories reaffirm the importance of respecting and promoting the right of self-determination for the peoples of the Territories, which is a collective responsibility of all parts of the UK government," the communique stated.
UN list of Non-self-governing Territories
The communique further shared that for those Territories with permanent populations who wish it, the UK will continue to support requests for the removal of the Territory from the United Nations list of Non-self-governing Territories.
"The UK will continue to support those Territories that wish to attend the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) and UN Fourth Committee meetings," the communique informed.
Meanwhile, the UK said it will continue to explore ways in which the Overseas Territories can maintain international support in countering hostile sovereignty claims.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) attended the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC). Other members in the VI delegation were Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) and Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL).
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10 Responses to “UK commits to supporting removal of OTs from UN list of Non-self-governing Territories”
Nonetheless, what is written is different from the reality on the ground. For example, on paper the VI is cast as self-governing. Nevertheless, the UK-appointed Governor wields unilateral power( Reserve Power,,Assent Power, etc). Devolved powers can be easily reversed, eg, suspending the constitution and putting the territory under UK direct rule. In fact, after the one- man Sir Gary Hickenbottom Commission of Inquiry, the VI constitution was suspended by an order in council but was being held in abeyance, hanging over the head of the VI and its people like the Sword of Damocles. A recent communique indicated that it was going to be perhaps conditionally lifted..
Moreover, the VI and its people like people across globe is entitled and deserving to voluntarily chose without interference a self-determination political status of its own choosing by a majority of Virgin Islanders. Self-determination options include integration, independence, free association, status quo, etc. The VI has been financially self-supporting since 1978 under the Dr. Williard Wheatley Administration.
Let’s get the self-determination referendum happen soonest. Scotland had an independence in 2014; Bermuda,,1995. Now is VI time..
Reformation before self governance. Justice rather than Injustice. Without check, and balances, Self short of reformation of current government practices remain a selfish ambitious journey to no where good.
At this time the citizens of the B.V.I, and others living among us are experiencing the highest case of disunity, and unfunctionable local leadership role in its history.
It will not be wise to allow power ravenous political leaders to get their way without critical reform been made.
I do understand, I believe, that the UK seek to offer self governance to the citizens of the B.V.I, and it is their right, but owing to the overwhelming evidence that our current local political leaders care more for independence than caring for the welbeing of all the people of the British Virgin Islands, which currently is one of 17 UK'S Overseas Territory, My personal qsuggestion is one step at a time in reformation this process, please, for God's sake, please, for God's, and ours.
Things are going to get worse before it gets better, if ever. Why? Political leaders getting more desperate for more power, being unacceptable in the B.V.I Political sphere.