For those Territories with permanent populations who wish it, the United Kingdom has said it will continue to support requests for the removal of the Territory from the United Nations list of non-self-governing Territories. Photo: GIS

Virgin Islands Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, meets King Charles III, left, in the presence of United Kingdom Minister for the Overseas Territories, Hon Stephen J. Doughty. Photo: GIS

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).