UK should take self-determination of the VI ‘very seriously’- Mr E. Benito Wheatley
Mr Wheatley said this during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in September 2025.
The VI is one of 17 still established Overseas Territories which fall under the remit of the UN’s Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24).
UK’s role is important
The United Kingdom, Mr Wheatley said, has an important role to play in supporting the self-determination of the Virgin Islands.
“Among other things, the UK government should take the self-determination of the BVI very seriously.”
Mr Wheatley also encouraged the UK to give consideration to the territory's full internal self-government during upcoming constitutional negotiations and to hold a future referendum on a change of political status.
A C-24 mission visited the VI in August 2024, after a request was made to the UK years prior.
Mr Wheatley said that a visiting mission is not an end in itself to colonisation, adding, "It is just the beginning of a preparatory process for change of political status."
Support for full economic & financial self-sufficiency
The Territory’s Special Envoy also opined that the UK should support the continued full economic and financial self-sufficiency of the VI, largely underwritten by financial services and tourism.
“This means constructive engagement with the BVI and access to public registers of beneficial ownership based on legitimate interests, respect for human rights, and constitutional safeguards.”
He said it is in the best interest of both the VI and the UK to have a positive relationship after the challenges of the difficult years of the past.
Mr Wheatley also called on the UN to assist the VI in securing the needed technical assistance from relevant UN agencies for the C-24 mission’s recommended education programme of self-determination for the Territory.
“Article 73 of the UN Charter mandates that the UN provide such support to the non-self-governing territories at their request,” he reminded.
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13 Responses to “UK should take self-determination of the VI ‘very seriously’- Mr E. Benito Wheatley”
It is SELF Determination by the PEOPLE. Not by one person, or 13 people.
SELF DETERMINATION does not mean Independence.
SELF DETEMINATION means making A CHOICE.
The PEOPLES CHOICE.
It is important the Premier understands that - the UN and the UK understand that.
The UK are ready.
The only thing in the way of the choice. The only thing blockng the choice is the Premier because he is not in agreement with the choice the people will make. That is why so much effort is being made by the PREMIER TO DENY PEOPLE THEIR RIGHT TO CHOOSE.
The UN Charter and International law obligate, the UK , the administering power, to guide, aid, help, and support the inalienable right of Virgin Islanders to freely ascertain their self-determination political status without interference. Again , Virgin Islanders have the freely expressed will and inalienable right to ascertain their political status. The UK’s role is to facilitate the self-determination process , ensuring that the right to self-determination can be freely exercised, not delaying or coercing the outcome. This facilitation must include protecting the VI’s natural resources and property rights.
Ok. The VI was 1 of 72 non-self governing territories on the UN list for decolonization in 1946; 17 countries remain, including the VI, and USVI.
Moreover, under the UN Charter, the United Kingdom has a legal obligation as the administering power to assist and guide the VI in pursuing self-determination. Further, under Chapter XI( Article 73), the UK is responsible for the VI political advancement, social, economic, educational, etc ., progress. It is also required to report periodically to UN Special Committee on Decolonization ( C-24). Is the UK still reporting and if no, what can the UN do, if any thing? Does the UN has the capacity, will, stones, etc., to force positive action. Is the UN a paper tiger?
Moreover, does UK action(s) since 1946 demonstrated a clear and the constitutionally expressed wish of the VI people ? What are the thoughts of a majority of the VI electorate?
Further, is the dependency -modeled constitution with the UK’s wielding unilateral power ( assent, reserved, special powers) effectively preparing the VI for the next level of self-determination, ie, integration, independence or free association? What country(s) , if any, would the VI integrate into or have free association with? In any event, the VI electorate must discuss, debate, and decide through a referendum the VI’s next political status. The decision can be made through a simple majority or super majority vote. The voting electorate must decide. As such, to prepare the VI electorate on the pros and cons of self-determination options, integration, independence, free association, status quo, etc., a public education and outreach programme should be launched. Is free association a good option for the VI to pursue?
Moreover, what is free association? Free association is a compact between two sovereign countries where one country maintains its sovereignty, its full self-governance, but agrees for the other country to have responsibility for defense, foreign affairs, etc. Some countries with free association compacts include The Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau with US; Cook Island, New Zealand. Additionally, in Puerto Rico’s 2024 Plebiscite election, statehood received 58.61% of the vote; Free Association, 29.57% of vote.