Constitutional negotiations for the Virgin Islands are being advanced, as the Government of the Virgin Islands will begin the first round of formal constitutional negotiations with the Government of the United Kingdom on July 14-15. Photo: Internet Source

The Virgin Islands delegation will be led by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

During these discussions, both parties will explore possible revisions to the Virgin Islands Constitution Order of 2007.

According to a press release from the Government of the Virgin Islands on July 9, 2026, these negotiations represent a significant milestone in the Territory’s ongoing constitutional review process. This phase follows the efforts of the Constitutional Review Commission, deliberations by the House of Assembly, the establishment of the Constitutional Negotiating Committee (CNC), and a series of public consultations throughout the Territory.

The United Kingdom's delegation to the Virgin Islands will consist of four officials, led by Mr Nicholas Wareham MVO, the Head of Delegation. He will be accompanied by Ms Susan Dickson, Constitutional Adviser from the Overseas Territories Directorate; Ms Sarah Baddeley, Legal Adviser from the Overseas Territories Directorate; and Ms Vaishali Patel, the British Virgin Islands Desk Officer.

The Virgin Islands delegation will be led by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and will be supported by Sir Jeffrey Jowell KC, a prominent authority on public, constitutional, and administrative law. Sir Jeffrey has advised on constitutional matters in the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Gibraltar, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Georgia, and Gambia.

Committee participated in several meetings

The release noted that in recent weeks, members of the Constitutional Negotiating Committee, under Premier Wheatley’s leadership, have participated in several planning meetings in preparation for the negotiations. Committee members have reviewed the recommendations approved by the House of Assembly and have addressed requests for additional information from the UK negotiating team.

Premier Wheatley said, “The commencement of these negotiations marks an important milestone in the constitutional advancement of our Virgin Islands. The objective is to secure a modern Constitution that reflects the aspirations of our people, strengthens democratic governance and provides an appropriate framework for greater self-government while maintaining our valued partnership with the United Kingdom. We enter these discussions in good faith, committed to respectful dialogue and expecting practical outcomes that will serve the best interests of all Virgin Islanders."

The release further stated that discussions are expected to continue in the United Kingdom later this year, to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026 and prepare the agreed constitutional amendments for enactment in 2027.