Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) during the first public engagement on the Constitutional Negotiations on May 5, 2026. Photo: YouTube

Public engagements on the Constitutional Review continue on May 26, 28, and 29, on the sister islands. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The first public engagement on the Constitutional Negotiations took place at Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay on May 5, 2026. Photo: GIS

Speaking at the first public engagement on the Constitutional Negotiations at Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay on May 5, 2026, the Premier said he wanted to take the opportunity to clarify something he had seen circulating in the media. 

“Quite a number of the recommendations were accepted. There were some of them that were accepted outright.”

Modifications cited as rejected due to Standing Orders 

Premier Wheatley explained that there were also recommendations accepted with modifications. “Now, based on how we did the Standing Orders, if you didn't accept it verbatim, the Standing Orders cite as a rejection. That's just how the standing orders were drafted.”

He also said other recommendations were accepted, but the House concluded that they were better suited for legislation rather than inclusion in the Constitution.”

Other recommendations, the Premier added, were not seen as “practical or workable”. 

“We did not disregard the Constitutional Review Commission's recommendations at all. They were carefully considered. We are also very grateful for the very thoughtful process that they went through,” Premier Wheatley assured. 

The public engagements continue on May 26 at the Catholic Community Centre in Virgin Gorda from 5:30 PM; on May 28 at the Jost Van Dyke Methodist Church from 10:00 AM; and on May 29 at the Emile Dunlop Community Centre in Anegada at 10:00 AM.