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‘We did not disregard Constitution Review Commission recommendations'- Premier Wheatley

- said quite a number of the recommendations were accepted
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
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
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
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the Committee of the Whole House accepted “quite a number” of the recommendations made by the Constitutional Review Committee, dispelling claims that the recommendations were rejected.

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. 

10 Responses to “‘We did not disregard Constitution Review Commission recommendations'- Premier Wheatley”

  • Citizen (18/05/2026, 08:34) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    ya you did
  • pat (18/05/2026, 08:53) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
    The recommendations from Lisa was a joke I support tossing them if course
  • BRAD BOYNES (18/05/2026, 12:32) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Wheatley please stop bamboozling educated people for God in heaven sake. You know better.
  • Marty Probasco (18/05/2026, 13:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Committee of the Whole House accepted “quite a number” of the recommendations made by the Constitutional Review Committee,

    WHAT DID THE GOVERMENT WHOLE HOUSE ACCEPT AND REJECT AND WHY?
  • Joycelyn Banks (18/05/2026, 13:58) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Does this man know what disregard means?
    • @Joycelyn Banks (20/05/2026, 04:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      He knows we know but he thinks we're stupid enough to ask ourselves if we really know.
  • The Commissioner (18/05/2026, 14:46) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes you did , especially any that had to do with removing or curtailing the power of elected officials.
  • BuzzBvi (18/05/2026, 15:17) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    You ignored that Constitution Commission and should be criticized for it - just the way you criticised the Governor for ignoring the Police Commission.

    You are not going to the UK with what the people want, but like Planters that want to carry on get rich of the back of other people - with no controls.

    The people want a VI that is good for all the people not just the elites.
  • Bull (18/05/2026, 20:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You and your government disregarded the Constitution Review in the same way you disregarded all the years of hard worke public Servants gave when you and your government placed everyone of us at one on the new salary scale. A bunch of crooks I for one will never go back to the polls to vote again.(Wolfes in sheep clothing).
  • Picking cherries (19/05/2026, 02:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Obviously that’s exactly what they did!


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