Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has acknowledged that Anedaga and Jost van Dyke face the challenge of having very small populations, which leads some to believe that they are too small to have their own districts. Photo: GIS

The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), has announced that the government will move forward with discussions on the establishment of district councils to improve representation for the residents of Anegada and Jost van Dyke. Photo: Internet

In a recent episode of his podcast "Too Inquisitive," which aired on June 12, 2026, the Premier emphasised the need for increased representation for these islands. Photo: Youtube

For many years, the residents of Anedaga and Jost van Dyke have expressed disappointment over the lack of representation for their territories.

In a recent episode of his podcast "Too Inquisitive," which aired on June 12, 2026, the Premier emphasised the need for increased representation for these islands.

“At one time, I think we started out with maybe four or five districts. We eventually expanded to nine districts, and the purpose of expanding from five districts to nine districts was to afford different areas with more representation.”

Honourable Wheatley also acknowledged that Anedaga and Jost van Dyke face the challenge of having very small populations, which leads some to believe that they are too small to have their own districts. 

Equity within the VI

“I think that's a discussion we need to have, because even though you have small populations, we also need to have equity in the Virgin Islands. Every citizen in the Virgin Islands should have a certain standard of medical services, a certain standard of education, a certain standard of anything you could think of. The cost of living will be higher out here, just because of the fact that everything has to be barged here and whatever,” he exclaimed.

He added that the government's support for Anedaga and Jost van Dyke could be significantly enhanced by establishing district councils.

“That's not to say that you at some point can't get representation, but we believe district councils, we believe, will be able to give Anedaga and Jost van Dyke more executive authority over the areas that affect your everyday lives,” Premier Wheatley concluded.