Public officers across the Virgin Islands were consulted on the provisions of the proposed Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 during an Extra-Ordinary Meeting on February 26.

The meeting held virtually, afforded public officers the opportunity to hear a detailed presentation on the Bill, ask questions and receive insight on how the proposed Bill would impact their lives, both as residents and as public officers.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE said, “We are now well underway with the public education portion of this project and now transitioning to the public meeting phase. It was vital that we first engaged public officers for their opinions, which in turn will help to shape the final version of this legislation.”

During the meeting, public officers also heard from Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. who underscored the importance of the proposed Commission, which aligns with section 34 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.

The Office of the Deputy Governor launched the public education and consultation process for the Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 on February10. Through the Bill, the Government of the Virgin Islands is seeking to establish an independent commission to receive and investigate complaints for the violation of Human Rights, among other functions as outlined in Section 6 of the legislation.

Members of the public are invited to attend the upcoming public meetings as part of the Territory wide consultation. The first meeting is scheduled for March 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Maria’s by the Sea’s Conference Room on Tortola. Persons are also encouraged to tune into the upcoming Public Eye programme on Tuesday, March 4, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on the Government’s Facebook page.

To read the bill and submit feedback, visit bvi.gov.vg/humanrights.