A 10-member Constitutional Negotiating Committee (CNC) has been established to lead discussions with the Government of the United Kingdom on the reform and modernisation of the Territory’s Constitution.

Cabinet and the House of Assembly on 21st April approved the composition of the CNC to engage with the Government of the United Kingdom in negotiating a new Constitution on behalf of the people of The Virgin Islands.

The decision marks a significant step in advancing the constitutional review process, following nearly two decades since the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 came into force on 15th June 2007.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, will lead the Committee. The other members are:

• Honourable Julian Fraser, RA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change;
• Honourable Kye Rymer, Minister for Communications and Works;
• Honourable Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports;
• Honourable Marlon A. Penn, Leader of the Opposition;
• Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, Member of the Opposition;
• Honourable Dawn Smith, Attorney General;
• Honourable Mr. Justice Gerard Farara, KC, Chairman, 2005 Constitutional Review Commission and Constitutional Law Expert.
• Mrs. Lisa Penn-Lettsome, Chair, Constitutional Review Commission; and
• Mrs. Maya Barry, Member, Constitutional Review Commission;

The Committee will be supported by a team of six resource personnel: 

• Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt Igwe, Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office;
• Ms. Dwynel Davis, Director of International Affairs Secretariat (Ag.);
• Ms. Tracy Bradshaw, Director of BVI London Office.
• Ms. Ayana Glasgow, Director of Financial Services, Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation;
• Mr. Benito Wheatley, Special Envoy to the Premier; and
• Ms. Xyrah Wheatley, Private Secretary to Minister of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation;

The establishment of the CNC follows the completion of the Constitutional Review Commission’s report in November 2023 and subsequent deliberations by the House of Assembly. In April 2026, the House laid its report, Deliberations on the Constitutional Review Commission (2022–2023) Report, as a public document to guide further engagement.

Premier Wheatley stated that the formation of the Committee represents a critical milestone in the Territory’s constitutional development.

“The establishment of the Constitutional Negotiating Committee ensures that The Virgin Islands is properly represented in discussions with the United Kingdom as we seek to modernise our constitutional framework,” the Premier said. “This process is essential to strengthening governance, enhancing self-determination, and securing a Constitution that reflects the will and future of our people. The work of the Constitutional Review Commission and the deliberations of the House of Assembly have laid a strong foundation. This Committee will now carry that work forward through structured and meaningful negotiations.”

The establishment of the CNC underscores the Government’s commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and forward-looking approach to constitutional advancement. A coordinated communication strategy will keep the public informed and engaged during the constitutional reform process.

Members of the CNC will be engaging the public in a series of stakeholder meetings on each of the main islands over the coming weeks. The first meeting will be held on Tortola at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium on Tuesday, 5th May, 2026, and the other meetings are scheduled for 26th May at the Catholic Community Centre on Virgin Gorda, 28th May at the Methodist Church on Jost Van Dyke, and 29th May at the Emile Dunlop Community Centre on Anegada. 

During those meetings, the public can engage with CNC members on the HOA Deliberation Report and expect to receive information on the constitutional negotiation process.

Everyone is encouraged to attend.

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The Government of The Virgin Islands is committed to promoting good governance and the sustainable development of the Territory with a view to ensuring a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society. The Premier’s Office serves as the focal point for coordinating cross-sectoral policies and programmes and promoting the sustainable development of The Virgin Islands to ensure a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society.