The Virgin Islands is moving closer to a new phase in its political relationship with the United Kingdom as government leaders prepare for high-level constitutional negotiations expected to begin in 2026.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that the Virgin Islands secured agreement from the UK Government to commence formal constitutional talks following discussions at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London.
The negotiations are expected to focus on constitutional modernization, greater internal self-governance, and the future political relationship between the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom in the aftermath of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) reforms.
According to Premier Wheatley, the talks represent “an important milestone” in the Territory’s democratic development and will build on recommendations made by the House of Assembly and the Constitutional Review Commission.
The House of Assembly recently approved the establishment of a Constitutional Negotiating Committee that will formally represent the Virgin Islands during discussions with UK officials. The committee includes government ministers, opposition representatives, legal experts, and members of the Constitutional Review Commission.
Premier Wheatley said the negotiations are grounded in the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, which anticipated constitutional review after 10 years. Nearly two decades later, the Territory is now seeking updated constitutional arrangements reflecting modern governance realities.
The constitutional talks come after years of political tension between the Virgin Islands and the UK following the 2022 COI report, which recommended sweeping governance reforms and led to the controversial Order in Council that threatened to suspend parts of the Territory’s Constitution.
That Order in Council was later revoked after the Virgin Islands completed major governance reform benchmarks tied to the COI implementation programme. In its 2026 Budget Address, the Government said the reforms strengthened accountability, transparency, and democratic institutions while positioning the Territory for constitutional advancement.
Government officials have framed the upcoming negotiations as part of a broader push toward increased self-determination while maintaining a partnership with Britain.
The proposed negotiations are also expected to explore the creation of a new bilateral compact between the Virgin Islands and the UK, outlining mutual responsibilities, governance standards, and cooperation mechanisms.
Written evidence submitted by the Virgin Islands Government to a UK parliamentary committee earlier this year indicated that officials want clearer consultation processes with London and more defined engagement across UK government departments. The submission also stressed the importance of measurable commitments and transparent communication during the next stage of the constitutional relationship.
Political observers say the talks could become one of the most significant constitutional exercises in the Territory since the introduction of the 2007 Constitution
The Government has moved to secure the services of internationally respected public law and governance expert Sir Jeffrey Jowell, KC of Blackstone Chambers in London to support the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“We took the decision of an external counsel who could focus solely on this task,” Premier Wheatley said.
Sir Jeffrey Jowell, KC previously assisted both the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cayman Islands with their constitutional negotiations, therefore bringing extensive experience in overseas territory governance matters.
While no formal timetable for the negotiations has yet been publicly released, officials have indicated that preparatory work is already underway, including the submission of constitutional recommendations to the UK’s Minister for Overseas Territories.
The outcome of the talks is expected to shape the future governance structure of the Virgin Islands for decades to come.