TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC – Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has urged Virgin Islanders to reject recommendations that would grant greater control to the Governor, warning that such proposals would return the territory to colonial rule.
Wheatley made the remarks in parliament during a debate on the second volume of a law enforcement review conducted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
The 289-page report outlines 375 recommendations, including proposals for agencies such as Customs, Immigration, the Financial Investigation Agency, and the prison service to fall under the Governor’sgovernor’s direct control.
“The people of the Virgin Islands must rise and say no. We will not give more responsibility to the Governor,” Wheatley stated.
He argued that these areas of governance — currently overseen by elected officials — should not be transferred to an unelected official with no mandate from the people.
“This suggests that all of these areas should be moved under the ambit of the governor, the unelected governor… that is taking us in the opposite direction,” he stated.
The Premier likened the recommendation to a controversial proposal in the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, which had called for the partial suspension of the Virgin Islands Constitution and the transfer of executive and legislative powers to the Governor.
“The first recommendation of the COI spoke about the suspension of our Constitution… fundamentally, that’s what we call colonialism,” Wheatley said.
While the COI had recommended two years of direct rule due to concerns about corruption and poor governance, the United Kingdom later agreed to a framework that allowed for locally led reforms instead.
Wheatley argued that the territory has historically advanced when granted greater autonomy, not less.
“Our history has been when we’ve been given responsibility, we’ve thrived,” he said. “Colonialism doesn’t lead to greater security. Colonialism leads to an inferior state of security.”
He also questioned the timing of the review’s findings, saying some of the identified deficiencies should have been addressed long ago.
“Why is it that we wait till 2025 to realize that that is something that needs to take place?” he asked. “Some of the deficiencies… should have never been allowed to continue for so long. That’s a reflection on those who are responsible for internal and external security.”
The Premier maintained that law enforcement and internal security should be the responsibility of local elected officials, not the Governor.
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