The Government of the Virgin Islands has commenced renewed public consultations on the Human Rights Commission Bill 2025, a long-anticipated piece of legislation that seeks to establish an independent body to investigate human rights violations and ensure compliance with both national and international standards. Photo: Internet Source/File

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Ms Sharleen S. DaBreo-Lettsome has acknowledged the groundwork laid by her predecessors, particularly former Permanent Secretary Carolyn E. Stoutt-Igwe, in moving the Human Rights Commission bill forward. Photo: Facebook

Human Rights for residents of the Virgin Islands are established by Chapter 2 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007. Photo: VINO/File

The initiative, which recommenced with a territory-wide engagement on February 10, 2025, is aimed at developing a comprehensive Bill that will serve as a cornerstone for human rights governance in the Virgin Islands.

With the proposed legislation creating a Human Rights Commission with the authority to receive and investigate complaints, promote awareness, and hold public officers, government departments, statutory bodies, private companies, and individuals accountable for human rights violations, the public consultation began firstly during an online broadcast on the March 4, 2025 edition of the Public Eye, and will continue with in-person sessions territory-wide from March 12.

The public consultations seek to educate the public on the provisions and implications of the proposed Human Rights Commission Bill. The Bill proposes the establishment of an independent commission to receive and investigate complaints for the violation of Human Rights.

Over a decade in the making

Speaking during the broadcast, Acting Communications Officer Eusa Z. Adams first provided a historical context, noting that discussions on establishing a Human Rights Commission date back to 2013 reinforcing, “Records show that as early as 2013, we've had this bill introduced. However, due to various changes within the House of Assembly, as well as recommendations and amendments, it has not made significant progress—until now.”

Guest and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Ms Sharleen S. DaBreo-Lettsome acknowledged the groundwork laid by her predecessors, particularly former Permanent Secretary Carolyn E. Stoutt-Igwe, in moving the bill forward.

"PS Igwe did quite a lot of work in getting the bill to a stage where it was able to enter Cabinet, it was approved and went to the House, but unfortunately, due to the prorogation of the House, the bill had to be returned; Since then, much has changed globally, prompting extensive research to refine and strengthen the bill."

Recognising the complexities of human rights law generally, the administration has since also enlisted the expertise of Ms Olva McKenzie-Agard, Security and Justice Policy Advisor in the Office of the Deputy Governor, whose legal background, Mr Adams observed, has been instrumental in drafting amendments, with the Attorney General’s Chambers also actively involved in finalising the legal framework.

Human Rights for residents of the Virgin Islands are established by Chapter 2 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.