Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D Wheatley (R7) has reaffirmed the government’s position that the United Kingdom (UK) Order in Council that can suspend the Virgin Islands’ (VI) constitution is not necessary and should be removed as completion of governance reforms is finalised. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D Wheatley (R7) accompanied by Specia Envoy E. Benito Wheatley attended the United Nations (UN) Fourth Committee at the 79th Session of the General Assembly in New York. Photo: UN

According to a press release from the Office of the Premier on October 16, 2024, Premier Wheatley told this to the United Nations (UN) Fourth Committee at the 79th Session of the General Assembly in New York.

“We remain of the view that it is undemocratic, unnecessary and should be lifted. This would not only be a positive development for the UK-BVI relationship but also for the reputation of the UK regionally and internationally,” Premier Wheatley said.

The Premier also stated that he looks forward to the new UK Minister of the Overseas Territories, Hon Stephen J. Doughty to the VI in November for continued discussions on governance reform and building a modern partnership between the UK and the VI that supports self-determination and advances the mutual goals of sustainable development, climate change, economic resilience, security and democracy.

Premier Wheatley highlighted the successful visiting mission to the Territory by the UN Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) that assessed the progress of decolonisation from August 26 to 27, 2024.

The Premier also thanked the C-24, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and UK Permanent Mission to the UN for their roles in ensuring the visiting mission took place.

While in New York, Premier Wheatley was accompanied by Special Envoy Mr. E. Benito Wheatley.

He also paid a courtesy call on the Chair of the C-24 Her Excellency Ambassador Menissa Rambally who is also the Permanent Representative of Saint Lucia to the UN.