Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), during the Virgin Islands Voice on September 30, 2026. Photo: GIS/K. Lettsome

(L-R) Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3); Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8); Chair of the 2023 Constitutional Review Commission, Lisa E. Penn-Lettsome; Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7); Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL); Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye Rymer (R5); Maya Barry; Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL); Chair of the 2005 Constitutional Review Commission, Mr. Gerard St. C. Farara, KC; Attorney General Dawn J. Smith; Professor Sir Jeffrey Jowell, KCMG, KC; and Special Envoy Benito Wheatley. Photo: Office of the Premier

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), has said the goal is to have the new Constitution of the Virgin Islands (VI) on the agenda of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Privy Council in early 2027. Photo: Privy Council

Premier Wheatley and the VI’s constitution negotiating team recently returned from round two talks in the UK. During the Virgin Islands Voice on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, he disclosed that the first round, held in the VI, proved to be extremely important and useful. 

The first round assisted in establishing a good working relationship and means of communication for providing information. Also, during the first round, the VI and UK were able to create what he described as a clear division between areas that were not controversial, those requiring more technical engagement and those requiring engagement with the minister.

“We did that successfully, and in between rounds one and two, a lot of work was done.”

'Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed'

Following round one, Premier Wheatley said the team began drafting language relating to the various constitutional provisions, allowing for more detailed discussions at a more granular level, and paving the way for a successful second round. 

“I would say we went through just about all the issues which we’ve put forward, and we have a kind of clear understanding of the UK's view of most of the areas.”

Premier Wheatley clarified that the VI and UK entered negotiations with a principle on both sides that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”. 

He said it is understood that some noncontroversial areas will most likely be granted, and that areas need further technical engagement, more drafting and persuasion of the minister. “We know those particular areas, but nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.“

A united front by Gov’t & Opposition 

Premier Wheatley said the team knows negotiations are going well based on the strength of their arguments, adding that he was extremely impressed with the team’s ability to represent the issues in the best interest of the Virgin Islands. 

He also said he was impressed with the unity of the VI’s negotiating team. 

“There was complete unity between those members who are members of the Opposition and members of the Government. In fact, while we were there, you wouldn't know who was Government or who was Opposition because we were arguing vigorously all for the same positions.”

The negotiating team consists of Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Opposition legislator Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL). 

One final round of negotiations anticipated 

Before the next round of negotiations, the Premier said there will be some technical engagement. 

“There are some discussions that I have to have with the [UK OTs] minister.” 

That meeting will take place as soon as both offices can get a suitable date. 

“We anticipate one final round of negotiations. And at this final round, we would have all of the draft language that would go into the new constitution, and we would seek to agree on the final language.”

This would then need to be taken to the VI’s House of Assembly, presented and debated. “Our goal would be to get it on the agenda of the Privy Council sometime early in 2027.”