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Speech from the Throne: Sexual Offences Bill to be advanced this year

The Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) has pledged to advance the Sexual Offences Bill, 2026 in this year of the House of Assembly (HoA). Photo: Internet Source
The enactment of the Sexual Offences Bill, 2026 is expected to improve public confidence in the criminal justice system, strengthen victim protection, deter sexual violence, and enhance the capacity of law enforcement and the courts to respond effectively to sexual offences, contributing to safer communities across the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source
The enactment of the Sexual Offences Bill, 2026 is expected to improve public confidence in the criminal justice system, strengthen victim protection, deter sexual violence, and enhance the capacity of law enforcement and the courts to respond effectively to sexual offences, contributing to safer communities across the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) has pledged to advance the Sexual Offences Bill, 2026, in the House of Assembly (HoA) this year.

The Bill, according to the Speech from the Throne delivered by Governor Daniel Pruce on January 13, 2026, has been developed to modernise and consolidate the Territory’s laws on sexual offences, replacing outdated and fragmented provisions in the Criminal Code and related legislation.

“The enactment of the Bill is expected to improve public confidence in the criminal justice system, strengthen victim protection, deter sexual violence, and enhance the capacity of law enforcement and the courts to respond effectively to sexual offences, contributing to safer communities across the Virgin Islands,” Governor Pruce said.

‘Landmark legislation’

Speaking of the legislation back in April 2025, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley said this “landmark legislation” proposes a gender-sensitive legal framework to address sexual crimes, prioritise the well-being of survivors and hold offenders accountable. 

“It will introduce trauma-informed practices for survivors, mentorship initiatives, and implement tracking systems for sexual offenders following their reintegration into society,” Hon Wheatley had said.

In addition, the Bill would enable the creation of a Sexual Offenders Registry in the Territory – so that survivors are supported and communities are safer, Hon Wheatley had stated.

The Sexual Offences Bill has been promised since 2022.

8 Responses to “Speech from the Throne: Sexual Offences Bill to be advanced this year”

  • the cure (15/01/2026, 19:26) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is very simple , castrate the bastards
  • List them (15/01/2026, 19:47) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sex offender list when?

    That list gonna be long and popular fr fr
  • malone (15/01/2026, 20:08) Like (30) Dislike (5) Reply
    So wah happen to the roads and sewage problem. Implement something for that please and thanks
  • Stealth (15/01/2026, 22:17) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    The Virgin Islands ( VI) ( British) is promoted as being self-governing. So why is the Government UK-appointed Governor Daniel Pruce delivering the speech on what the supposed local self-governing government plan of action for the upcoming fiscal year. Is is that the VI is self-governing on paper but colonialism is still alive and well and the UK still run things, local government playing second fiddle. The truth is the UK still wields unilateral power, ie, reserve power, reserve powers, assent power, etc. Devolve powers can easily rescinded, eg, suspending of constitution, reverting to direct UK rule. Incidentally, the VI constitution is currently suspended by an order in council but is being held in abeyance , hanging over the head of the VI and its people like the Sword of Damocles. The UK has indicated that it may lift the suspension this summer; the suspension was quick to be imposed but slow as molasses to lift. The local government can only do what the UK allow them to do. The VI is still being treated like a child who is still living at home with parents . It is time for the VI to use its wings, fly away from the nest, and don’t return. Moreover, the VI is in the nest but the UK is not taking of it (VI), for the VI have been self/supporting since 1979 under the Dr. Willard Wheatley Administration; the VI went off grant-in-aid in 1979. The last major capital project funded was the His Majesty’s Prison( HMP). It is interesting what the UK will readily fund. Still looking for the elusive phantom His Majesty’s High ( Secondary) School.
  • Road Town (16/01/2026, 07:23) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    Go tell your brother Andrew, Epstein boy.
  • Love this (16/01/2026, 11:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    THANK YOU!!
  • —————————— (17/01/2026, 21:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope thoes who rape but got off are on the list


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