The government’s ongoing push for greater autonomy has received a boost from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
The regional block threw its weight behind Virgin Islands leaders at a pivotal time as they urge London to remove the threat of direct rule ahead of negotiations on the first constitutional overhaul since 2007.
The act of solidarity from other eastern Caribbean states came as Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley used his annual Territorial Address last week to call for the VI to take more control of its own affairs.
The OECS said it supports the VI’s work toward that goal, including its recent progress on the recommendations from the 2022 Commission of Inquiry report.
“The OECS commends the BVI on the successful completion of the most comprehensive governance reform programme in its history — an unequivocal demonstration of its commitment to good governance, transparency, accountability and democratic values,” the regional body said in its latest statement on the political situation in the VI.
‘International recognition’
The organisation also described the VI as a global trail blazer.
“This reform agenda is not only a significant domestic milestone but also a model of responsive leadership that deserves international recognition,” the OECS stated.
In support of the government’s ongoing push for greater autonomy, the OECS suggested that London should give the territory more power.
“We acknowledge the clear and measured aspirations articulated by the elected government of the BVI, particularly their call to initiate constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom on full internal self-government under a new pre-independence constitution,” the body stated.
The OECS added that the British government should lift the order in council that allows it to impose direct rule in the VI if the COI recommendations are not carried out to London’s satisfaction.
The VI is currently awaiting the UK’s response on the issue, with a decision on the way forward expected next month.
Company register
The OECS also hinted that it supports the VI’s plan to restrict access to a company register set to launch soon, which has been criticised by UK parliamentarians who believe the register should be open to the public with no viewing restrictions.
The OECS stated that the UK should respect the VI’s financial sovereignty by avoiding “any politically motivated economic impositions that would undermine the territory’s financial services sector or economic stability.”
UN report
The body also welcomed a February report by the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation, which suggested that the VI should move towards greater self-governance.
“We note that the UN report reflects the genuine will of the people of the BVI and provides a sound framework for the territory’s forward movement along the path of decolonisation,” the organisation stated. “The OECS reaffirms its commitment to supporting this process in alignment with its longstanding advocacy for the right of all peoples to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development.”
Constitutional talks
As the VI prepares to begin constitutional negotiations with the UK, the OECS said it will continue to back the territory.
“The OECS stands ready to provide any support necessary — technical, diplomatic or political — in solidarity with this legitimate pursuit of democratic self-governance,” the organisation stated.
The body expressed confidence that the VI will realise its aspirations through “principled leadership and the constructive engagement” with partners including the UK and UN.
“We salute the people and government of the British Virgin Islands for their vision, courage and steadfast commitment to building a just, sovereign and prosperous future,” the OECS stated.
The premier said in his Territorial Address on May 20 that the VI “continues on its path to self-governance.”
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