Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has renewed the British Virgin Islands’ call for greater constitutional advancement and self-government, placing the territory’s political future before the United Nations.

Speaking to the UN Special Political and Decolonisation Committee in New York on October 7, Wheatley outlined key proposals being advanced during ongoing constitutional negotiations between the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.

Among the proposals are changes that would strengthen the role of the elected government, including having the Premier chair Cabinet and giving the elected government greater responsibility for the Public Service. Similar arrangements exist in other British Overseas Territories, including Bermuda and Gibraltar.

The Premier said informing the UN about the territory’s constitutional proposals is an important part of the BVI’s international engagement on self-government and decolonisation. He also met with UK representatives to discuss BVI–UK relations and the territory’s engagement with the UN’s decolonisation bodies.

The development comes as constitutional negotiations with the UK move toward their final phase. The BVI government has previously said its goal is to complete the process and have an agreed constitutional text considered by the Privy Council in early 2027.

The constitutional process could become one of the major political issues shaping the British Virgin Islands’ future, particularly as discussions continue over greater local responsibility, democratic institutions and the territory’s long-term political status.