Press Release
Organisation: Premier’s Office
Release Date: 7 October, 2026
Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has called for constitutional advancement of The Virgin Islands in his address to the United Nations Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (Fourth Committee) at the 81st Session of the U.N. General Assembly held at U.N. Headquarters in New York.
In his address to the Committee, Premier Wheatley outlined the Government’s core proposals advanced by the Constitution Negotiating Team during constitutional negotiations held with the United Kingdom. Some proposals include the Premier chairing Cabinet and the Public Service being led by the elected Government. The practices happen in Overseas Territories such as Bermuda and Gibraltar.
The Premier also shared on his productive meetings with the new U.K.O.T. Minister Uma Kumaran and thanked the C-24, U.N. Fourth Committee, C.A.R.I.C.O.M., O.E.C.S., A.C.S., and the Caribbean Territories for their steadfast support of The Virgin Islands as the Territorn seeks political advancement under a new constitution.
Premier Wheatley said, “Updating the U.N. Fourth Committee on the progress of decolonisation and constitutional advancement is an important obligation of The Virgin Islands. My government takes this responsibility very seriously. As required, the international community is now aware of The Virgin Islands’ proposals for constitutional negotiations with the U.K. to advance self-government and decolonisation.”
During his visit to the U.N., the Premier also held meetings with Chair of the U.N. Special Committee on Decolonisation Her Excellency Ambassador Menissa Rambally who also serves as Saint Lucia’s Permanent Representative to the U.N.; and Dean of the CARICOM Permanent Representatives to the U.N., His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Walton Webson.
The Committee will adopt the annual U.N. resolution on The Virgin Islands following the deliberations of member states. The U.N. Fourth Committee is currently taking place within the 81st Session of the General Assembly.