Premier urges UK to honour decolonisation commitments

The United Kingdom must honour its international commitments on decolonisation and support the Virgin Islands on its path to self-determination, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley told the House of Assembly.

Addressing the House during an update on international affairs, Dr Wheatley said the United Nations has a clear framework for decolonisation, which “is meant to assist those territories on the UN’s list of non-independent countries to achieve a full measure of self-government within the ambit of international law and the UN mandate to eradicate colonialism in all its forms.”

The BVI remains on this list, overseen by the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation, also known as the C-24.

“The major finding of the independent UN report is that the Virgin Islands is ready for a change of political status,” Dr Wheatley explained. “The report recommends, among other things, the granting of full internal self-government, a timetable for independence, and an education programme on self-determination.”

He said the government has officially requested UN assistance with educating the public on the options under international law, namely integration, free association, or independence.

“We believe in self-determination, but which option is chosen for a change of political status is a matter for the people of the Virgin Islands to decide,” Dr Wheatley asserted.