BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS | UN Committee Charts Path to Independence for British Virgin Islands

MONTEGO BAY, February 7, 20-25 - The United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization has issued a landmark report outlining concrete steps toward independence for the British Virgin Islands This follows their August 2024 assessment mission to the Caribbean territory. 

The report, welcomed by Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, recommends establishing a clear timeline for independence and implementing a comprehensive national education program on self-governance.

In a significant move toward decolonization, the UN committee has called for structured discussions between the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom, potentially mediated by a UN-appointed arbitrator. 

The recommendations also include consideration of a referendum on independence, preceded by a robust education campaign overseen by the United Nations as an independent facilitator.

"The Government welcomes the report and its recommendations," stated Premier Wheatley, who announced that the findings will be presented to the House of Assembly for debate within the constitutional review process. 

The territory's leadership plans to create a public forum for residents to voice their opinions on the proposed pathway to independence.

The UN committee's recommendations lay out a methodical approach to self-determination, with education at its forefront. 

The proposed national education programme, to be supported by the UK as the Administering Power and facilitated by the UN, aims to ensure citizens fully understand the implications of independence. 

This educational initiative would become particularly crucial if a referendum is called, serving as a foundation for informed decision-making among the territory's population.

A key element of the recommendations focuses on establishing a graduated approach to full independence. 

The committee suggests implementing an intermediate phase of enhanced self-governance, to be determined through collaboration between the UK government and the people of the British Virgin Islands. 

This measured approach reflects the complex nature of transitioning from a British Overseas Territory to an independent nation.

Premier Wheatley emphasized the territory's commitment to thorough public consultation, encouraging residents to review the full report, which has been made available on the government's web portal. 

The Premier also acknowledged the crucial support received from regional partners, expressing gratitude to CARICOM and OECS member states for their backing of the initiative.

The visiting mission's success represents a milestone in the British Virgin Islands' international diplomatic efforts. 

Premier Wheatley specifically credited his international relations team for their "robust engagement" with the UN, which proved instrumental in facilitating the assessment mission.

The report's publication marks a pivotal moment in the British Virgin Islands' journey toward self-determination, coming at a time when several British Overseas Territories are reassessing their constitutional relationships with the United Kingdom. 

The UN committee's recommendations provide a structured framework for the territory to navigate this complex transition, while ensuring public engagement remains at the heart of the process.

As the territory's leadership prepares to bring these recommendations before the House of Assembly, the emphasis on public participation and education underscores the democratic nature of the proposed path forward. 

The coming weeks will be crucial as the government establishes forums for public discourse on these recommendations that could reshape the future of the British Virgin Islands.

Premier Wheatley concluded his announcement with a blessing for "these beautiful British Virgin Islands," signaling both the gravity of the moment and the deep connection to the territory's future that underlies these developments.

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