The role of Deputy Governor could be dramatically scaled back under constitutional reform proposals being advanced by the Virgin Islands government.
Speaking at a recent public consultation on constitutional reform in Anegada, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley said the proposed changes would leave the office with significantly fewer responsibilities, raising questions about whether the position would even be necessary beyond acting in the Governor's absence.
“The responsibilities would be vastly reduced,” Dr. Wheatley said.
“I think it's reduced so much, I don't even know if it makes sense to have a deputy, but you have to have a deputy [Governor] when a Governor is gone [away from the Territory].”
The Premier explained that while the UK would continue appointing the Governor, the Territory is proposing changes to the qualifications for the Deputy Governor's post.
“I think, in fact, what we've put forward is that it has to be an ancestral Virgin Islander. That's what we put forward, ancestral for the deputy governor,” he stated.
Under the current constitution, the Deputy Governor is appointed by the King. Dr. Wheatley said that would likely remain unchanged under the proposed reforms.
The comments come as the Virgin Islands prepares to enter constitutional negotiations with the UK, which are expected to begin next month. The Territory is seeking a number of changes aimed at transferring greater responsibility from the Governor's Office to locally elected officials.
Among the most significant proposals is the removal of responsibility for the public service from the Governor's portfolio and placing it under the elected government, with the Cabinet Secretary expected to play a leading role in the administration of the public service.
That proposal has generated concern among some residents and public officers who fear greater political control could lead to victimisation within the public service. However, government officials have argued that the changes are necessary to improve accountability and ensure elected leaders have greater authority to implement the policies for which they were elected.
Speaking at a recent public consultation on constitutional reform in Anegada, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley said the proposed changes would leave the office with significantly fewer responsibilities, raising questions about whether the position would even be necessary beyond acting in the Governor's absence.
“The responsibilities would be vastly reduced,” Dr. Wheatley said.
“I think it's reduced so much, I don't even know if it makes sense to have a deputy, but you have to have a deputy [Governor] when a Governor is gone [away from the Territory].”
The Premier explained that while the UK would continue appointing the Governor, the Territory is proposing changes to the qualifications for the Deputy Governor's post.
“I think, in fact, what we've put forward is that it has to be an ancestral Virgin Islander. That's what we put forward, ancestral for the deputy governor,” he stated.
Under the current constitution, the Deputy Governor is appointed by the King. Dr. Wheatley said that would likely remain unchanged under the proposed reforms.
The comments come as the Virgin Islands prepares to enter constitutional negotiations with the UK, which are expected to begin next month. The Territory is seeking a number of changes aimed at transferring greater responsibility from the Governor's Office to locally elected officials.
Among the most significant proposals is the removal of responsibility for the public service from the Governor's portfolio and placing it under the elected government, with the Cabinet Secretary expected to play a leading role in the administration of the public service.
That proposal has generated concern among some residents and public officers who fear greater political control could lead to victimisation within the public service. However, government officials have argued that the changes are necessary to improve accountability and ensure elected leaders have greater authority to implement the policies for which they were elected.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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