Roadtown, Tortola in the BVI By. V.I. CONSORTIUM
People in the British Virgin Islands want to directly elect their premier. They also want to divest the UK-appointed governor of some powers, in favor of more local control.
These were the major recurring themes coming out of submissions made to the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), said Chair Lisa Penn Lettsome last week, following a preliminary analysis of comments after the feedback window closed on January 31.
Ms. Lettsome told local reporters that the commission was still sifting through submissions, but that even in this early stage, they can identify several recurring ideas. Apart from the two aforementioned, other popular concerns was a greater need for public discussion on legislation before it is passed, the need for a second look at the purpose of “at-large” representation in the House of Assembly, the need for representation at the district level and education on the constitution starting in schools.
The consultation process, held over three months starting on November 1, 2022, convened 39 events altogether — 12 town hall meetings, 22 privately-requested meetings, 4 interviews and a signature live-streamed event.
