London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, Jul 12, 2025

0:00
0:00

BVI Premier Reports Governor to UN, Alleging Colonialism and Violation of International Law

BVI Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has taken the obvious and very needed step of reporting Governor John Rankin to the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization, citing concerns over the UK's continued colonization of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the potential expansion of the Governor's powers.
During a session in the House of Assembly on June 29, Premier Wheatley revealed that he had travelled to the United Nations headquarters in New York to address the Special Committee on Decolonization, also known as the C-24.

He voiced his objections to the UK's maintenance of an Order in Council that grants the power to suspend the BVI's constitution at any time, a measure he deemed unnecessary. Premier Wheatley emphasized that UK parliamentarians, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the C-24 all support the BVI's stance on this matter.

Furthermore, Premier Wheatley expressed deep concern over Governor Rankin's recent statements regarding the potential acquisition of additional powers over the Virgin Islands. He reiterated that such actions were unnecessary and not in the best interest of the BVI.

Governor Rankin had previously issued a quarterly update on the government's progress in implementing the good governance recommendations put forth by the Commission of Inquiry. In his report, the Governor indicated that if substantial progress was not made by the next review, he would explore options for additional resources, powers, and technical expertise to expedite reforms.

Historically, elected leaders have taken offense when Governors exercise their powers without their approval. The Governor also highlighted that the UK's Order in Council remains in effect, serving as a reminder that significant progress in governance reforms is necessary for the removal of this measure, which poses a threat to the authority of local leaders.

Premier Wheatley's decision to report the Governor to the United Nations underscores the deep-seated concerns within the BVI regarding the continued colonization of the territory and the potential overreach of the Governor's powers. Critics argue that such actions by the UK represent a violation of international law and disregard the principles of self-governance and democracy.

The BVI has long been advocating for greater autonomy and the recognition of its right to determine its own future. The intervention of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization brings global attention to the ongoing struggle faced by the BVI and amplifies the calls for the UK to respect the territory's right to self-determination.

As the debate intensifies, it remains to be seen how the United Nations and the international community will respond to the BVI's plea for decolonization and the protection of its democratic rights. The outcome of this critical issue will shape the future of the BVI and have far-reaching implications for the broader discourse on decolonization in the modern era.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Reparations argument crushed
Rainmaker CEO Says Cloud Seeding Paused Before Deadly Texas Floods
A 92-year-old woman, who felt she doesn't belong in a nursing home, escaped the death-camp by climbing a gate nearly 8 ft tall
French Journalist Acquitted in Controversial Case Involving Brigitte Macron
Elon Musk’s xAI Targets $200 Billion Valuation in New Fundraising Round
Kraft Heinz Considers Splitting Off Grocery Division Amid Strategic Review
Trump Proposes Supplying Arms to Ukraine Through NATO Allies
EU Proposes New Tax on Large Companies to Boost Budget
Trump Imposes 35% Tariffs on Canadian Imports Amid Trade Tensions
Junior Doctors in the UK Prepare for Five-Day Strike Over Pay Disputes
US Opens First Rare Earth Mine in Over 70 Years in Wyoming
Kurdistan Workers Party Takes Symbolic Step Towards Peace in Northern Iraq
Bitcoin Reaches New Milestone of $116,000
Biden’s Doctor Pleads the Fifth to Avoid Self-Incrimination on President’s Medical Fitness
Grok Chatbot Faces International Backlash for Antisemitic Content
Severe Heatwave Claims 2,300 Lives Across Europe
NVIDIA Achieves Historic Milestone as First Company Valued at $4 Trillion
Declining Beer Consumption Signals Cultural Shift in Germany
Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After Two Years
US Imposes New Tariffs on Brazilian Exports Amid Political Tensions
Azerbaijan and Armenia are on the brink of a historic peace deal.
Emails Leaked: How Passenger Luggage Became a Side Income for Airport Workers
Polish MEP: “Dear Leftists - China is laughing at you, Russia is laughing, India is laughing”
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Weinstein Victim’s Lawyer Says MeToo Movement Still Strong
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Labour Expected to Withdraw Support for Special Needs Funding Model
Leaked Audio Reveals Tory Aide Defending DEI Record
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
Boris Johnson Urges Conservatives to Ignore Farage
SNP Ordered to Update Single-Sex Space Guidance Within Days
Starmer Set to Reject Calls for Wealth Taxes
Stolen Century-Old Rolls-Royce Recovered After Hotel Theft
Macron Presses Starmer to Recognise Palestinian State
Labour Delayed Palestine Action Ban Over Riot Concerns
Swinney’s Tax Comments ‘Offensive to Scots’, Say Tories
High Street Retailers to Enforce Bans on Serial Shoplifters
Music Banned by Henry VIII to Be Performed After 500 Years
Steve Coogan Says Working Class Is Being ‘Ethnically Cleansed’
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Visa Overstayer Numbers
JD Vance Questions Mandelson Over Reform Party’s Rising Popularity
Macron to Receive Windsor Carriage Ride in Royal Gesture
Labour Accused of ‘Hammering’ Scots During First Year in Power
BBC Head of Music Stood Down Amid Bob Vylan Controversy
Corbyn Eyes Hard-Left Challenge to Starmer’s Leadership
London Tube Trains Suspended After Major Fire Erupts Nearby
×