Speaking at a press conference on May 27, 2022, Dr Wheatley said since its handover, he has advocated for the release of the “Self-Governance Assessment of the Virgin Islands” completed by independent governance expert Dr Carlyle Corbin.

“The assessment was done to give the public additional information that would be helpful in preparing for a Constitutional Review.”

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley  said the Self-Governance Assessment of the Virgin Islands has not yet been shared in any public forum, but only noted for the record at the United Nations Pacific Regional Seminar on Decolonisation.

Document will first be taken to Cabinet- Premier

The Premier said the document to date has not been shared in any public forum, but only noted for the record at the United Nations Pacific Regional Seminar on Decolonisation.”

“I am pleased to report that, now as Premier, I am taking the self-governance assessment to Cabinet, which was not previously done. It will then be officially published for the public’s consideration,” Dr Wheatley said.

The Premier noted that the Government of National Unity wants to ensure the public has good reference material in this new era of democratic governance as changes are made for the betterment of the Virgin Islands.

The Self-Governance Assessment of the Virgin Islands was completed by independent governance expert Dr Carlyle Corbin.

VI systematically prepared for independence- Dr Corbin

Dr Corbin, speaking on the Honestly Speaking radio show on March 29, 2022, pointed out that while the VI has more preparations to make as it relates to seeking independence from the United Kingdom (UK), the territory is already systematically prepared for self-governance.

The International Expert had also said the VI must now explore whether it wishes to proceed to independence and how to proceed, which are all issues to be determined, “but certainly the society is prepared,” he said.

Dr Corbin had also advised that should the VI decide to seek independence, the UN has the mandate to assist, along with the support of the administering power.