The establishment of District Councils was approved by the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands on 5^th April to ensure the development of communities in the Virgin Islands.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley said, “The main features of the Virgin Islands District Councils Programme will be the establishment of district councils in each of the electoral districts across the Virgin Islands.”

“District two will have two District Councils, including a District Council on Tortola and a District Council on Jost Van Dyke. District 9 will also have two District Councils, including a District Council on Virgin Gorda and a District Council on Anegada,” he said.

“To support the establishment of the District Councils, Cabinet decided that the Premier's Office, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, now develop the policy to inform the drafting of legislation to establish District Councils,” he added. 

“Funding has already been allocated in this year’s budget for the establishment of the District Councils, so the Premier’s Office has already commenced the research to develop the policy which will lead to the development of draft legislation,” Premier said.

Stakeholder consultation will be conducted within this quarter.

The Premier’s Office will have responsibility for the overall administration of the District Councils Programme once the legislation is enacted.

The District Councils will serve as a mechanism for identifying, organising and implementing community-based projects and programmes, and providing for the funding of the same.

The Premier’s Office remains committed to fostering social cohesion, collaboration, and transformation through community building initiatives.