The Office of the Deputy Governor has announced that meeting dates for the ongoing public consultation on the Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 will begin on March 12.

The public consultation was launched February 10 and seeks to educate the public on the provisions and implications of the proposed Human Rights Commission Bill. The Bill proposes the establishment of an independent commission to receive and investigate complaints for the violation of Human Rights.

Human Rights for residents of the Virgin Islands are established by Chapter 2 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007. These Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the individual, along with the International Conventions extended to the Virgin Islands, sets out the basic rights that should be afforded to persons in the Virgin Islands.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr. said the Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all who call this Territory home.

Mr. Archer Jr said, “The Human Rights Commission Bill is a pivotal step in the direction of ensuring that independent systems are in place to oversee the enforcement of Chapter 2 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 and to investigate any and all reports of violations.”

The Bill also outlines that complaints for investigation may be filed against public officers, government departments, individuals or private companies. It would be free of cost to file a complaint to the commission, once established.

The proposed Human Rights Commission will consist of one Chief Executive Officer and Five (5) Human Rights Commissioners.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE highlighted the importance of the public attending meetings and sharing their input. Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome said, “These public meetings are important as they allow us to hear directly from the individuals that a Bill like this would impact. It is critical that persons comment and come to meetings. This Bill must represent the vision of the entire Virgin Islands.” 

The meeting dates are as follows:

Tortola: March 12, Maria’s by the Sea, 6:00 p.m.

Virgin Gorda: March13, Catholic Community Centre, 5:30 p.m.

Anegada: March 18, Emile E. Dunlop Community Centre, 10:30 a.m.

Jost Van Dyke: March 19, Methodist Church Annex, 10:30 a.m.

The public is invited to visit bvi.gov.vg/humanrights to read the legislation and submit written feedback on the provisions of the Bill.