Legislators on both sides agreed, however, that their full acceptance of the new constitution was contingent on the receipt of a satisfactory letter of entrustment from the British Government, which would delegate responsibility in some matters of external affairs to the local Government.

A letter of entrustment will give general authority to the BVI Government to commence negotiations and conclude agreements, whether bilateral or multilateral, in some areas of external affairs.

Members of the Legislative Council commended the Chief Minister, who headed the BVI Constitutional Negotiating Team, for his initiative in taking the process forward and for his leadership during the negotiations.

Attorney Gerard Farara Q.C. and Mr. Elihu Rhymer, who served both as members of the BVI Constitutional Review Commission, and the BVI Constitutional Negotiating Team, were also praised for their contributions.

The Constitutional Commission’s establishment stemmed from a 2001 decision by the British Government to invite UK Overseas Territories to appoint local commissioners to review and make recommendations on the advancement of their respective constitutions.

During the debate this week, most of the legislators expressed their pride and satisfaction that the Territory will attain constitutional advancement.

Several members also agreed that the new constitution will invest greater responsibility and authority in the locally elected officials, as well as the collective responsibility for the people of the Virgin Islands for their own self-determination.

The draft constitution will be now sent to the Privy Council in London for ratification. Once the Privy Council gives its approval, the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007 will take effect upon the next dissolution of the Territory’s Legislative Council, no later than July 10, 2007.