Sex-crime bill released for public input

For more than five years, successive governments have promised to reform the territory’s sex-crime legislation from the ground up.

Now, the process is moving ahead with the release of a proposed new law for public input.

On Monday, government circulated the Sexual Offences Bill, 2025, as part of a territory-wide consultation set to continue through this month.

“This bill represents a significant step forward in strengthening protections for children, vulnerable persons and survivors of sexual violence in the Virgin Islands,” said Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley. “However, legislation of this importance must be shaped by the people it serves.”

‘Modernisation’

In a Monday press release, government described the proposed bill as a “comprehensive modernisation” of the VI’s sexual-offences laws.

“It consolidates existing provisions and introduces updated measures to address rape and sexual assault; child sexual abuse; abuse of positions of trust; human trafficking and sexual exploitation; online offences including the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images; and protections for persons with mental disorders,” the press release states.

The bill is also designed to strengthen evidence rules, clarify the legal definition of consent, enhance anonymity protections for complainants, and update penalties to reflect the seriousness of sexual offences, according to government.

Feedback sought

Mr. Wheatley urged residents to review the bill and a 20-page “discussion paper” that was released along with it on Monday.

“I encourage residents, advocacy groups, legal professionals, faith-based organisations and young people to carefully review the discussion paper and provide their feedback,” he said. “Your voices are essential to ensuring that the final law is balanced, effective and reflective of our territory’s values.”

Tasha Bertie, the HSD Ministry’s permanent secretary, also stressed the importance of the ongoing consultation.

“The ministry is committed to a transparent and inclusive consultation process,” she said. “We are seeking practical feedback on the clarity of the definitions, the appropriateness of the penalties, and the overall balance between victim protection and the rights of the accused. Public input will directly inform revisions to the bill before it is presented to Cabinet and the House of Assembly.”

The bill and discussion paper can be viewed at gov.vg or at the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

Comments can be submitted by email to [email protected] or by mail to “Virgin Islands Sexual Offences Bill Review; Ministry of Health and Social Development; Vorinica’s House of Commerce; Long Bush, Tortola.”

Input can also be provided at public consultation sessions that will be scheduled “shortly,” according to the press release.

The submission deadline is March 31.