The Search for Constitutional Change in the US Virgin Islands

This note traces the evolution of U.S. policy towards the acquisition of the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1917 and subsequent constitutional developments. Particular attention is paid to recent attempts to acquire greater local autonomy through Congressionally authorised Constitutional Conventions. The terms of the proposed constitutional changes, and their subsequent rejected by the Virgin Islands electorate, are examined. Present U.S. policy and existing initiatives on the issue of the future status of the territory are also studied.