Article 27 Provisions for periods of public emergency
A period of public emergency may be declared by the Governor, by proclamation published in the manner provided in subsection (2), when—
the well-being or security of the Virgin Islands is threatened by war, invasion, general insurrection, public disorder, natural disaster or other public emergency; and
the declaration is considered necessary by the Governor to maintain or restore peace and order.
A proclamation shall be taken to be published if it is published in the Gazette or in a newspaper published in the Virgin Islands, or if it is posted in prominent public places or announced on the radio.
Without prejudice to the power of the Legislature to make laws under this Constitution, during a period of public emergency the Governor may make such regulations for the Virgin Islands as appear to him or her to be necessary or expedient for securing the public safety, the defence of the Virgin Islands or the maintenance of public order, or for maintaining supplies and services essential to the life of the community.
Regulations made under subsection (3) shall—
have effect only prospectively;
have effect, subject to this section, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law in force in the Virgin Islands or any rule of law having effect therein;
unless previously revoked, expire at the end of the period of public emergency during which they were made unless provision for their continuance in force (without or without modification) is made by the Legislature.
Nothing in any law or done under its authority shall be held to contravene any of the provisions of this Chapter other than sections 11, 13, 14(1), 16(2)(a), 16(3), 16(4), 16(5) and 16(6) to the extent that the law authorises the taking during any period of public emergency of measures that are reasonably justifiable for dealing with the situation that exists in the Virgin Islands during that period.
Before exercising any function under subsection (1) or (3) or under any law enacted by the Legislature to like effect, the Governor shall consult the Cabinet or, if that is not practicable in the circumstances, the Premier; but if in the judgement of the Governor it is impracticable for him or her to consult either the Cabinet or the Premier, the function shall be exercised by the Governor acting in his or her discretion.
Where the Governor has consulted the Cabinet or the Premier under subsection (6), the Governor shall, save in matters falling within the Governor’s special responsibilities under section 60(1), act in accordance with any advice given to him or her by the Cabinet or the Premier, unless instructed otherwise by a Secretary of State.
Where any proclamation of emergency has been made by the Governor under subsection (1), a copy of the proclamation shall as soon as practicable be laid before and debated in the House of Assembly, and if the House is not due to meet within five days of the making of that proclamation it shall meet within that period or as soon as practicable thereafter.
A proclamation of emergency shall, unless it is sooner revoked by the Governor, cease to be in force at the expiration of a period of fourteen days beginning on the date on which it was made or such longer period as may be provided under subsection (10), but without prejudice to the making of another proclamation of emergency at or before the end of that period.
If at any time while a proclamation of emergency is in force (including any time while it is in force by virtue of this subsection) a resolution is passed by the House of Assembly approving its continuance in force for a further period not exceeding three months, beginning on the date on which it would otherwise expire, the proclamation shall, if not sooner revoked, continue in force for that further period.
Nothing contained in this section or any emergency regulations shall be construed to preclude the House of Assembly from—
meeting whenever practicable in accordance with its Standing Orders; and
directing that reports relating to the emergency, including the implementation of any emergency regulations, be prepared and presented in such manner and within such periods to the House of Assembly as the House may determine.