The Cabinet recently approved the formation of district councils to help advance the development of communities across the territory, government announced Saturday.

As a next step following the April 5 decision, the Cabinet is asking the Premier’s Office to collaborate with stakeholders and develop a policy to inform the drafting of legislation to establish the councils, according to Government Information Services.

The effort will be the main feature of the planned Virgin Islands District Councils Programme, according to Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley.

Two districts will have more than one council.

“District Two will have two district councils, including a district council on Tortola and a district council on Jost Van Dyke,” Dr. Wheatley added. “District Nine will also have two district councils, including a district council on Virgin Gorda and a district council on Anegada.”

Funding, he said, has already been allocated in this year’s budget for the project.

“So the Premier’s Office has already commenced the research to develop the policy which will lead to the development of draft legislation,” the premier said.

Stakeholder consultations are expected to begin this quarter, according to government.

The Premier’s Office will have responsibility for administering the programme once the legislation is enacted, according to government.

“The district councils will serve as a mechanism for identifying, organising and implementing community-based projects and programmes, and providing for the funding of the same,” GIS stated in a press release.