BVI, other OTs deserve more flexibility from UK
Premier
Premier Natalio Wheatley has called for the BVI and other British Overseas Territories (OTs) to be given greater flexibility in their constitutional and economic arrangements with the United Kingdom.
Speaking during a panel discussion for Diplomatic Week 2025, the Premier said the BVI and other OTs like Anguilla, Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos Islands, have demonstrated resilience and responsibility in managing their affairs, and should therefore enjoy the same level of autonomy as some of their sister territories.
“Because of the resilience that the BVI and Anguilla have shown, we deserve, in my view, a greater level of flexibility in terms of the arrangements we have with the United Kingdom,” Dr Wheatley said.
He pointed to the Cayman Islands as an example of a territory that enjoys a wider range of privileges and freedoms under its relationship with the UK — advantages he believes should be extended more evenly across all territories.
“Some territories get certain kinds of benefits and privileges that others don’t. You may have provisions that Cayman may have, that the BVI or Anguilla wouldn’t have,” the Premier noted.
Dr Wheatley also praised Anguilla for its economic performance, particularly its growing digital industry through the “.ai” domain, and commended Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge for reforms to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that balanced both government revenue and public welfare.
He emphasised that greater collaboration among the territories could reduce overdependence on the UK and strengthen regional self-reliance.
“My advice for all of us is that we speak to each other, share best practices… and remain united,” he said. “Sometimes we can solve challenges just by speaking to each other and assisting each other, even without having to go to the UK.”
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It may be the other way around. The UK needs to get serious with its Territories.
They have been playing a light hand too long and need to start demanding of their local Government of the VI to get on and do their jobs and obey the laws.
The UK needs to demand from the Territory the delivery of what the people demand.
The audited reports for the last 10 years.
The KPMG report for the proposed expansion of the airport.
The referendum on Self Determination that the UK the UN want but the VI HOA is OBSTRUCTING.
A plan for tourism.
An Admin building to halt the cheques for friends on family for office space.
A Road Town Library.
All schools built and open with staff and materials for teaching.
DPP Fully staffed.
Attorney Generals office fully staffed.
An operational Trade Commission.
A functional Trade Department.
A functional Agriculture and FIsheries Department.
Government out of the Real Estate and Hotel Business at Prospect Reef.
Criminals issuing Licences at DMV for illegal cars with heavy tint removed.
Vetting of Police Officers.
A working incinerator.
Operational Courts system.
Functional Road system that is fit for purpose.
A plan for road maintenance so roads are kept clear of bush and debris at all times of years.
Yes.
The UK deserves more from their Governments in the overseas Terriotries and it is time they got tough and demanded that they get on delivered on their responsibilities.
If they do not or cannot another way should be found of delivering what these overseas British people deserve.
And if the Government thinks the British people in their Territory want their bad Governance, lack of Accountability, lack of Transparency poor infrastruacture and to no longer be British then do what the UK and UN have been saying should happen and have the referendum.
Or get on with things and attend to the list above (and the rest) and make this a Territory the UK can be proud of.
The UK needs to start getting serious with its Territories and the Territories need to get serious.
That is how partnerships work.
That Government had an opportunity to purchase Bolos Building. Just saying…
The UK needs to get out of the business of having territories Colonialism is criminality at the highest level. Those of you who think it is ok have lost your mind. How stupid can you actually get.
The criminals you are referring to run this country.
– They have given themselves salary raises.
– They failed to do audited accounts for 10 years
– They had 49 recommendations on governance, corruption and mismanagement
– The leader was inprisoned for 10 years for trying to turn the BVI into a NARCO state
Maybe you should go back to secondary school and this time sit in class..
The problem the territories has in dealing with their colonial counter parts is the quality of leadership.
It is very weak and self centred organism tha sees not beyond self indulgence. As a result, it is politically intellectually weak.
The continuing eroding infrasructure for decades upon decades and the continuing disappearances of millions, including unseen results of spending are the some of the reasons respect could be null and void.
For you does intimidate and victimize people you don’t need no more power.
Why is he but bribing a referendum to his people? Is he afraid of true democracy?