Dr Ricardo Wheatley is the new Director of BVI House Asia

Dr Ricardo Wheatley is the new Director of the BVI House Asia.

His appointment will begin on January 1 next year.

According to a recent government media release, “Dr Wheatley will assume responsibility for the management of the daily functions of the Hong Kong Office, establishing and executing an annual programme of activities consistent with the objectives of the International Affairs Secretariat and international business development goals of the Premier’s Office”.

The release further said, “he will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic and business development plans for the BVI’s engagement with the Asia Pacific Region, and for advising the Premier through the Permanent Secretary on matters of implementation regarding concerned ministries, International Agencies, the private sector, and other agencies as appropriate.”

His other duties include undertaking marketing and business development activities to promote the Financial Services Industry in partnership with BVI Finance.

Dr Wheatley brings a lot to the table

The incoming BVI House of Asia boss is said to be bringing “a wealth of knowledge and international experience to the post having lived and worked in the Asia-Pacific region for four years in addition to living and working in both the United States and Europe.”

He has served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Sociology at North South University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and as an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of International Studies at Ajou University in Suwon, South Korea.

Dr Wheatley’s appointment means he will serve as both the Director of the BVI House Asia and as the Asia-Pacific Region Representative.

“He will act as the BVI Government’s official spokesperson in the region strengthening relationships between the BVI and region through meetings with Government representatives, businesses, regulators, chambers, media and other key stakeholders,” the government release indicated.

Educational background

Dr Wheatley holds a doctoral degree in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University, a Masters of Public Administration in Economics and Governance from Leiden University, a Masters of Political Science from Clark Atlanta University with specialisations in Comparative Politics and African Politics.

 He will succeed the present Director, Sherri Ortiz whose tenure ends in 2019.

Notably, he is the brother of the Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr Natalio Wheatley.