Fraser urges Anguilla’s Premier to travel extensively
Premier of Anguilla, Cora Richardson-Hodge
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has encouraged Anguilla’s Premier, Cora Richardson-Hodge, to seize every opportunity to travel and engage in diplomacy that strengthens her country’s position internationally.
Fraser made the remarks during a discussion marking Diplomatic Week 2025 in the British Virgin Islands, which was attended by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, Premier Richardson-Hodge, and other government officials. The veteran legislator defended the value of overseas engagement, noting that some members of the public and opposition continue to criticise government officials for frequent travel.
“People make fun of us in the House of Assembly regarding travel. And you don’t know the benefits of travelling if you don’t travel,” he said to applause. “The things that you accomplish on a trip — you can’t do it anywhere else.”
Fraser then addressed the visiting Anguillian leader directly, encouraging her to balance diplomacy with prudence.
“Premier Hodge-Richardson, I would encourage you — every opportunity you get, make that contact, and you can only make that contact by travelling,” he said. “Now don’t leave your back exposed by leaving the country too often or getting too comfortable when you travel — unless you have a deputy like me,” he added, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The Deputy Premier also praised Premier Wheatley for taking the BVI’s voice to international platforms, including the United Nations, where Wheatley has advocated for greater self-determination for Overseas Territories.
“How many other Premiers can boast that they have been to the United Nations making presentations on behalf of their country? He’s been heard,” Fraser said. “The efforts that we are putting out here this evening — fantastic.”
Fraser’s comments come amid ongoing public debate in the BVI over the frequency and cost of official travel by government leaders. Critics have argued that some trips appear excessive or poorly justified, while Wheatley and his ministers have consistently maintained that international engagement is essential for protecting the BVI’s interests and building strategic partnerships abroad.
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That’s why he crossed the floor – to travel extensively and to drive an Audi. He should be ashamed. I don’t think anything is really wrong with ministers traveling but those that we have travel and we see no results when they return. Zero, Zilch, Nada!
Diplomacy is not only about traveling. It’s about relationships at its core. With the use of technology you could forge strong relationships without having to hop on a plane every minute at the expense of tax payers. This alone tells me that Julian Fraser needs to go. The man is still stuck in the 60’s.
what is the big deal? who travel more than the NDP when they were in office.
Continue to travel to help the people VIP and Fraser
you well two faced. Anyway, I need Fraser to continue talking now that he is Deputy. He just too quiet and the SCB road getting no attention.
I hope anguilla’s premier is smart enough to not listen to this f**l, these guys traveling and bringing back nothing, they just love to waste our money
He is for himself.
all show no substance these guys have no spine not a role model.
Frequently and Extensively don’t have the same meaning, if you have nothing to say keep your mouth shut.I don’t think the Premier needs you to wipe his ass every time you speak.
Don’t take that corrupt bait sister. What the hell sort of advice is that?
is exposing his years of experience of being in politics and has nothing to show what he has achieved to be remembered by , is giving advice / so it looks like since ” MOSES ” give the fellow a few TRIPS from our taxpayers money to settle his mind , HE has now regained his * CONFIDENCE * and has become an expert on traveling , so that will be his legacy , isn’t that wonderful .
he still getting paid by us?
he who allegedly caught red handed giving property to he brother in scb?
bvi ppl elect those that rape us
#stockholm syndrome