Premier attending high-level meetings in UK

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley is currently in the United Kingdom for a series of high-level meetings with British officials focused on constitutional reform and economic cooperation between the Virgin Islands and the UK.

According to a government press release issued on May 21, Premier Wheatley travelled overseas to meet with UK Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty, along with other UK officials.

In other updates posted during the trip, the Premier’s Office disclosed that Dr Wheatley also held meetings with senior UK parliamentary officials.

These included a courtesy call on Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK Parliament’s House of Commons, as well as meetings with a number of United Kingdom government officials.

“The focus of discussions remained on strengthening the relationship between the United Kingdom and The Virgin Islands, advancing constitutional reviews, and pursuing enhanced economic cooperation for the territory,” the Premier’s Office ntoed.

The meetings come as the Virgin Islands government continues ongoing constitutional discussions with the United Kingdom following recommendations made in the Commission of Inquiry reforms process.

Premier Wheatley has repeatedly stated that constitutional advancement remains one of his administration’s priorities, while UK officials have continued engagement with Overseas Territories on governance reforms and self-governance issues.

Earlier this year, government officials indicated that several overseas engagements were expected in 2026 as part of the territory’s push to strengthen international partnerships and advance discussions on constitutional matters and economic development.

The government said it remains committed to “advancing the Territory through strategic international engagement and regional cooperation.”