Premier elected as UKOTA President

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has been elected President of the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) and will also serve as President of its Political Council.

This marks the first time since 2016 that the BVI has held these leadership positions, previously occupied by Dr Orlando Smith, OBE, with Benito Wheatley as Chair. In his new role, Premier Wheatley emphasised the importance of unity among the Overseas Territories.

“This is not just about leadership; it’s about unity and collaboration,” he stated. “Together, we will harness our collective strengths to address the challenges we face, such as climate change and economic resilience, and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead for our territories. Our voices will be heard, and our aspirations will be realised.”

Alongside Premier Wheatley, Tracy Bradshaw, the UK Representative and Director of the BVI London Office, has been appointed Chair of UKOTA.

Expressing her commitment to the role, Ms Bradshaw said, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of UKOTA. Alongside Premier Wheatley and our dedicated team, we will work tirelessly to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of the UK Overseas Territories are acknowledged and addressed with the utmost diligence and respect.”

UKOTA, comprising the governments of the UK Overseas Territories, serves as a crucial forum for advancing dialogue and promoting collaboration. It ensures that every member territory, regardless of size or economic stature, has an equitable voice in collective initiatives.

The association is steadfast in its commitment to prioritising the needs and perspectives of smaller territories, ensuring their concerns are fully integrated into all discussions and representations. The BVI’s leadership in UKOTA comes at a significant time as the association builds on the momentum from its 30th anniversary celebration. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation among member territories.

As the official representative body for the UK Overseas Territories within the United Kingdom, UKOTA empowers its members to advocate for shared interests in a unified manner. Premier Wheatley’s election follows a period of active engagement between the BVI and the UK.

In recent months, Premier Wheatley has participated in discussions to enhance the relationship between the BVI and the UK, focusing on governance reforms and climate resilience. He has expressed optimism about these developments, stating that “things [are] moving in the right direction for UK OTs.”