Premier lauds successful JMC, calls for deeper unity

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has praised the 2025 Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in the United Kingdom as a major success, saying the meetings strengthened ties between the Overseas Territories and the UK and delivered meaningful discussions on long-standing issues.

Speaking at the closing reception in London, Dr Wheatley described the week-long gathering as “extremely successful,” as he congratulated UK Minister Doughty and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for what he called “a fantastic week”. He added that “the arrangements were excellent” and that “there was not a detail that was not considered by his team”.

The JMC is the highest political forum for dialogue between UK ministers and leaders of the Overseas Territories. The BVI entered this year’s session focused on security cooperation, climate resilience, and continued discussions on constitutional reforms. The territory has also been pushing for closer engagement with the UK on matters such as border protection, disaster response, and environmental management.

Dr Wheatley said the delegations engaged deeply on several shared concerns. “We locked in intensely on a number of issues, and we considered aspects of thematic issues that we have been dealing with for quite some time,” he stated. These included territorial security, environmental stewardship, and participation in international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games.

But the Premier said the value of the JMC went beyond technical meetings. “This week was not just about speaking about specific issues. It was about celebrating our inclusion in the United Kingdom family,” he explained. He acknowledged that the relationship, like any family, comes with “challenges” and “disagreements,” but stressed that the delegations “came here this week to renew our vows” and affirm a “deep partnership” with the UK.

Dr Wheatley said the territories emerged “stronger than ever” and committed to working together with “mutual respect” and “shared values” toward a “prosperous future”.

In closing, the Premier invited attendees to visit the Overseas Territories, saying, “If you have not been to one of the overseas territories, you’ve missed half your life”. He encouraged visitors to “take a sail in the Virgin Islands or go to the beach on Anguilla,” adding that such visits help people “truly understand the precious gem which you have in the overseas territories”.