Premier plans visits to other OTs for collaboration

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has revealed plans to visit several other Overseas Territories (OTs) to strengthen relationships and explore areas of collaboration following the recent Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meeting.

In a recent interview with Communications Director Karia Christopher, posted on the government’s Facebook page, Wheatley discussed how he intends to extend his engagement with other OTs beyond the JMC.

“The Premier for Anguilla was in the BVI not too long ago to look at our Border Management System, having discussions about a merger between Customs and Immigration,” Dr. Wheatley explained. He also noted his recent trip to Anguilla, where he plans to return to study their tax system.

“I went to the Cayman Islands to explore a merger between Customs and Immigration,” he continued. “I plan to visit Turks and Caicos to see how they handle certain areas like pensions and their tax system as well.”

Wheatley also mentioned that the Premiers of these territories are expected to visit the BVI in return. He emphasised the strong relationships he maintains with all the OTs, highlighting that the Premiers had met ahead of the JMC in the UK.

The Premier also reflected on the significance of the JMC, which provides a platform for the OTs to engage collectively with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). He noted that bilateral meetings with the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, allow for discussions on territory-specific issues, including governance reform, the fight against illicit finance, and building climate resilience.

In his interview, Dr Wheatley stressed the importance of addressing regional security challenges, such as irregular migration, human smuggling, and the trafficking of drugs and firearms. He called for increased support from the UK in tackling these issues.

The Premier reassured residents that the government remains committed to securing a strong relationship between the UK and the Virgin Islands, as well as with other OTs, ensuring that the territory’s interests are represented and addressed at the highest levels through the JMC.