Premier pledges help to OTs seeking UN sustainable development support

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has pledged his administration’s assistance to Overseas Territories (OTs) seeking United Nations support for sustainable development.

The Premier participated in a virtual Pre-Joint Ministerial Council on June 10 where he also thanked the political leaders of the British Overseas Territories (OTs) for their support to the Virgin Islands during the territory’s recent political turbulence.

“The strong advocacy of my OT colleagues, particularly in the Caribbean territories, made a difference in the outcome of the United Kingdom government’s decision to not partially suspend the constitution in response to the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry report. They have also generously offered technical assistance as the Government of National Unity implements reforms,” Dr Wheatley said.

Among the issues also discussed by the OT Leaders, was the impact of the loss of development assistance from the European Union (EU) caused by Brexit. On this agenda item, the Premier shared the success of the Virgin Islands in pivoting from the EU to the UN in securing technical assistance and funding for sustainable development to help replace EU development assistance.

“We have developed a strong relationship with the United Nations in support of our sustainable development and goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. ECLAC has helped us to develop a National Sustainable Development Plan, and UNDP is assisting us with disaster risk reduction and socio-economic recovery from COVID-19,” Dr Wheatley said.

“The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Barbados is facilitating our participation in a joint programme for social protection and youth economic empowerment being implemented by UNICEF, UNESCO, World Food Programme and the International Labour Organisation. My Administration will support our sister territories in engaging the UN as they seek similar assistance,” he added.

The OT leaders also discussed UK/OT relations, the environment, education, financial services, and economic resilience in preparation for ministerial meetings with the United Kingdom Government in November. The OTs represented at the pre-JMC included Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands, Montserrat, St Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands and Pitcairn.

Premier Wheatley was joined by Acting Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Carolyn Stoutt Igwe, Financial Secretary Jeremiah Frett, Assistant Secretary for External Affairs Dwynel Davis, Special Envoy of the Premier Benito Wheatley, Acting Director of the BVI London Office Tracy Bradshaw and Deputy Director of the BVI London Office Siobhan Flax.