Premier rejects suggestion to have ‘Zoom’ talks with UK officials
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has firmly rejected the suggestion that he should hold diplomatic talks with United Kingdom (UK) officials via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom.
The issue arose during a recent press briefing when Dr Wheatley was pressed about the cost and value of the trip to the BVI and quizzed over why meetings could not have been conducted virtually instead.
The Premier defended the necessity of face-to-face discussions in diplomacy and emphasised the significance of personal engagement. “You want us to meet with the new OT Minister on Zoom? I’m not quite sure how much you understand diplomacy and how it works, but certain meetings are held face-to-face,” the Premier stated.
He then highlighted that many international leaders conduct critical meetings in person rather than online. The Premier pointed to high-profile discussions, noting how US Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to the UK to meet leaders such as Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy and goes to Ukraine to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“They don’t have those meetings on Zoom,” he stated while reinforcing that direct communication is essential for effective diplomacy. This was particularly true when engaging with the UK government, which serves as the administering power for the BVI.
The reporter then pressed the Premier about the value arising from the UK trip. “With a hole in our purse, what was the value? I don’t see the value. Most people don’t see the value because you didn’t really come back with anything on what we’re on angst about,” she stated.
“I’m not sure if I’ll be able to persuade you — or some of the other persons you speak about — about the value of being able to engage with the United Kingdom government,” the Premier answered.
He highlighted recent successes in international diplomacy, mentioning that the BVI has been elected vice-chair of the UN’s Caribbean Development Cooperation Committee (CDCC) and that progress is being made in climate resilience discussions. He explained, “Progress sometimes works incrementally, and you have to continue to push forward and fight.”
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This is a clear indication that we do not trust our government anymore! Rightly so! Stop wasting our tax dollars!
There is no first class travel, no airmiles, no five star hotels, no shopping, and no time away from the office in a simple zoom call.
After being used to flying economy and staying and cheap motels he now loves the free first class travel , hotels and meals.
Waste of money.
He should reject it because it is nonsense for obvious reasons and only a dog whistle for his detractors.
In world events the politicians in the BVI are not noticed at all; unless one is arrested for smuggling that is. Since these BVI politicians masquerade as lower level diplomats ZOOM meetings are perfectly fine to conduct business.
I agree wholeheartedly with the Premier that in person diplomacy is needed when it comes to diplomatic relations with the U.K.
The thought of the Premier or even the Deputy Premier having high level discussions via Zoom with the U.K. …discussions that may be critical to the country’s wellbeing is in my view unacceptable.
Diplomacy simply does not work that way. I’m certain The BVI London House is doing the necessary background and preparatory work leading up to all such meetings, as it should, so that when the Premier shows up, those meetings are most efficient, effective, and productive.
I understand some of you are critical of government’s travel, but let’s be sane here. We cannot have the Premier conducting high level meetings over Zoom or some other videoconferencing platform par for the course.
Knowing that there will be sensitive matters discussed and there are security challenges/risks with any exchange of information over the internet, in person appearances is a must.
There is a benefit of simply showing up, shaking someone else hands, and having a conversation eye to eye. It makes a difference when people can see and interact with each other in person.
So let’s stop the nonsense. The Premier has to travel.
Now, if there is room for accountability when it comes to government travel, consideration should be giving to limiting such travel to essential travel with only essential personnel necessary to achieve a successful mission.
IMO, travelling with large delegations as we have seen is simply bad optics considering many folks here are struggling, and let’s be honest travel is expensive for one least a large group of people.
In that regard, protocols/guidelines should be in place relative to max flight costs, hotels, and daily meals costs.
Any thing over the allotted amounts, the traveler has to reimburse the government or pay out of their own pockets.
After all, they are travelling presumably to do the people’s work at the peoples expense and not on a personal vacation.
First of all, indeed face to face communications are important, and that formal meetings require in person attendance. However,
maintaining relationships informally can and should be done via Zoom rather than flying to the UK every time one has a question. This is where Mr. Wheatley missed an opportunity. He could have said, we do connect informally via zoom (or plan to now that we know each other), but there are certain matters where you have to show up. Instead, he was dismissive (“ I’m not quite sure but….) and comes across as holier than thou, and was evasive in answering the question as to the value his UK trip for the BVIs, which those who paid for hios trip are entitled to know. Bad optics.
I am not suggesting there is no value for a Zoom meeting between the government and the U.k. What I am suggesting is that when there are important decisions to be made or matters to be discussed, the Premier needs to be there in person.
Countries have embassies in different countries. In our case while not an embassy, the BVI London House serves essentially like an embassy.
Those embassies do much of the leg work for their respective governments including discussions leading up to the head of a government arriving for a meeting of whatever importance.
There is much back work that leads up to this. Leaders simply don’t show up in other countries without things being in place.
I understand that many people have issues with the current government; however, be it this government or another, I am of the opinion that the Premier needs to show up in person at important meetings in London.
The Premier’s last meeting in London discussed among other things the Order in Council, an important matter that if executed will be consequential relative to the future of this country.
IMO, a Zoom meeting in this instance would have been improper, as it may have appeared the BVI was not taking the matter seriously.
Look, I get some of you don’t like the government, and will be critical of it’s every move, but I look at things maturely, rise above the politics and criticism, and see things the way it should be done.
By the time this cl**n leave office all our money is finish, he’s just waisting our tax money smh when it is bvi people’s will wake up and see this man is not fit for the job .when is it ????
BVI love complain now a days is why nothing can get done
“You want us to meet with the new OT Minister on Zoom? I’m not quite sure how much you understand diplomacy and how it works, but certain meetings are held face-to-face,” the Premier stated.
I am not sure you understand the economics of present-day Tortola oh mighty Premier. ”
We are seeking donations to support our health clinic in Virgin Gorda” Lorna Smith stated.
We should not finance any new travel until the government’s budget is balanced.!!!!
This man comes back empty handed every time. Dude we not too sure YOU understand diplomacy and how it works either.
EVERY MOFOing Time!!! Honestly, I believe bro think this a game of dress-up, and his decision aren’t lasting. I don’t know which party winning next election, all i know is, he ain’t getting back in power. Frame and Post This Message If you want to!
Best Regards,
Brenton Nibbs
My dear underlings, You have heard the Emperor speak, ” World leaders meet in person ” Not on the telephone !
It’s about time the UK severed links with the BVI and let it go it’s own way.
Most Islanders do not like the Brits and certainly dislike them working in ‘their’ islands.
I personally experienced this whilst living and working in the BVI 2002 to 2006.
UK, let BVI go, no benefit.
He’d rather zoom off 1st class & 5 star at our expense