Things moving in ‘right direction’ for UK OTs — Premier

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley expressed optimism following the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meeting in London, highlighting positive developments in the BVI’s governance reforms and its relationship with the United Kingdom (UK).

The JMC, held last week, was the first meeting organised by the UK’s new Labour government. High-level UK representatives, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and UK Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty, engaged in discussions with Overseas Territories (OTs) leaders.

Topics covered included UK-OT relations, climate change, illicit finance, economic resilience, health, education, irregular migration, and security. Premier Wheatley highlighted the UK’s openness to evolving the constitutional relationship towards greater democracy.

“The UK expressed its openness to the constitutional relationship evolving to be more democratic,” he stated. Additionally, the UK acknowledged the need to support OTs in responding to climate change and is considering a proposal for long-term assistance.

Productive bilateral discussions

Dr Wheatley held productive bilateral discussions with Minister Doughty while in London. These discussions built on earlier talks held during  Doughty’s visit to the Virgin Islands, focusing on governance reform and strengthening the relationship between the UK and the BVI.

Premier Wheatley highlighted the UK government’s recognition of the progress made by the Virgin Islands in advancing governance reforms. He noted that Minister Doughty appreciated the collective efforts to build a model democracy, acknowledging the territory’s transition plan to strengthen governmental institutions and systems.

“Minister Doughty appreciates the work everyone involved has done to advance governance reform,” the Premier stated.

Dr Wheatley said discussions also addressed the contentious Order in Council, which remains a concern for his government.

A final quarterly review 

Premier Wheatley reiterated the government’s stance that the Order is unnecessary but welcomed the steps outlined to officially conclude the current governance reform programme.

The plan includes a final quarterly review by the Governor and a UK Ministerial assessment scheduled for the first half of 2025. “I welcomed the steps outlined by the Minister that can officially bring the current governance reform programme to a close and lift the Order in Council,” Premier Wheatley said.

Reflecting on the broader discussions, the Premier expressed optimism about the evolving UK-Virgin Islands relationship under the Labour Government. “It was very clear to me that the Labour Government wants the UK to be a supportive partner of the OTs going forward,” he remarked. He further underscored the need for continued engagement and follow-up on the commitments made during the JMC, as outlined in the communique.

Overall, Premier Wheatley characterised his meetings in London as meaningful, further advancing efforts to establish a positive relationship with the new Labour Government.