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.
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So does this mean that you are going to stop the crap about intemperance? You are very two faced person
Do you mean the UK is going to come and take control and save us from the inept politicians we have.
Mr Premier, Mr Governorand the. houe of Commons..
Why does it appear so difficult to render good where it is worthy and qualified unless it is a white British citizen mae or female, while there is a fully qualfied Black woman who is showing great proficiency in the job as Assistant Deputy?
Due to cultural, personal and regional differences that contributes to one psyche and psychological make up, all efforts should made to encourage high positions who have worked hard to acieve their summit.
Give Jack his jacketand give Jackie the position she diligently worked for and is fully qualified and equipt to handle.
There is no need to continue recruiting efforts if the applicants contnue to see and read such hypocrisy by the powers that be.
The BVI bread baskets should now be for BVIslanders.
If the politicians keep on finding ways of dipping their hands in Government money, soon there will be no bread in the basket
Look where Andrew the indigenous BVIslander is
Where is the increase food production from the fishing and farming stimulus package
The Housing Scheme at Joes Hill that cannit put in back where the money came from
The money spend on entertainment and no statistics on how much profit was made to put back in the kitty
The RATED Program og BVIsland workers some of them lazy like hell. Want to come in late scratch a little bush and collect Government money
Yes BVI …. Unfortunately, Ungrateful! – Belongers work hard to increase the food basket but their work is shoved under the rug . God is high but he watches low
The country does not want to recognize the hard work of Belongers