The British embassy in Kiev has been relocated to the city of Lviv in western Ukraine as the Government continues to urge British nationals in the country to leave while commercial flights are available. Pictured: British embassy building in Kiev. Photo: Twitter

Governor John J. Rankin recently disclosed that a family member of a Virgin Islands Belonger in Ukraine had already reached out to his office. Photo: Facebook

Staff of the Governor's Office dressed in yellow and blue on February 27, 2022, in a show of solidarity to the people of Ukraine. The Ukraine flag was also seen flying besides the VI flag at the Governor's Office. Photo: Team of Reporters

This call was made on February 28, 2022, by Governor John J. Rankin CMG while a guest on JTV Big Story with host Cathy O. Richards.

UK still has active embassy in Ukraine- Governor

“If anyone here in the Virgin Islands who have loved ones who are British National, British Overseas Territory citizens in Ukraine please let us know. We still have our embassy operating in the Ukraine and we will do our best to officer Consul assistance to British and BOT Nationals who are in Ukraine. So please send those details to us and we will pass them on and do what we can to assist in these very difficult circumstances.”

Governor Rankin had also disclosed that a family member of a Virgin Islands Belonger had already reached out to his office.

“Our first thoughts are of course people of Ukrainian origin who are in the Virgin Islands and who may have family back in Ukraine and indeed I received a phone call this afternoon from one gentleman who is worried about his daughter who is in Ukraine. She is a British Overseas Territory Citizen and we offer what we can in these difficult circumstances to her.”

Governor Rankin further stated that it is no secret that the current situation in the Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia, will have a worldwide effect.

“This is going to affect the BVI, Everybody in the BVI in different ways,” he said, adding that “First of all it is going to have an economic impact. Gas prices are going to be affected, this is going to cause a disruption to the international market.”

The Governor said persons in the Virgin Islands, like in the United Kingdom and "across the western world and the democratic world" should stand against the invasion of Ukraine.

Regarding sanctions, Governor Rankin said he does not believe there is a huge amount of Russian money coming directly through registered companies in the Virgin Islands.

Sanctions against Russia

"But if there are we need to take action, if we didn’t take action that would be hugely damaging for the Virgin Islands because we need to be seen to be acting in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”

The Government of the Virgin Islands in a statement on February 28, 2022, said sanctions issued by the United Kingdom (UK) against Russia apply in the Virgin Islands in the same form and rigour as in the UK itself.

"As such, participants in our financial services sector are being kept abreast of these sanctions and all updates to the consolidated list of sanctioned persons and entities. Where any requests for international cooperation is received, we also stand ready to execute these, such as where sharing of beneficial ownership information with overseas law enforcement can be facilitated in a little as one hour, if requested, under the Exchange of Notes with the United Kingdom Government," the statement read.

It also said Virgin Islanders who are still in Ukraine and trying to get out should register with the British Embassy in Ukraine or the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine.

"Any Virgin Islanders who have already left Ukraine via other countries, such as Poland, but need assistance to get out of that country, should contact the British Embassy in the country where they are or the British Embassy nearest to them. The Government of the Virgin Islands will, of course, work with the FCDO to get our people the help they need."