'If you're not in the room, your voice is weaker'- E. Benito Wheatley
This sentiment was shared by Special Envoy Mr E. Benito Wheatley during a special interview with Director of Communications Karia J. Christopher, following the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meeting held in London on November 26, 2025.
Mr Wheatley, who has attended Joint Ministerial Council meetings for 15 years, stated that gathering the views of people is vital in shaping the future of diplomacy in the Virgin Islands.
"By doing so, we can find common ground in agreement on diplomacy," he said.
JMC facilitate discussion on diplomacy
He added that the JMC aims to facilitate these discussions to chart a way forward. However, he acknowledged that the process is not always smooth but noted that progress has been made.
"The JMC is meant to facilitate that. Now, it's not always a smooth process. But in the 15 years that I've been a part of it, I think we've had some wins. I think that there are still things difficult. That requires the discussion. But the public has to know that for us to do the work of diplomacy, you have to be in the room. If you're not in the room, your voice is weaker."
OTs need to work collectively for more influence
He further explained that Overseas Territories are quite small. Therefore, effective engagement with the UK needs to be done collectively to have more influence. "That's the benefit of being here with our Overseas Territory colleagues,” he remarked.
When asked about self-determination, Wheatley responded, "Self-determination is our right to choose our own local future. Each overseas territory has that right, and the UK's obligation under international law is to assist us in getting closer to making that decision."
The UK has a role to assist OTs in developing economically and administratively
Wheatley further emphasised, "Our free political institutions they have to help us develop them. Our economic development, our administrative capacity, all of these things, we should be supported by the UK."
The Special Envoy acknowledged that disagreements do arise because the self-governance we practice is a mixture of colonial and democratic governance, which can create tension. "But we still have to work together to get to that goal of self-determination.’’
He added, "The UK says it has obligations, we have obligations as well. We also have the right to pursue our own future. And that should be respected."
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