A Virgin Islands delegation led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) recently met the United Kingdom (UK) Deputy Representative to the United Nations (UN) His Excellency Ambassador James Kariuki, left, in the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with whom they discussed relations between the UK and the Virgin Islands. Photo: Office of the Premier

Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said the United Kingdom and the Virgin Islands' relations are at a point where 'we must consider the next stage of our relationship'. Photo: Internet Source/File

Premier Wheatley has described the engagement as "constructive".

Among other things, according to a press release from the Office of the Premier, they discussed the recent announcement of UK Government plans to lift the UK Order in Council being held in reserve that can suspend the constitution of the Territory, legitimate interest based access to public registers of beneficial ownership, UK-Virgin Islands cooperation on climate change, UK support for the Overseas Territories (OTs) in a changing international environment, constitutional advancement for self-determination, and UN reform.

Premier Wheatley thanked Ambassador Kariuki for consistently receiving him during his visits to UN Headquarters in New York during the annual June Substantive Session of the Special Committee on Decolonisation and the annual meeting of the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonisation) at the UNGA.

'We must consider the next stage of our relationship'- Premier

He also expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Kariuki’s constructive engagement over the past three years as the Territory implemented a governance reform programme under periodic strains between the UK and the Virgin Islands.

Speaking on the meeting with Ambassador Kariuki, Premier Wheatley said, “Our discussions with Ambassador Kariuki were constructive as always when I visit the UN. UK and British Virgin Islands relations are at a point where we must consider the next stage of our relationship.

"We have an opportunity to partner in critical areas such as climate change, sustainable development and sustained economic growth that would benefit the British Virgin Islands and allow the UK to meet its obligations to help the Territory advance. There must also be an evolution of the constitutional relationship, which I look forward to discussing in due course”.

Premier Wheatley also delivered a statement at the Fourth Committee on October 7, 2025. He was joined by Special Envoy Mr E. Benito Wheatley.