As a token of appreciation for his efforts in facilitating the Virgin Islands trade mission to India, India’s High Commissioner to Jamaica and Non-Resident Consul to the Virgin Islands, Mr Mayank Joshi, right, was presented with a gift by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on August 22, 2026. Photo: Office of the Premier

The choice of gift to Mr Mayank Joshi, on behalf of the Virgin Islands people, was a collection of Trèfle ties, cufflinks and tie pins. Photo: Facebook

Kumkum is applied to the forehead of Premier and Minister of Finance of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on his arrival in India. Photo: High Commission of India/Kingston

The choice of gift on behalf of the Virgin Islands people was a collection of Trèfle ties, cufflinks and tie pins.

Trèfle is a luxury fashion brand founded in 2008 by Virgin Islander Kristin C. Frazer. The brand specialises in swimwear, resort wear, accessories, and home goods, emphasising quality, durability, and style. Trèfle has gained recognition for its designs, featuring celebrities like Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, and Chrisette Michele.

Strengthening relations

According to the Office of the Premier, the Virgin Islands continued formal relations with India through the office of His Excellency Mayank Joshi, India’s High Commissioner to Jamaica and Non-Resident Consul to the Virgin Islands in September 2025.

Since then, the Premier has met His Excellency on two occasions, and His Excellency was at the Premier’s hotel to receive him on behalf of the Indian government, making it the third time they’ve met.

His Excellency received the gifts "warmly”, the Office of the Premier reported.

Premier Wheatley is leading a 12-member delegation to India for the first-ever Virgin Islands (VI)-India Trade Mission from August 24 to 31, 2026.

The delegation includes  Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development; Mr Kenneth B. Baker, CEO/Managing Director, BVI Financial Services Commission; Ms Dwynel D. Davis, Acting Director, International Affairs Secretariat; Ms Ayana I. Glasgow, Director of Financial Services; Mr Kareem Nelson-Hull, Acting Director of Communications; Dr Ricardo L. Wheatley, Director of BVI Hong Kong Office; Ms Siobhan M. Flax, Associate Director, BVI Hong Kong Office; Mr Rhodni A. Skelton, Director of Marketing and Business Development, BVI Finance; Ms Xyrah Wheatley, Private Secretary to the Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development; Ms Kyla K. Forbes, Analyst/Political Economy Officer BVI Hong Kong Office; and Mr Ronn A. Grant, Analyst/Political Economy Officer, BVI Hong Kong Office.