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Premier Wheatley participating in landmark global forum in Dubai

- Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) is Acting Premier
Premier of The Virgin Islands Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) is participating in a landmark global forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo: GIS/File
Honourable Julian Fraser, RA (R3), Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, has been appointed to carry out the duties of Premier and Minister of Finance, from February 1-10, 2026. Photo: GIS/File
Honourable Julian Fraser, RA (R3), Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, has been appointed to carry out the duties of Premier and Minister of Finance, from February 1-10, 2026. Photo: GIS/File
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates- Premier of The Virgin Islands Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) is participating in a landmark global forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that seeks to deliver tangible and high-impact outcomes for the sustainable development of the Greater Caribbean Region.

The 10th Association of Caribbean States (ACS) International Cooperation Conference (ICC) is being held from February 3–4, 2026, in the margins of the prestigious World Governments Summit. For the first time, the ICC is being convened on a global platform that underscores innovation, resilience, and South–South cooperation. 

According to Government Information Services (GIS), an invitation was extended to the Premier to attend the conference, and the trip was fully sponsored by the World Governments Summit and the ACS, an organisation dedicated to promoting consultation, cooperation, and concerted action across the region.

The ACS said the conference will serve as a forum for enhanced dialogue on the ACS’ flagship initiatives, including the digitisation of maritime transport and logistics, regional strategies on sargassum, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction, and the implementation of the ACS Strategic Plan 2025–2035.

VI Premier's presence 'invaluable'- ACS Secretary-General

According to GIS, ACS Secretary-General H.E. Noemí Espinoza Madrid emphasised that Premier Wheatley’s presence is invaluable in advancing the region’s shared development agenda. 

Premier Wheatley stated: “By participating in this high-level exchange, the Virgin Islands is continuing to position itself as a proactive leader in regional diplomacy and environmental stewardship," Premier Wheatley stated. "Our participation allows us to align our development goals with broader regional strategies. By leveraging global partnerships and South–South cooperation, we can more effectively address challenges like sargassum and maritime efficiency that no single nation can solve alone," Dr Wheatley added.

The Premier is accompanied to Dubai by Special Envoy, Mr E. Benito Wheatley.

Hon Fraser at the helm

While Premier Wheatley is away, Honourable Julian Fraser, RA (R3), Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, has been appointed to carry out the duties of Premier and Minister of Finance, from February 1-10, 2026.

Honourable Fraser's acting appointment is in accordance with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which states: "If the Premier is expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of the Premier."

14 Responses to “Premier Wheatley participating in landmark global forum in Dubai”

  • Lb (03/02/2026, 10:44) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    well sah I know what the haters will sing
  • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (03/02/2026, 10:45) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    "“By participating in this high-level exchange, the Virgin Islands is continuing to position itself as a proactive leader in regional diplomacy and environmental stewardship," Premier Wheatley stated. The Premier is accompanied to Dubai by Special Envoy, Mr E. Benito Wheatley."

    More money spent on a ridiculously meaningless trip that enables Wheatley to exagerrate his own importance and that of the BVI.
  • TWig (03/02/2026, 11:06) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    My life is just layovers and boarding passes at this point.” SO AyoS Premier catching flightss like Rain Just look OUTSIDE AGAAIN
  • Nothing nothing nothing (03/02/2026, 11:22) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    All those Government officials just flying to different countries and never come back with anything besides gifts and postcards from their trips. By time they leave office all would have travelled the world on our pockets. None of them can never provide an update on what was the reason for their departure. Business class flights | 7 star hotels etc.
  • love it (03/02/2026, 13:41) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Just ignore the VOTERS FEEDBACK and spend some more of the PEOPLES MONEY on HOTELS, TRAVEL & FOOD with your FAMILY MEMBERS.

    LETS VOTE HIM IN AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!
  • Where is the profit from the Dubai investments? Show us. (03/02/2026, 13:43) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    pretender you just trying to be among the supper rich using our well needed money need to pay resonable salary to, especially minimum wages earners, infrastructural restoration and development, reasonable pension, medical support, higher education achievement for students, crime prevention and solving of same, better social togetherness, and addiquate financial security for all the people of the British Virgin Islands, not just the VIP government selection, deceiver. I am not that easily fooled by political deceitful manipulations.

  • WEW (03/02/2026, 14:17) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Another EGO trip
  • Wake Up People (03/02/2026, 14:50) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    The Premier has to travel guys. Get over it.
  • Read (03/02/2026, 17:27) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The article clearly stated that the entire trip was fully sponsored by the ACS and the WGS .
  • Read ???? (03/02/2026, 18:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Read ???? again people , you will see who's paying.
    • @Read ???? (03/02/2026, 20:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      It really does not matter who paid. That you mentioned it though, why did they pay? What's up now?
  • The Real Hmmm (03/02/2026, 20:53) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dull like a sheep! Jus wondering if Hon. learns anything or if he's jus there for the trip?
  • Wellsah (04/02/2026, 07:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    another perk of the job!
  • good (07/02/2026, 16:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    GOOD JOB PREMIERE !


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