Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) (second row: middle) with his colleagues during the 2024 Joint Ministerial Council. Photo: Office of the Premier

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) (left) will co-chair the 2025 Joint Ministerial Council in the United Kingdom with the United Kingdom’s Overseas Territories Hon Stephen J. Doughty, MP (right). Photo: Internet Source

The Joint Ministerial Council is the highest-level annual forum for dialogue between elected leaders of the United Kingdom’s Overseas Territories and Ministers of His Majesty’s government. 

The delegation which will depart the VI today, Saturday, November 22, 2025, comprises Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R4), Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, (AL), Financial Secretary Mr Jeremiah G.A. Frett, Special Envoy of the Premier Mr E. Benito Wheatley, Acting Director of International Affairs Ms Dwynel Davis, Director of Communications Mrs Karia J. Christopher, and Governance Reform Delivery Manager Chief of Staff Mr Kedrick E. Malone. Mr Dorian Hodge is also accompanying the team as support. 

The delegation will take part in JMC and other meetings to “help us further the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands”, Premier Wheatley said. 

Premier to co-chair JMC with Hon Doughty

Premier Wheatley, who is also the President of the Political Council, will co-chair the JMC beginning November 26, 2025, with Minister for the United Kingdom’s Overseas Territories Hon Stephen J. Doughty, MP.  

This year’s meeting will be held at the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office 

The 2025 JMC carries particular significance, forming part of a broader resetting of the relationships between the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territories, Premier Wheatley said. 

“Central to this reset is the development of bilateral compacts, tailored frameworks between the UK and participating territories designed to clarify shared priorities, strengthen commitments and improve long-term planning.”

VI to play a leading role

Throughout the week, Overseas Territories leaders will participate in plenary sessions, technical workshops, bilateral meetings and political engagements, covering some of the most pressing issues right now. 

“As Chair of the UK Overseas Territories Association, the Virgin Islands will play a leading role. I will guide collective OT engagements with the UK, set the tone for our discussions and open several major sessions.”

Some of the agenda items include artificial intelligence in health care and cybersecurity, the outcomes of COP30, the launch of the new Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy, illicit finance, beneficial ownership transparency, and planning for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.