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UK supports plans to transition VI towards diversified low carbon economy- Premier

A push to transition the Virgin Islands (VI) into a more diversified, tourism-led, investment-driven low carbon economy that delivers business and job opportunities for the people of the territory is being supported by the United Kingdom (UK), the country’s Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheat has indicated. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), left, and Deputy Premier Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, centre, with Minister of States for the Overseas Territories Hon Frank Z. R. Goldsmith. Photo: GIS
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), left, and Deputy Premier Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, centre, with Minister of States for the Overseas Territories Hon Frank Z. R. Goldsmith. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A push to transition the Virgin Islands (VI) into a more diversified, tourism-led, investment-driven low carbon economy that delivers business and job opportunities for the people of the territory is being supported by the United Kingdom (UK), the territory’s Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has indicated.

The Premier’s statement came during a May 16, 2023, press conference following his return from the UK after attending both King Charles III's coronation and the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) between UK Ministers and Overseas Territories (OT) Leaders hosted by OT Minister the Rt Hon Frank Z. R. Goldsmith. 

Discussions constructive - Premier Wheatley 

“The discussions were very constructive and aimed at strengthening UK Government support for the Territories in areas such as security, climate change response, environmental protection, maritime management, economic resilience and health. We also discussed the importance of making the modern partnership between the UK and OTs work better for all concerned.” 

He added that in meetings with Lord Goldsmith, the minister committed to the OTs and is doing his level best to get them additional support.

Premier Wheatley detailed that The Foreign Secretary Rt Hon James S. Cleverly also joined the JMC and he reiterated his deep commitment to the OTs and his own backing for more UK Government assistance to support the Territories in their growth and development.

“Prime Minister Rt. Hon Rishi Sunak’s approval of Ministerial leads in each UK Government ministry to handle OT matters is very welcome and very positive. This will promote UK Government's commitment to the OTs beyond the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which is an important shift in approach and a critical step in renewing the modern partnership,” he said.

In terms of BVI-UK relations, the Premier said the UK partners support local plans to engage the relevant UK Government departments on technical assistance to help advance this transition, as well as tap into the UK’s existing support schemes to unlock investment into the Territory’s economy.

JMC supports development plans by VIP Administration- Premier 

“I am also very pleased that at the JMC there was UK support for my Administration’s push for infrastructure development through targeted borrowing. The UK side understands our economic needs and climate vulnerability which has to be addressed through public sector investment in resilience. In due course the Ministry of Finance will have technical discussions on loans with UK counterparts once the Ministry has prepared a borrowing package to fund our planned Public Infrastructure Improvement Programme,” he added. 

The Premier said notably he had bilateral meetings with Lord Goldsmith and that the meetings were also attended by the Deputy Premier Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE.

“We discussed governance reform, among other things. We agreed that now is the time to re-energise the reform process and to swiftly move forward with [the] implementation of the remaining elements of the COI recommendations and other reforms.”

Dr Wheatley added that discussions will be had with Governor John J. Rankin, CMG on any additional areas where an extension or timeline revision may be required.

7 Responses to “UK supports plans to transition VI towards diversified low carbon economy- Premier”

  • 2023 (17/05/2023, 11:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    the focus continues to foreign affairs which is well and good: went out bought a brand new car only to be falling into deep holes on public roads while the leaders of Government Business riveted on the UK

    Tell the UK fix the roads, this is something we using everyday: tell the UK fix that unhealthy matter at pockwood pond

    some of the people did not cast votes for mr politician to sit around a table with UK.....come sit around a table with the voters and lets us move these Virgin Islands Forward


  • Nonsense! (17/05/2023, 12:48) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Let me interpret what he’s saying…. he’s like a puppet now, pushing the NWO nonsense! Don’t you understand we black humans are made up of carbon?
  • Reality check (17/05/2023, 13:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    So no more single use plastics, like water bottles, no more burning of garbage, no more pumping of sewage out at Slaney and other ghut runoffs, actually promoting alternative energy sources with subsidies and realistic buy-back from BVIEC for alternative generated power?????
  • Stupes (17/05/2023, 15:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is why I voted against Sowande. He is really clueless.
  • Climate Change (18/05/2023, 04:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Donkeys for sale. Please apply Department of Motor Vehicles. Taxation on donkey poo is calculated $10 a bucket.
  • !!!!! (18/05/2023, 08:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the man who say vip have to get in or uk will Come for tortola but look how the uk slowly coming you lie again wow. Well educated but know kind of common sense. Uk have you Mr. Wheathley right in there hands but your eyes not open do you really pray before you do things it's a nation of people you dealing with wow!!!!!! Uk will ride you til yo tired


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