The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), emphasised that the territory has developed a robust economy that is not solely reliant on traditional sectors, but also significantly benefits from its financial sector. Photo: Facebook

Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, with Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, UAE, Chairman, World Governments Summit. Photo: GIS

Premier of The Virgin Islands Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) engaged in conversation with Geeta Mohan, Senior Executive Editor of India Today of the TV Today Network. Photo: Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), 2nd from left, catches up with Caribbean Heads of Government in Dubai. From left: Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley; Premier Wheatley; Prime Minister of St Kitts & Nevis, Dr Terrance M. Drew; Premier of Grenada, Dickon A.T. Mitchell; and Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit. Photo: Facebook

He made these remarks during a conversation, hosted by Geeta Mohan, Senior Executive Editor of India Today from the TV Today Network, alongside the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon A.T. Mitchell, at the World Government Summit held in Dubai.

Companies within VI impact world economies

Premier Wheatley noted that the Virgin Islands is now home to over 370,000 registered companies. 

He highlighted that these companies are not only contributing to local economies but also impacting regions as far as the Middle East; however, he mentioned that authorities are actively monitoring the global situation that may affect these companies.

Hon Wheatley stated, "Now, these companies, who have assets of over 1.4 trillion dollars, 2.3 million jobs overseas, and the region and the Middle East, we have facilitated about $2 billion of inward investment through our companies into the Middle East but, of course, we always have to ensure that we are staying on the wall, paying attention to what's happening in the geopolitical landscape."

'Free-flow economy'

The Premier pointed out that the Virgin Islands’ economy has thrived on the free flow of capital over the years, particularly through cross-border investments, while also praising the regional blocs for their growing emphasis on professionalism and nationalism. 

Honourable Wheatley further stated that, "A little bit of about 60% of our companies come from the Asia-Pacific region, about 20% from the Caribbean and Latin America, so we are truly global in outlook."

Importance of forums 

He stressed the importance of forums like the 10th Association of Caribbean States (ACS) International Cooperation Conference, stating, "We certainly have to ensure and pay attention to what is taking place, and that's why we think these forums are important."

Dr Wheatley was among Caribbean leaders who attended the 10th ACS International Cooperation Conference held from February 3-4, 2026, in conjunction with the prestigious World Government Summit in Dubai.