Special Envoy Mr Benito Wheatley said the Virgin Islands (VI) continues to benefit from being an Associate Member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as the territory continues to explore becoming a full member. Photo: Provided

The Virgin Islands became an Associate Member of the OECS in 1984. Photo: OECS

A May 8, 2026, press release disclosed that Mr Wheatley represented the VI at the 49th Meeting of the OECS Commission on April 30, attended by the Director General of the OECS, H.E. Dr Didacus Jules, and his senior team, as well as the OECS Commissioners of ambassadorial rank who diplomatically represent their Governments in the organisation.

Mr Wheatley lauded the OECS’ functional cooperation, including the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, common currency, economic union, and regional arrangements for health, education and aviation, among other things.

VI has benefited since 1984

“The BVI has benefitted tremendously from OECS since 1984, when we joined the organisation as an Associate Member. Today, we proudly host the Commercial Court Division of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, which benefits our financial services industry, wider economy and the subregion,” Mr Wheatley said. 

The VI, he added, also continues to purchase high-quality medicine and health commodities at affordable prices through the OECS Pool Procurement Services, bringing direct benefits to the people. 

“Other OECS subregional arrangements also benefit us in areas such as education, sports and agriculture,” he said. 

The OECS, Mr Wheatley highlighted, played an important role in the VI’s emergency response following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. He emphasised the ongoing importance of the OECS in regional cooperation and international advocacy on issues such as climate change, sustainable development and biodiversity.

Full Membership for the VI

Mr Wheatley, in his statement to the Commission, formally indicated the intention of the VI government to move forward with full membership in the OECS after nearly 42 years as an Associate Member. 

As a full member, the VI will benefit from closer cooperation, such as participation in the OECS Customs Union, which would provide enhanced access to OECS markets of affordable, high-quality agricultural goods and food products.

“We are very pleased with the ongoing exploratory discussions between the BVI and OECS on Full Membership and grateful to all OECS Member States for their encouragement and support as we continue dialogue on this important endeavour”, Wheatley said.

He also thanked the OECS for its positive role in the growth and development of the VI over the years.

Mr Wheatley also represented the VI at the 3rd Meeting of OECS Associate Members on March 31, 2026.