The Virgin Islands, through the Special Envoy of the Premier, E. Benito Wheatley, has participated in a critical meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government at their 41st Inter-Sessional meeting held virtually on October 16, 2025. Photo: Office of the Premier

A satellite image captured on Oct. 17 shows F-35 fighter jets at José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Puerto Rico. Photo: Planet Labs PBC

In view of the US military buildup in the Southern Caribbean and its blowing up of suspected narco boats, CARICOM has said the fight against drug trafficking must be within the realm of international law, though Trinidad and Tobago has reserved its position on this. Photo: CARICOM

The Government was represented by the Territory’s CARICOM Ambassador, Mr E. Benito Wheatley, Special Envoy of the Premier, who attended on behalf Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who was unable to participate due to the funeral of the late Dr Robert A. Mathavious OBE, one of the Virgin Islands’ most distinguished citizens and key architect of the jurisdiction’s financial services industry.

The CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew M. Holness, chaired discussions among several Heads of Government and State, Ministers, and Representatives in which they discussed critical issues, including preparations for COP 30 climate change talks, international trade, the situation in Haiti, and regional security, among other things.

'Pivotal moment'

According to the Special Envoy, “The Inter-Sessional meeting came at a pivotal moment in Caribbean affairs. A confluence of issues is affecting the region, involving international trade, climate change and regional security, that requires all Governments to be engaged. I have briefed Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley on the deliberations and am keeping him and the Government regularly updated on developments impacting the region. Through diplomatic channels, we remain in close and continuous contact with CARICOM and other regional bodies such as the OECS and the Association of Caribbean States”.

Countries in the region have expressed concern with the heavy military presence in the region by the United States and its decisions to execute missile strikes on vessels deemed to be transporting illegal drugs to the United States. Several people have lost their lives in the missile strikes.

CARICOM has said the fight against drug trafficking must be within the realm of international law, though Trinidad and Tobago has reserved its position on this.

'I am closely following the critical issues'- Premier

In comments on ongoing regional challenges, Premier Wheatley said, “I am closely following the critical issues affecting our region. We are monitoring them for any potential impacts on our society. Should there be any adverse effects that directly affect the British Virgin Islands, I will bring them to the public’s attention”.

The British Virgin Islands is an Associate Member of CARICOM, OECS and the Association of Caribbean States.

Special Envoy of the Premier, Mr E. Benito Wheatley, currently serves as the Territory’s regional and UN Ambassador.