VI Premier engages in plenary activities & Caucus discussions @CARICOM Conference
Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, participated in plenary activities on February 25, 2026, where distinguished guests such as the US Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio, and the Commonwealth Secretariat Secretary, General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, delivered addresses. Photo: Office of the Premier
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) is greeted by St Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr Terrance M. Drew. Photo: Office of the Premier
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) at the opening ceremony of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis on February 24, 2026. Photo: Office of the Premier
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, alongside Special Envoy Mr E. Benito Wheatley, at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis. Photo: Office of the Premier
BASSETERRE, St Kitts & Nevis- Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) continues to give the Virgin Islands representation at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.
Premier Wheatley participated in plenary activities on February 25, 2026, where distinguished guests such as the US Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio, the Commonwealth Secretariat Secretary General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and leaders from United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia delivered addresses.
Dr Wheatley was accompanied by Special Envoy Mr E. Benito Wheatley.
Caucus discussions
According to the Office of the Premier, Dr the Honourable Wheatley also took part in Caucus discussions addressing Haiti, regional security and enlargement of the community.
The CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, being held under the theme ‘Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM’, concludes on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
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5 Responses to “VI Premier engages in plenary activities & Caucus discussions @CARICOM Conference”
1. Unified Caribbean Port Fees
If the USVI, BVI, Antigua, and St. Maarten set a unified regional floor for docking and licensing, mega-yacht owners could no longer "shop around" for the cheapest island. This would force the "expat" owners to pay a fair price for the natural resources of the entire region, rather than playing one territory against the other.
2. Mandatory Local Equity (The "Equity Floor")
Instead of the current "loopholes" for international business companies, a collective Caribbean policy could mandate that any charter vessel operating in the region for more than 90 days must have a percentage of local equity or contribute to a Regional Maritime Wealth Fund. This fund would provide low-interest loans to native-born residents to buy their own vessels, moving them from "cleaning the boat" to "owning the boat."
3. Regional Certification & Labor Standards
By creating a Caribbean-wide Maritime Standard, the islands could ensure that native crews are trained to the same high levels as European or South African crews. This would prevent owners from "importing" outside labor and keep the high-tip, high-salary roles within the local community.