The Virgin Islands (VI) supported the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) push for closer regional cooperation to tackle economic vulnerability, climate change and social challenges affecting the Greater Caribbean. Photo: Internet Source

Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley, who serves as the VI’s Ambassador to ACS, virtually attended the 31st Ordinary Meeting of the ACS Ministerial Council was held in Panama City, Panama on June 21, 2026. Photo: E. Benito Wheatley

The VI is an Associate Member of the ACS and Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley, who serves as the VI’s Ambassador to ACS, virtually attended the 31st Ordinary Meeting of the ACS Ministerial Council was held in Panama City, Panama on June 21, 2026.

“The BVI has played an active role in the renewal of the ACS over the past two years. The collective efforts of the Governments of the Greater Caribbean have repositioned the organisation to be more effective in regional cooperation. The shift in focus to concrete projects involving tourism, trade, shipping, climate change, disaster risk reduction, training and capacity building are positive steps from which the BVI is already benefitting.”

He also commended the efforts of the Secretary General H.E. Ambassador Noemi Espinoza Madrid and the leadership of the Government of Panama on the success of the recent Ministerial Council.

ACS renewal

The VI also welcomed the renewal of the ACS during the meeting.

The participating Governments, among other things, reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation, highlighted the importance of the ACS Strategic Plan to 2035, approved the Action Plan for Haiti, and established 24th July as the International Day of the Greater Caribbean.

The ACS is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1994 to promote consultation, cooperation, and concerted action among 25 Member States and 10 Associate Members in the Greater Caribbean.