VI-UK relationship ‘remains on an unsustainable course’- E. Benito Wheatley
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This is according to Virgin Islands (VI) Special Envoy Mr E. Benito Wheatley during his presentation at the recently concluded UN Pacific Regional Seminar on Decolonisation hosted by the Government of Timor-Leste in the country’s capital Dili from May 21-23, 2025.
‘Unjustified attacks’ on VI’s reputation
According to Mr Wheatley, the VI had genuinely hoped that the tone of the relationship with the United Kingdom (UK) would change with a new ruling party in Government; however, this is proving challenging.
“We continue to see unjustified UK attacks on the reputation of the BVI directly by UK parliamentarians who are doing everything in their power to smear the jurisdiction’s reputation as an international finance centre (IFC) and damage our integrity internationally.”
UK accused of trying to weaken VI’s financial self-sufficiency
Mr Wheatley also said the UK Government is also pressing the VI to make regulatory changes to its financial services sector that go far beyond the international standards “we currently follow along with the majority of the world’s jurisdictions.”
The Special Envoy explained that these regulatory changes would have an adverse impact on the revenue generated by the financial services industry that funds two-thirds of the government budget, which pays for teachers, doctors, nurses, policeman and other public servants who serve the public.
“Why seek to weaken the BVI’s financial self-sufficiency and our ability to provide for ourselves? Why pressure us to do things that would make us financially dependent? We are very well aware that we are not well liked or trusted by certain elements of the UK Government and UK Parliament. These elements are not interested in the UK having an equitable relationship with the BVI, because they believe colonialism gives the UK the levers needed to control the Territory through undemocratic means.”
Noting that his utterances were the naked truth, Mr Wheatley said time will tell which elements will win out in London’s internal struggle with its colonial impulses.
“We remain open to a positive relationship with the UK, but as it stands now, the relationship remains on an unsustainable course. Regardless, the BVI will continue its march toward self-determination,” Mr Wheatley stated.
The UK has also been criticised by regional and international bodies for its Order in Council that threatens to suspend the constitution of the Virgin Islands and impose direct rule from London.
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19 Responses to “VI-UK relationship ‘remains on an unsustainable course’- E. Benito Wheatley”
We have real problems here, and yet we choose to utilise our resources and finances in pursuit of this crap... and parties....
Hmm. This is true. BUT, last time i check, the VIP was the old ruling party that the people wanted to change from. VIP won 6 seats and the non-VIP won 7 seats. The people did NOT get the change they voted for. Anyone who supports the current primer and party need their head checking. I don't care if he is your brother or your cousin. He is a POOR leader and the UK HAS to step in. At least 2 future generations frig up by now because of one man's poor leadership. I would have to agree with the comments that say that the young man in this article DOES NOT speak for the people. His views are his own. It is a misrepresentation of the views of the majority population. Our tax money should not be used to pay someone to misrepresent the people.