Speaking during the 5th Sitting of the 2nd Session of the 5th House of Assembly, today, June 3, 2025, Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the recent engagement with Sint Maarten will result in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding covering maritime logistics, agriculture tourism, disaster risk management, and financial services by leveraging Sint Maarten’s advanced port infrastructure and exploring joint marketing initiatives. Photo: YouTube

Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) recently led a delegation to a strategic trade mission to Sint Maarten, to engage in high-level dialogue to advance mutual interests in maritime, trade, agriculture, tourism, health services, and financial services. Photo: Facebook

Deputy Speaker and Parliamentary Lead on Agriculture and Fisheries Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1), 3rd from right, engages government officials of Sint Maarten. Photo: Facebook

Last month, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) led a high-level government delegation on what was described as a “successful trade mission” to Sint Maarten.

MoU to be signed with St Maarten

Speaking during the 5th Sitting of the 2nd Session of the 5th House of Assembly, today, June 3, 2025, Premier Wheatley said this historic engagement will result in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding covering maritime logistics, agriculture tourism, disaster risk management, and financial services by leveraging Sint Maarten’s advanced port infrastructure and exploring joint marketing initiatives.

“We are laying the groundwork for a maritime trade corridor that will enhance our access to international markets, improve food security, and support the growth of our tourism sector.”

Follow-up visit to DR next month

Premier Wheatley also recalled that Deputy Speaker Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) recently led a delegation to a trade mission to the Dominican Republic.

He disclosed that discussions with Dominican authorities focused on establishing direct shipping routes to bypass costly intermediaries, ensuring sanitary and phytosanitary standards and exploring customs duty concessions to lower import costs.

The Premier said local merchants from the Virgin Islands have already begun building relationships with Dominican Republic suppliers, and this is expected to yield more competitive pricing and greater product variety for consumers locally.

Premier Wheatley said a follow-up visit is planned for early July to “finalise these arrangements and ensure that the necessary regulatory and logistical frameworks are in place to support seamless trade flows.”

The Leader of Government Business said one of the government’s main initiatives is to address the cost of living by ensuring that the territory can source products efficiently, taking into account not only the cost and quality of goods but also the timelines for importation.