Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development during their interview with the Indian Business Law Journal on August 24, 2026. Photo: Office of the Premier

The Virgin Islands delegation to the VI-India Trade mission, Auguyst 24 to 31, 2026, also include private sector representatives. Photo: Office of the Premier

Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development led a meeting with Mr Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of India's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), followed by a meeting with Ms Rashmi G., representing India’s International Customs Division. Photo: Office of the Premier

The Premier is currently leading a 12-member delegation in India for a trade mission from August 24 to 31, 2026. The Premier left the VI on the weekend, and while still at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport, he defended the government’s active trade mission programme. 

“The BVI is not an isolated country in the world; the BVI is intimately and intricately connected to the world economy. Of course, we grow up together, and we see everybody here in the BVI who knows everybody, and we sometimes take it for granted the role that the BVI plays in the world.”

Financial Services revenue responsible for a lot

Premier Wheatleys said trade missions allow for direct engagement with the VI’s business partners abroad and to also engage potential business partners. 

These partnerships, he explained, help to grow the VI’s economy. 

“[They] provide us with more revenue through our Financial Services sector, which builds our roads, builds our schools, maintains our healthcare infrastructure.”

The VI delegation currently in India includes Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development; Mr Kenneth B. Baker, CEO/Managing Director, BVI Financial Services Commission; Ms Dwynel D. Davis, Acting Director, International Affairs Secretariat; Ms Ayana I. Glasgow, Director of Financial Services; Mr Kareem Nelson-Hull, Acting Director of Communications; Dr Ricardo L. Wheatley, Director of BVI Hong Kong Office; Ms Siobhan M. Flax Associate Director, BVI Hong Kong Office; Mr Rhodni A. Skelton, Director of Marketing and Business Development, BVI Finance; Ms Xyrah Wheatley, Private Secretary to the Junior Minister of Financial Services and Economic Development; Ms Kyla K. Forbes, Analyst/Political Economy Officer, BVI Hong Kong Office; and Mr Ronn A. Grant, Analyst/Political Economy Officer, BVI Hong Kong Office. 

The team also includes private sector delegates. 

Government meetings began at 8:00 AM India time today, Monday, August 24, 2026, with an interview with the Indian Business Law Journal. Premier Wheatley then met India's Finance Minister. At the same time, Hon Smith led a meeting with Mr Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of India's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), followed by a meeting with Ms Rashmi G., representing India’s International Customs Division.

The Financial Services Roadshow will also be held today, from 12:30 PM to 8:00 PM.