In a recent press conference, Dr Wheatley said he was pleased that many people from the USVI had ventured to the BVI to celebrate the Emancipation festivities.

He noted during that time, the territory was visited by USVI Governor, Albert Bryan and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roache.

“Deputy Premier Honourable Kye Rymer and I had the opportunity to meet with Governor Bryan and Lt. Governor Roache in the margins of the festival in which we discussed relations between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands,” Dr Wheatley said.

“Among other things, we agreed that an Inter Virgin Islands Council meeting will take place in September in the USVI, and Friendship Day will take place in mid-October in the BVI,” the Premier added.

He said he wanted to see the respective governments cooperate in various areas that can improve both territories.

“[We] will explore greater cooperation in areas such as disaster response, maritime management, and public health. Of course, we want to see continued participation of the US Virgin Islands in our August Tuesday horse races that are so exciting,” Dr Wheatley said.