Beautiful Virgin Islands

Thursday, Jun 05, 2025

Premier planning UK trip to advance economic & political interests of VI

Premier planning UK trip to advance economic & political interests of VI

Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says in a week and a half, he plans to travel to the United Kingdom for talks on various matters concerning the Virgin Islands (VI).

This he says will be to advance the economic, political, and environmental interests of the Virgin Islands.

The Premier made the disclosure in a press statement today, Friday January 6, 2022, on current matters in the Virgin Islands.

“On the agenda are financial services, investment, and environmental partnerships. I will also meet with our students and citizens in the United Kingdom to hear their concerns and ideas,” he added.

Hon Wheatley said he will also get he opportunity to meet Minister for Overseas Territories Lord Zach R. Goldsmith as well as engage other BVI groups and UK parliamentarians who have an interest in the VI.

The occasion of my visit will also be an opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the BVI London Office that was the successful vision of the late Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon Ralph T. O'Neil, OBE.

The Premier said he is looking forward to updating the public on the outcome of the visit upon his return.


Governor John J. Rankin, CMG says the Order in Council is an “Insurance” to ensure that the Government of the Virgin Islands stays true to its commitment of implementing the reforms as recommended by Sir Gary R. Hickenbottom’s Report following the Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

What about Order in Council?

It is expected that the premier in his London visit could encourage the UK to remove the existing Order in Council to suspend the Virgin Island’s Constitution and impose direct rule in the territory, having already indicated that his government was not in support of the order. 

VI Governor John J. Rankin, CMG has; however, said the Order in Council is an “insurance” to ensure that the Government of the Virgin Islands stays true to its commitment to implementing the reforms as recommended by Sir Gary R. Hickenbottom following the Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

Many; however, see it as a 'Sword of Damocles' on the VI and not indicative of a modern partnership of trust and mutual respect.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Global News Roundup: From Ukraine's strategic military strikes and Russia's demands and Tensions Escalate in Ukraine, to serious legal issues faced by Britons in Bali and Trump's media criticism, the latest developments highlight a turbulent landscape
Majority of French Voters View Macron's Presidency as a Failure
Hungary Partners with China to Boost Electric Vehicle Production
‘Vibe Coding’ Emerges as the New DIY Trend
AI Pioneer Yoshua Bengio Warns Models Can Deceive Users
Big Four Firms Rush to Create AI Auditing Systems
Musk’s xAI Pursues $113 Billion Valuation in New Share Sale
Walmart Increases Revenue Despite Shrinking Workforce
Hims & Hers Plans UK and EU Launch of Replica Obesity Drugs
Toyota to Acquire Supplier in $33 Billion Buyout
U.S. Reduces Military Presence in Syria
Trump Demands Iran End All Uranium Enrichment in Nuclear Talks
China Accuses US of Violating Trade Truce
Panama Port Owner Balances US-China Pressures
France Implements Nationwide Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children
German Chancellor Merz Keeps Putin Guessing on Missile Strategy
Mandelson Criticizes UK's 'Fetish' for Abandoning EU Regulations
British Fishing Boat Owner Fined €30,000 by French Authorities
Dutch government falls as far-right leader Wilders quits coalition
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
×