The council is the formal side of the VI-USVI relationship and brings together the Premier of the VI and Governor of the USVI, as well as key policymakers in their cabinets to explore ways to enhance the relations between the two territories.

According to a press release from Government Information Services (GIS) today, September 21, 2022, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs Carolyn E. Stoutt Igwe said Premier Wheatley and Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr will co-chair the IVIC and receive reports from three of 12 standing committees in areas of shared interest between the VI and USVI.

“Three committees will make presentations, namely the Committee on Energy and Utilities, the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Pleasure Boating and Sports Fishing,” Mrs Stoutt Igwe said.

Premier Wheatley and Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr (in photo) will co-chair the IVIC and receive reports from three of 12 standing committees in areas of shared interest between the VI and USVI.

VI Delegation

The VI delegation includes Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), Attorney General Honourable Dawn J. Smith, Permanent Secretary, Premier’s Office Mrs Carolyn E. Stoutt Igwe, Financial Secretary Mr Jeremiah G.A. Frett, and other senior public officers.

The Inter Virgin Islands Council was established on Saturday, May 29, 2004, when former USVI Governor, Dr Charles W. Turnbull and then Chief Minister, Dr D. Orlando Smith, OBE, signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding. The Council’s first meeting convened on St Croix in April 2005.