Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

Recent trip to UK ‘very successful’ with renewed conversation on relations- Premier Fahie

Recent trip to UK ‘very successful’ with renewed conversation on relations- Premier Fahie

Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A, Fahie (R1) has reported that recent trips to the United Kingdom (UK) for both the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) and the COP26 meetings have been successful.

The Premier provided an update during a November 26, 2021, press conference alongside Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) on the subject.

“My trip was very successful, enabling a renewed conversation with the UK and Government Ministers, leaders of the other Overseas Territories as well as businesses and friends of the Virgin Islands in the UK,” he said.

The Premier provided an update during a November 26, 2021, press conference alongside Minister for Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley on the subject.


COVID-19 pandemic key on agenda


Premier Fahie said ahead of the start of the JMC, he took part in meetings with Overseas Territories colleagues on the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the COP26 and the ecological impact of climate change.

There were also discussions on the relationship with the UK, what that means for the OTs and how OTs can work together constructively to address areas such as security and law enforcement and their roles in a Post-Brexit environment.

“I am pleased that we are aligned on many of these topics and were able to go into meetings with UK officials for the JMC with a broadly shared perspective and common goals.”

“Ministers exchanged views on political and constitutional matters of mutual interest and discussed priority areas for the year ahead as it relates to economic and social development as well as governance,” he said.

Meetings had with UK ministers


Hon Fahie further revealed that meetings were had with Foreign Secretary, The Right Honourable Elizabeth M. Truss; the new Minister for Overseas Territories, The Rt. Honourable Amanda A. Milling, and other UK Ministers with whom the OTs leaders discussed priority areas for engagement and cooperation.

According to the Premier, topics included the Environment, Economic Resilience, Security and Law Enforcement and The UK and OT Relationship.

“One of the most significant issues for discussion was post-COP26 climate action. We re-emphasised the importance of moving away from fossil fuels and speeding up the transition to low carbon economies powered by green energy by 2050,” he said.

This echoes our own targets, the premier reminded given the territory has placed to have some 60 per cent renewable energy in the Virgin Islands by 2030 with the hope of meeting the goal as the UK has set of net-zero by 2050.

Climate change funding addressed - Premier Fahie


Hon Fahie said in the meeting he raised the very important issue about funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation, “The loss of access to European Development Funds of an estimated 7 million euros has left a funding gap in the Virgin Islands,” he said.

Premier Fahie continued, “While we acknowledge UK funding via Darwin Plus for nature-based climate solutions, as well as direct funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for renewable energy development, this is separate to the replacement funds we are seeking to make up for the shortfall left by Brexit to support sustainable development.”

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
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
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
×