The Premier, during a Friday, March 22, 2022, statement said, "During her visit we held very positive bilateral talks in which we discussed a number of policy issues."

Ukraine conflict on agenda

Hon Fahie added that during the bilateral talks, the parties discussed the joint response by the United Kingdom and Overseas Territories to the situation taking place in Ukraine, which is causing hurt, suffering and loss of lives, and also negatively impacting the world economy.

As part of the discussions were also the economic impact of the conflict in Ukraine on the Virgin Islands, which has caused fuel prices to rise at the pump, increased electricity bills and impacted the cost of goods and services.

"I shared with the Minister the potential fiscal and other policy options to respond to these economic pressures, which our technical officials are further assessing. We also discussed the impact of COVID-19 and my Administration’s prudent budgetary management throughout the pandemic, which Minister Milling highly commended," the Premier detailed.

He said VI's sustainable development and diversification economic plans were also shared and both parties agreed to build upon the good progress being made in advancing medicinal cannabis in the Virgin Islands.

Good Governance Legislation

"Finally, on the issue of Good Governance, I was very pleased that Minister Milling welcomed the suite of legislation your elected Government passed in 2021, which we are in the process of being implemented now. His Excellency, the Governor and I have been working closely on this," he said.

Premier Fahie added that on the topic of the Commission of Inquiry, they did not have any substantive discussion about it, except to note that the report would be completed in April.

"In summary, Minister Milling and I and our respective teams had very good bilateral talks and engagement. Her visit builds on the genuine efforts being made on both sides to restore the modern partnership between the Virgin Islands and United Kingdom, and I am confident that we can continue to make good progress in this regard," the Premier said.

Premier Fahie added that on the topic of the Commission of Inquiry, they did not have any substantive discussion about it, except to note that the report would be completed in April.