VI-UN relations ‘stronger than ever’ towards greater self-governance – Premier
The Premier made the statements in the Saturday, February 11, 2023, sititng of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands (VI) whicle adding that the Virgin Islands' relationship with the UN is a legal one where the VI is one of the Territories on the UN’s list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
This according to Hon Wheatley, means the UN has legal obligations under the UN Charter and other UN conventions and resolutions to the VI and these obligations are in relation to supporting local development and achieving a full measure of self-government in the process of decolonization.
“Importantly, every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution during its session to reaffirm these legal obligations and other commitments,” he said.
"Madam Speaker I am pleased to inform this Honourable House that the 77th UN General Assembly adopted its resolution on the Virgin Islands on 12th December 2022. The resolution, among other things, reflects the international community’s views on the political turbulence we experienced last year and calls for continued assistance to the Territory from the UN system to support sustainable development and hurricane recovery."
Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley (R1) added
that the Country Implementation Plan is the official agreement that
guides the UN’s cooperation with the Virgin Islands in areas such as the
creation of a business environment and investment climate that is more
conducive to the success of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
and to attract private investment.
UN-VI Country Implementation Plan extended throughout 2023
In terms of the UN’s follow-up on its commitments, the Premier said he is pleased that the UN development system and the Government of the Virgin Islands have agreed to extend the UN-VI Country Implementation Plan throughout 2023 with revised priorities.
He added that the Country Implementation Plan is the official agreement that guides the UN’s cooperation with the Virgin Islands in areas such as the creation of a business environment and investment climate that is more conducive to the success of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and to attract private investment
Dr the Hon Wheatley added that the plan also seeks to Accelerate the transition to a more diversified, tourism-led, investment-driven, low-carbon economy that supports inclusive and resilient economic growth.
He noted that the plan will also help the VI to strengthen national laws, policies, systems, and institutions to improve governance, security, and social cohesion among other goals.
