The British Virgin Islands (BVI) financial services industry was lauded as the most successful in the Caribbean by Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) consultant, Dr. June Soomer.

Dr. Soomer made the comment during her presentation on the BVI’s National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) to the financial services sector during BVI Finance’s Breakfast Forum, on June 30.

She explained the importance of the presentation and input by the financial services industry as a critical part of the consultations necessary to ensure proper representation of the BVI’s main economic pillars in the drafting of the NSDP, a 15-year vision and road map for the Territory. Ministry of Finance Economist, Emery Pemberton, who supported the presentation, said the NSDP was being led by the Government of the Virgin Islands and was integrated as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). He stated that the NSDP and achieving the SDG goals are not only the responsibility of the government, but also the responsibility of businesses and citizens.

Pemberton outlined that this was necessary to produce a comprehensive report. Dr. Soomer added, “These 17 goals are established by the United Nations, and we have had more than 70 consultations throughout the Territory as well as conducting a survey which we received very good responses.

The goal was to identify some of the challenges faced and to assure persons that we have considered many foundational documents when we examined the current state of the Territory.”

The NSDP process began in 2021 and has involved consultations with key sectors while examining the vision, national goals, national outcomes, implementation framework, monitoring and evaluation framework and the way forward for the BVI.

For further information please contact: asoverall@bvifinance.vg Tel: 284-852-1957

About BVI Finance
BVI Finance is the voice of the British Virgin Islands’ financial services industry; marketing and promoting its products and services, as well as managing and maintaining its excellent reputation as a premier offshore financial centre. Established in 2002 as the BVI International Finance Centre, the company was re-branded to BVI Finance in 2015.