Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, on his first official visit to the UK, held successful discussions with key officials from the Economic Youth and Sustainable Development Directorate of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London on November 20. 

Dr. the Honourable Wheatley was hosted at Commonwealth House by the Head of Social Policy and Development Section Mr. Layne Robinson, along with Programme Manager Mr. Sushil Ram, who welcomed engagement from the British Virgin Islands as a British Overseas Territory which is associated with the Commonwealth through the UK.

In their exchanges, the Minister was keen to understand how the Commonwealth Secretariat and BVI could partner on areas of collaboration within key portfolio themes of Youth, Sport and Education. An overview of the training and technical assistance available in areas such as social and economic policy, governance and capacity building with the goal of supporting decision-makers in delivering policies for the well-being and prosperity in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development goals were explored.

Minister Wheatley further gained a detailed understanding of viable opportunities for the BVI such as participation in specialist training programmes including teacher training and sports development training as well as data monitoring tools.

Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley’s discussion with the Commonwealth Secretariat, are in line with the Government’s mandate to strengthen and explore new international relationships, in positioning the British Virgin Islands for the future.

Minister Wheatley was accompanied by Ag. UK/EU Representative Tracy Bradshaw, Deputy Director Siobhan Flax and Political Affairs Officer Xante Chalwell of the BVI London Office.

Photo Attached: 
Mr. Sushil Ram, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley and  Mr. Layne Robinson (Photographs provided)