Speaking at a roundtable event hosted at BVI House London, Premier Dr. Hon. D. Orlando Smith, OBE has welcomed the tremendous support offered by the financial services industry in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Addressing a group of leading private sector firms, Premier Smith also reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting financial services in the short, medium and long term. Premier Smith stated that a flourishing financial services industry was important for the long term recovery and economic success of the Territory. 

The Premier also provided an update on his conversations with the UK Government and their commitments to the BVI’s recovery efforts.

Commenting, Premier Smith said: “I am delighted with the support and commitment the financial services industry has provided following recent disruption. My Government and I are resolute in our support of the financial services industry as it is critical to the economy and our recovery as we look to build back better.”

The meeting was also attended by Brodrick Penn, Chair of the Disaster Recovery Coordinating Committee, who provided additional detail about the Government’s recovery plan, whilst also fielding questions from those in the room about specific recovery initiatives.

Benito Wheatley, UK Representative and Director of the BVI London Office and Neil Smith, Director of International Business Regulation, also presented at the meeting. Mr Wheatley and Mr Smith provided an update on the BVI’s ongoing positive engagement with international authorities and agencies, including the European Commission and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), on financial services matters.   

The Premier-led delegation concludes its London visit today (Thursday) following the successful Joint Ministerial Council meeting between UK Ministers and OT Leaders.