Statement from Premier and Minister of Finance in B.V.I.

Honourable Andrew A. Fahie

7th November, 2020

Congratulations to US President-Elect Joe Biden
and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris

The Government and people of the Virgin Islands extend heartfelt congratulations to United States' President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on their successful election to office.

This election is historical and of tremendous significance to many people around the world as Mrs Harris becomes the first female US Vice President, the first black US Vice President, and the first US Vice President of Caribbean heritage and of South Asian heritage.

There are many global challenges where robust US leadership is needed such as COVID-19, climate change and economic recovery, and the Caribbean region is optimistic that these issues will be engaged by the new Administration.

The people of the British Virgin Islands have a strong kinship with the people of the US Virgin Islands due to our shared history and many familial connections. The relationship and friendship between the Governments and the people of the British and United States Virgin Islands has been formally celebrated since 1972 as BVI-USVI or USVI-BVI Friendship Day, as an opportunity for our respective Governments to appreciate and reflect on the close ties that bind the neighbouring Territories and their people.

We also have a special closeness with the people of Puerto Rico. Additionally, the BVI people are proud to have our footprint present in the US through the work of William Thornton, who was born on May 20, 1759, in Jost Van Dyke in the BVI, and who was the first architect of the Capitol Building as well as the first Superintendent of the US Patent Office.

St. Thomas and Puerto Rico are our main transit hubs.

Many of our students, for decades, have pursued higher education at US colleges and universities. The United States is one of the BVI's main trading partners in goods.

The BVI, therefore, looks forward to continuation and growth of this strong, positive relationship with the new Administration.

We look forward to continued warm relations between the BVI and US.

Congratulations, once again to the President-elect and Vice President-elect, on this hard fought victory!