Statement by Premier, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley at Press Conference on Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), Ministerial Portfolio Reassignments, Territorial Beautification, Fodor’s Review and Roads Rehabilitation 26 November 2024

Good morning, members of the Media.

Before we commence this press conference, I would like to take a moment to pay my respects and extend heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those in our community who have recently passed. Should there be anyone I have inadvertently overlooked, please accept my sincere apologies for the omission.

As the Minister responsible for Ecclesiastical Affairs I extend condolences on the passing of Pastor Anna Gracia Joseph

Public Works Department - Calvin Smith

The Penn Family - Timothy and Carris Penn

Former Teacher and Public Officer - Mr. Neville Pole

Businesswoman - Mrs. Muriel Hamm

Just last week, our territory faced the tragic loss of two lives due to fatal accidents in the eastern end of the island. Our hearts are with the family of the young man who lost his life in the car accident, as well as the loved ones of the dinghy captain involved in the boating incident. We share in your grief and stand with you during this difficult time.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the organizers of the 75th anniversary of the Great March of 1949, which took place this past Sunday. It was a meaningful occasion where we honored the legacy of our ancestors.

I am pleased to provide you with updates on five matters this morning, namely: a. The Joint Ministerial Council Meetings in London last week b. Ministerial Portfolio Reassignments made recently. A Territorial Beautification Initiative d. The Foror’s Travel Review recently Published.

Our ongoing Roads Rehabilitation Work

 Before I do so, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to those families who have lost loved ones, some of whom passed away in tragic car and boat accidents. I pray that God will give you comfort and help to ease your pain during this difficult time.

Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) Meeting

 Turning to my update, I will begin with the Joint Ministerial Council or JMC for short that was held in London last week between the United Kingdom (UK) and Overseas Territories (OTs).

It was the first JMC to be organised by the new Labour Government who I believe made a genuine effort to reset the relationship.

I was very pleased with the high-level of representation by the UK, that included Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Kier Starmer, Foreign Secretary Rt. David Lammy, Minister for North America, Europe and the Overseas Territories Hon. Stephen Doughty, and other UK Ministers and senior officials. The JMC discussions were very positive and constructive. We covered a wide range of topics that included UK-OTs relations, climate change, illicit finance, economic resilience, health, education, irregular migration and security.

 Among other things, the OTs proposed a review of the UK’s legal basis for its relationship with the Territories and also the preparation of a new UK White Paper that sets out UK Government policy toward the Territories. In terms of tangible outcomes, the UK expressed its openness to the constitutional relationship evolving to be more democratic. The UK also acknowledged the OTs need for support in responding to climate change and is willing to examine an OT proposal for long-term assistance.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to the security of the OTs who requires more support in critical areas such as gun crime, gang violence and irregular migration. We also reaffirmed the OTs’ and UK’s commitment to continue working together to tackle illicit finance and applying sanctions. In this regard, the UK recognised the OTs’ commitment to implementing accessible registers of beneficial ownership information on a legitimate interest basis and the need for this to contain the necessary safeguards to protect the right to privacy, in line with our constitutions.

 Across all the subjects discussed, there is quite a bit of follow-up to be done which is set out in the communique, but things are moving in the right direction. It was very clear to me that the Labour Government wants the UK to be a supportive partner of the OTs going forward.

At the bilateral level, Minister Doughty and I met to continue our discussions on the UKVirgin Islands relationship we began when he visited the Territory earlier this month. He appreciates the work everyone involved has done to advance governance reform and acknowledged our transition plan to continue strengthening the institutions and systems of Government in building a model democracy.

 While my Government remains of the view that the Order in Council is not necessary, I welcomed the steps outlined by the Minister that can officially bring the current governance reform programme to a close and lift the Order in Council, pending a final quarterly review by the Governor and a UK Ministerial assessment in the first half of 2025.

 On the environmental front, I shared with Minister Doughty the continuing negative effects of climate change on the Virgin Islands, including the cost of the multiple extreme weather events we have experienced this hurricane season. He acknowledges our vulnerability and understands that government must respond to these challenges, which requires greater fiscal flexibility which he is supportive of.

In terms of parliamentary engagement, I attended a special meeting at the UK Parliament between the Speaker of the House of Commons Rt. Hon. Lindsey Hoyle MP and the OT Leaders who attended the JMC. We discussed the various challenges faced by the OTs where greater parliamentary support is needed. The meeting was highly productive. Mr. Speaker then hosted an OT reception where we were able to directly engage many Members of Parliament and Peers to share with them our challenges and desire for partnership. Mr. Speaker is a strong advocate and champion of the OTs who we greatly appreciate for his advocacy.

 It is important for me to also mention that throughout my visit I engaged with other OT Leaders. This included a follow-up breakfast meeting of the Caribbean OTs Caucus and the annual meeting of the UKOTA Political Council where we coordinated our JMC Page positions. This was critical because our collective voice placed us in a much stronger position by which to engage the UK. I will continue to engage my OT colleagues to make further progress on our common agenda.

  Finally, it was my great pleasure to meet with the BVI diaspora at BVI House to update them on developments at home and to listen to their concerns and views. Our people are our greatest strength and are important to us, wherever they are.

Overall, my meetings in London were meaningful and further advanced our efforts to establish a good relationship with the new Labour Government.

Ministerial Portfolio Reassignments

You would be aware that the portfolios of some Ministries have been reassigned. On 5th November, following His Excellency the Governor's signing of the instruments of appointments, the following changes have taken effect: The Premier's Office will now oversee the following subjects previously held by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change: Agriculture; Fisheries; Food Security; and Veterinary.

 Additionally, the subject of Constitutional Advancement has been formally added to the Premier's Office, the ministry that has been the lead on constitutional matters. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development has taken on Statistics from the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, as well as District Councils from the Premier’s Office.

  The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has been renamed the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. It has received new subjects, including Cooperatives; Industrial Development (including Incentives); Immigration; Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment Development (RATED) Programme; and Weights and Measures.

 The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change will be headed by the Deputy Premier,

Honourable Julian Fraser, and will now cover the following additional subjects: Building Inspection and Standards; Electrical Inspection; Housing; and Town and Country Planning. The Ministry of Communications and Works has gained responsibility for Alternative Energy, which has been transferred from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.

 It also important to note that I am now the Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. In my other Ministries, I will continue to be supported by the Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr. Karl Dawson, and the Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce HodgeSmith. to implement these changes, the relevant Permanent Secretaries have been making the necessary adjustments. I would therefore ask that the public continue to exercise patience during this time of transition, recognising that these changes occurred during the advanced stage of the annual budget process. My Government remains committed to fulfilling its mandate to the people of the Virgin Islands in doing all that is necessary to continue to build a sustainable nation.

Territorial Beautification Initiative

Turning to the tourism sector, a few weeks ago, I directed the Ministry of Tourism to collaborate with the BVI Tourist Board on a Beautification drive as we get ready to welcome visitors during our tourism high season and as we ourselves get ready for our own festive season. The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, is pleased to announce a $500,000 grant to the BVI Tourist Board for a Territory-wide beautification project.

This initiative to be undertaken in all Districts and Sister Islands is to be supervised by an independent contractor to reduce the administrative burden on the Board. The initiative is a direct response to the pressing need to restore the aesthetics and safety of our Territory for residents and tourists alike following a prolonged period of rainfall. The rains have led to significant overgrowth of vegetation, which has not only affected the beauty of our landscape but has also contributed to perilous road conditions, particularly around frequently traversed tourist routes.

 The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has recognised and endorsed this initiative as an essential one. It is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development while maintaining the attractiveness of the British Virgin Islands as a premier tourism destination. We are confident that this beautification effort will further enrich the experience of those who visit and live in our Territory.

Fodor’s Travel Review Page

The public will be aware that the Virgin Islands was recently featured in Fodor's No List 2025, which highlights destinations it editors believe travellers should reconsider visiting in the coming year. The Government is disappointed by Fodor’s decision to include the Territory on its list. We remain a destination of choice because visitors enjoy our unmatched sailing waters, beautiful environment and usually uncrowded beaches.

We continue to take steps to ensure tourism environmentally sustainable, including through the beach management plans we are implementing. As a tourism destination, cruise tourism is an important dimension of our tourism sector. I am very pleased that with the $100 million loan recently secured my Government will be able to improve our road infrastructure that will help alleviate traffic congestion and ensure the smooth flow of traffic from which everyone will benefit. The environmental levy we currently collect has accumulated financial resources to implement targeted sustainability measures. The Virgin Islands is firmly committed to sustainable tourism and has the ambition to become a world leader in this space and to be a model for others to follow. This will be included in the National Tourism Policy and Plan to be developed that will guide Government’s approach to the tourism sector.

Ongoing Road Rehabilitation

Lastly, you will be aware of the ongoing roadworks throughout Tortola. On behalf of the Government, I would like to again apologise for the traffic disruption and inconvenience caused to the motoring public. The Minister and team have made adjustments to minimize disruption, including the necessary road works being done at nights.

We have committed to improving our roads and we are delivering on that promise. I once again apologise for the disruption and inconvenience caused last week and ask you to bear with us as we carry out these important road works. I will conclude my statement by calling on all drivers to be careful when driving on our roads. Please take your time.

It may save your life and that of others. Similarly, I call on our sailors to be careful when sailing our waters, especially at night. Condolences again to those persons who have lost loved in the tragic recent car and boat accidents. Thank you