ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Virgin Islands(VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says despite some persons wanting to see the VI in a confrontational relationship with the United Kingdom (UK) Government, his government of National Unity is looking to maintain a positive image with the UK.
Premier Wheatley was at the time speaking at a Joint Press Conference on the Commission of Inquiry Recommendations Implementation and other Government Matters on August 10, 2022, alongside Governor John J. Rankin, CMG.
Maximizing benefits of VI/UK Relationship - Premier
“I think it's important for us as an overseas territory to seek to maximize the benefits of the relationships we have with the United Kingdom. Some people want to see a confrontational relationship with the United Kingdom where we're at each other’s throats and we're fighting.”
He said maximizing the benefits; however, could include education, technical support, access to UK government policies and other resources that can benefit not only virgin Islanders living in the UK but those in the VI.
“It's important for us to make sure that we represent the interests of the BVI very strongly, but I believe it's in the BVI's interest to have a collaborative relationship with the United Kingdom, many benefits to be accrued there and so that has been my focus,” he added.