Premier Wheatley To Attend CARICOM Heads Of Government Meeting

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley has confirmed his attendance at the  45th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) from July 3 to 5.

The meeting, which will be chaired by Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit, will take place in Trinidad and Tobago.

Premier Wheatley’s attendance is aimed at advancing intraregional trade and policy coordination, with a focus on safeguarding the socio-economic and political interests of the British Virgin Islands.

“The Virgin Islands has been an Associate Member of Caricom for 32 years. Our Associate Membership is a crucial means of engaging in regional cooperation that benefits our Territory in various ways, including the strong political support we have received in recent years,” stated the territory’s Finance Minister.

He further added that “it is essential for the Virgin Islands to be present, demonstrating our solidarity with our neighbors and seeking solutions to regional challenges such as transportation and food security.”

Accompanying the  Premier will be his Special Envoy Benito Wheatley, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Secretariat Dwynel Davis, and Assistant Secretary for External Affairs Xyrah Wheatley.

Caricom consists of fifteen member states and five associated states, including the British Virgin Islands.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade Lorna G. Smith, OBE, will serve as acting Premier and Minister of Finance until July 6.