International
Former Governor Peter Penfold’s Passes Away
– Leaves Behind a Legacy of Dedicated Service to the British Virgin Islands
Former Governor of the British Virgin Islands, Peter Penfold CMG OBE, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and a deep connection to the islands he once governed.
The Governor’s Office released a statement expressing their sadness over Penfold’s death, which occurred on October 1st, 2023.
Penfold’s career in diplomacy began in 1963 when he joined the British Foreign Service, marking the start of a remarkable journey that would take him to various corners of the globe. He served in West Germany, Nigeria, Mexico, and Sierra Leone, assuming different roles and responsibilities along the way.
In 1991, Penfold became the Governor of the British Virgin Islands, a position he held with distinction until 1996. At the age of 48, he made history as the youngest serving British governor, a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to public service.
Beyond his professional achievements, Penfold had a personal connection to the British Virgin Islands. It was on these very shores that he exchanged vows with his beloved wife, Celia. The islands held a special place in his heart, and his tenure as Governor was marked by a deep commitment to the well-being and prosperity of its people.
The Governor’s Office extends its heartfelt condolences to Penfold’s family and friends, as well as to the entire community of the British Virgin Islands, as they mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and advocate.
International
UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springette Visits Virgin Islands to Strengthen Development Efforts
Simon Springette, the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, has arrived in the Virgin Islands for a two-day visit aimed at bolstering collaboration on sustainable development initiatives. His visit, spanning from October 1 to October 2, is seen as a pivotal moment in advancing the Territory’s development goals.
Mr. Springette will formally present his credentials to Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley and engage in high-level discussions focused on joint efforts to address key development challenges facing the Virgin Islands. Premier Wheatley underscored the importance of the visit, noting, “The Resident Coordinator’s presence signals a deepening relationship with the United Nations network, which will lead to tangible results that positively impact the lives of everyone in the Virgin Islands.”
In addition to meeting with Premier Wheatley, Mr. Springette is scheduled to hold discussions with the Government’s Sustainable Development Goals National Coordinating Committee (SDGNCC). These talks will focus on the implementation of the UN Country Implementation Plan (UN CIP) for the Virgin Islands, which serves as the national instrument for realizing the UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2024-2026. This framework is the primary planning and programming tool for the Caribbean region.
A key highlight of Mr. Springette’s visit will be the official launch of the Working Group on the Development of a Roadmap to Improve Access to Development Finance for Eastern Caribbean Overseas Territories. The initiative is designed to create a strategic plan aimed at enhancing access to development finance, addressing critical issues impacting the region.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, which is committed to fostering sustainable growth across the Virgin Islands, has welcomed Mr. Springette’s visit. The Ministry continues to promote economic, social, and cultural sustainability through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking policies, aiming to improve the quality of life for all residents.
This year’s celebration takes on added importance for the British Virgin Islands, where tourism forms the backbone of the local economy. The islands, renowned for their pristine beaches, sailing culture, and rich heritage, stand as a prime example of how tourism can uplift communities by creating jobs, preserving cultural traditions, and promoting environmental stewardship.
World Tourism Day emphasises not just the economic contributions of tourism but also the importance of responsible and sustainable travel. This message resonates strongly with the British Virgin Islands, where officials are increasingly focusing on balancing tourism growth with the need to protect the islands’ natural beauty and cultural integrity.
A Call for Sustainable Travel
Sustainability is at the heart of this year’s World Tourism Day message. The British Virgin Islands, like many other destinations, face the challenge of preserving their fragile ecosystems while welcoming millions of visitors each year. With an increasing emphasis on ecotourism, the BVI government and local businesses are encouraging visitors to minimise their environmental impact by supporting green initiatives, using eco-friendly products, and respecting local customs.
Global Participation, Local Impact
As part of the global celebrations, travellers around the world are invited to share their experiences on social media, showcasing the diversity and cultural richness that tourism brings to each destination. In the BVI, local residents are encouraged to participate by visiting lesser-known historical sites, supporting local businesses, and engaging with the culture that defines the islands.
World Tourism Day is more than just an annual event—it’s a call to action for governments, businesses, and travellers to ensure that tourism is a force for good, one that benefits both visitors and the communities they explore. For the British Virgin Islands, this celebration offers a moment to highlight the islands’ contributions to global tourism and to reaffirm their commitment to preserving the very assets that make them a world-class destination.
Dame Pereira, who hails from North Sound, Virgin Gorda, has had a distinguished legal career that began when she was called to the Bar of the Virgin Islands in 1981. Rising through the ranks of the judiciary, she became a High Court Judge in 2003 and was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2009. On October 24, 2012, she made history as the first female Chief Justice of the ECSC, a position she held with distinction until her retirement earlier this year in St. Kitts and Nevis. Her legal career has spanned over three decades, marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley of the Virgin Islands lauded Dame Pereira’s appointment in a social media post, describing it as “well-deserved” and noting her inspirational impact on the Virgin Islands community. “Your achievements inspire us all!” Premier Wheatley declared, emphasizing the pride that her accomplishments have brought to the region.
The Privy Council appointments, officially announced on August 28, also include notable figures such as Baroness Eluned Morgan MS, the First Minister of Wales, and John Swinney MS, the First Minister of Scotland.
The Privy Council remains one of the oldest government institutions in the UK, advising the sovereign on matters of state and governance.
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