Local News
Premier Wheatley Leads Delegation to UK for Talks on Strengthening OTs-UK Relations and Honouring Late Former Premier
Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley is set to participate in the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meetings in the United Kingdom from November 13 to November 15, with the primary aim of advancing the socio-economic and political interests of the Virgin Islands.
During the official visit, Premier Wheatley emphasized that the 2023 JMC will concentrate on reshaping the relationship between the Overseas Territories (OTs) and the UK, along with the formulation of a new UK strategy for engagement with these territories. He explained, “This initiative to redefine the relationship seeks to identify and affirm key political principles guiding the collaboration between the UK and OTs, with the goal of minimizing conflicts and fostering a more supportive stance by the UK, particularly after the strains experienced in recent years that strained the relationship.”
Premier Wheatley is expected to engage in bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing the UK’s ties with the Overseas Territories. These discussions will encompass various aspects, including recognition of the roles and responsibilities of OT legislatures, acknowledgment of the will of the people and the unique cultures and values of the Overseas Territories, and respect for their self-governance aligned with the United Nations Charter.
Additionally, the talks will address UN declarations and resolutions, support for sustainable development in the Overseas Territories to help them achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and assistance to OTs in addressing the adverse effects of climate change due to their vulnerability.
Premier Wheatley announced that the Virgin Islands delegation will participate in an event dedicated to honouring the late former Premier, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, at a reception at the BVI London Office, culminating in the unveiling of a commemorative bust.
The Premier’s delegation includes Deputy Premier Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE; Special Envoy to the Premier, Mr. Benito Wheatley; Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt Igwe; Financial Secretary, Mr. Jeremiah Frett; Deputy Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, Ms. Dwynel Davis; Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission, Mr. Ken Baker; Director of Policy Development and External Relations of the Financial Services Commission, Mr. Cherno Jallow; and International Relations Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers, Mrs. Fiona Forbes-Vanterpool.
During Premier Wheatley’s absence, Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer will assume the responsibilities of Premier and Minister of Finance from November 10 to 18, in accordance with the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 Section 55 (2). This provision states that if both the Premier and Deputy Premier are expected to be absent for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorize another Minister designated by the Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier, with the authority revoked upon the return of either the Premier or Deputy Premier.
Premier Natalio Wheatley
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
888sport Acca Pub! Teljesen ingyenes játékforrások, választékok és előrejelzések
-
Local News12 hours agoEast Winds Take Top Spot in BVIFA Under-14 Youth League After Week 3
-
Crime/Police11 hours agoSmall Brent” Wanted in VI Murder Case Now Named in Sint Maarten Double Homicide Probe
-
Health11 hours agoBVI Monitors Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak; Health Minister Says Local Risk Remains Low
-
Local News11 hours agoMan Seriously Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash at Sea Cows Bay
-
Entertainment11 hours ago64 Nominees Announced for 2026 Virgin Islands Icon Awards
-
Education11 hours agoTVET Week 2026 Highlights Skills Training as Key to BVI’s Future
-
Local News11 hours agoWinston Bolus League Opens With Wins for Relentless and Run It Up
-
Local News11 hours agoNick Spizzirri Wins EMCs Tortola Classics Title After Five-Game Final