Benito Wheatley, the British Virgin Islands Special Envoy, and José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, urged closer cooperation between the Caribbean and Latin America to accelerate progress on sustainable development goals during a regional forum in Santiago, Chile.

The meeting took place during the 9th Meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, held April 13 to April 16 in Santiago.

Both officials noted that implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals stands at 19 percent, with four years remaining before the 2030 deadline, underscoring the need for increased coordination and investment across the region.

Mr. Wheatley, speaking in his capacity as vice chair of the 40th session of the commission, commended the organization’s work on development challenges and policies aimed at advancing economic and social outcomes. He emphasized the need to strengthen technical cooperation between Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in resilience, investment and technology, citing fiscal constraints driven by debt and responses to external shocks.

Mr. Salazar-Xirinachs reaffirmed the commission’s support for the sustainable development of the British Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean, noting that small island developing states, while largely middle-income, remain vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks and require continued international support.

He also commended the British Virgin Islands for its role at the forum, including its leadership of a Caribbean panel moderated by Mr. Wheatley in his capacity as vice chair of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee. The panel focused on implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States through South-South cooperation.

Mr. Wheatley reiterated the territory’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and to advancing regional priorities, including climate resilience.

“Through our various leadership roles within U.N. ECLAC, the British Virgin Islands will continue to advocate for the Caribbean to ensure the subregion’s priorities, including climate resilience, are taken into account in the intergovernmental deliberations of the wider region on the 2030 Agenda,” he said, adding that greater collaboration between the Caribbean and Latin America would be necessary to advance the goals within the remaining timeframe.

His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce, on Tuesday appointed Honourable Marlon A. Penn, Representative for the Eighth District, as Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition in accordance with Section 70 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, formalizing a recommendation from Opposition members and the National Democratic Party.

Hon. Penn signed the Instrument of Appointment and the Oath for the Due Execution of Office during a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday morning.

The appointment follows a recommendation submitted to the Governor by the four elected Opposition members of the House of Assembly, who, after consultation, identified Hon. Penn as the member commanding majority support within the Opposition, as required under the Constitution.

In a statement issued April 21, the National Democratic Party said the recommendation reflected the confidence of both Opposition members and the party in Hon. Penn’s leadership. “The appointment reflects the confidence of the Opposition Members and the National Democratic Party in the leadership, experience, and commitment of Honourable Penn to effectively represent the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands,” the statement said.

Hon. Penn was elected Political Leader of the National Democratic Party during the party’s national convention held April 18 at Maria’s by the Sea. The convention brought together 121 delegates from across the territory and resulted in the selection of a new leadership team ahead of the next general election.

During the convention, Hon. Penn secured 65 votes in a contested race against Mark H. Vanterpool, who received 39 votes, and Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, who received 17 votes. Hon. Melvin Mitch Turnbull was elected deputy chairman with 64 votes, defeating Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, who received 57 votes. Paul A. Hewlett was confirmed as president unopposed, and Andrea Walters was elected vice president, defeating Troy Christopher.

Other officers elected included Messena Vanterpool-Pompey as secretary, Sharnette Chalwell as assistant secretary, Eldon Solomon as treasurer, Cathy-Ann Bascombe as assistant treasurer, Dorilyn Edwards as chaplain, Aaliyah Inniss as chairperson of the Youth Movement and Lisa Smith as chairperson of the Women’s Movement.

Following his election as Political Leader, Hon. Penn said the outcome marked a new phase for the party. “I am profoundly grateful and honoured for the support and confidence vested in me to lead the party into the next general elections,” he said.

Hon. Turnbull said the leadership team would prioritize unity and policy-focused initiatives. “Our focus is on unity, rebuilding trust, and advancing practical solutions that improve the lives of the people of these Virgin Islands,” he said.

Hon. Penn has represented the Eighth District in the House of Assembly since 2011 and previously served as Minister for Health and Social Development. He also served as Leader of the Opposition from 2019 to 2022 following the general election that year.

Under the Virgin Islands Constitution, the Governor appoints the Leader of the Opposition from among members of the House of Assembly who command the support of the majority of Opposition members.

Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has called on businesses across the Virgin Islands to ensure that recent government relief measures translate into lower prices for consumers, as the Territory grapples with rising living costs.

The appeal was made during a national address on Thursday, April 16, where the Premier outlined a series of temporary measures aimed at easing the financial burden on households and businesses affected by global fuel price increases and supply chain disruptions.

“We encourage businesses to pass on these savings to consumers,” Wheatley said, emphasizing that government interventions are intended to provide direct relief to residents.

The government’s measures include reductions in import duties, port fees and electricity costs, all designed to lower operational expenses for businesses. Officials said these changes are expected to reduce the cost of importing goods and managing day-to-day operations.

However, Wheatley indicated that the effectiveness of these measures will depend in part on how businesses respond, particularly in pricing goods and services.

“Every effort must be made to cushion consumers from the onslaught of rising prices,” he said.

The Premier’s comments highlight a broader concern about whether reductions in business costs will be reflected at the consumer level. Economists have noted that while government interventions can lower input costs, market prices do not always adjust immediately, depending on business practices and broader economic conditions.

Small island economies like the Virgin Islands are particularly sensitive to price changes due to their dependence on imports and exposure to global market fluctuations. In such environments, collaboration between government and the private sector is often seen as critical to stabilizing prices.

Wheatley said the government has engaged directly with the business community, including a recent meeting to gather feedback and encourage cooperation in implementing the relief measures.

Businesses, he said, have indicated a willingness to work with the government, and some of their recommendations have already been incorporated into the policy response.

The government is also moving to strengthen oversight through proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, which would introduce mechanisms to address price gouging and ensure fair pricing practices.

The measures announced remain subject to Cabinet approval and legislative processes, with implementation expected to begin in May.

Wheatley said continued cooperation from businesses will be necessary to ensure that the intended benefits reach households.

“With prudent action and a sober response, we can weather this storm together,” he said.

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