The Government of the Virgin Islands is advancing plans to strengthen food security through a proposed partnership with the Dominican Republic, as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on imports amid rising global costs.
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley announced during a national address on April 16 that the government is working toward a memorandum of understanding with the Dominican Republic aimed at stabilizing supply chains and ensuring more affordable access to food.
The initiative builds on ongoing efforts by the government over the past year to establish closer trade ties with the Dominican Republic. In early 2025, Wheatley indicated plans to lead a trade mission to the country to secure more affordable sources of food and essential goods, noting its position as one of the Caribbean’s largest agricultural producers.
At the time, the Premier said the goal was to “secure a trade relationship that can help us to lower the price of goods in the Virgin Islands,” with discussions expected to include direct engagement with Dominican Republic officials.
The government has also previously highlighted the logistical advantages of sourcing goods from the Dominican Republic, including existing shipping routes and geographic proximity, which could allow for faster and more cost-effective imports compared to more distant suppliers.
The renewed focus on the partnership comes as global disruptions to energy markets and key shipping routes continue to drive up the cost of imported goods, placing additional pressure on small island economies that depend heavily on external suppliers.
Wheatley said the agreement is intended to provide a more reliable and cost-effective source of food imports while reducing exposure to global price volatility.
“These efforts are intended to mitigate global price fluctuations and strengthen self-sufficiency,” he said.
The push for regional partnerships forms part of a wider strategy to improve food security in the Territory. Government officials have acknowledged that the Virgin Islands imports the majority of its food, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and external shocks.
In addition to strengthening trade links, the government has been expanding support for local agriculture and exploring regional cooperation with other Caribbean countries as part of a multi-pronged approach to stabilizing food supply.
Wheatley has previously stated that while full self-sufficiency is not feasible, improving access to regional markets and increasing local production are critical to building long-term resilience.
The government indicated that further details on the proposed agreement with the Dominican Republic will be provided as discussions progress.
