The endorsement came during the Sixth High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, held in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, earlier this month.

BVI Special Envoy and UN Representative Benito Wheatley highlighted the devastating economic toll of extreme weather events on SIDS, exacerbated by climate change. Speaking at the meeting, Wheatley emphasized the financial hurdles these vulnerable nations face in achieving climate resilience.

“Small Island Developing States continue to bear the brunt of hurricanes and extreme weather, yet many are unjustly excluded from concessional financing and grants because they are classified as middle- or high-income countries,” Wheatley said. “This leaves us without the resources needed to build resilience and recover effectively from disasters.”

The meeting’s outcome document echoed Wheatley’s concerns, stating, “The Ministers and Authorities recognized the high and increasing cost of reducing risk to improve human security outcomes and promote climate resilience. In particular, they highlighted the challenge for SIDS classified as middle- and high-income countries that remain vulnerable but ineligible for international development assistance.”

The statement also called for increased investment in adaptation measures, concessional financing, and the integration of multidimensional vulnerabilities into disaster risk reduction strategies.

Nahuel Arenas Garcia, UNDRR Chief for the Americas and the Caribbean, commended the BVI for its leadership in bringing attention to the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS. “Ensuring that SIDS have access to just financing and disaster risk reduction tools is a global responsibility,” Garcia said.

The meeting, chaired by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, coincided with the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management. Delegates strongly encouraged the implementation of early warning systems across the region to mitigate disaster impacts.

The endorsement underscores a growing consensus on the urgent need to address climate vulnerability in SIDS. As Wheatley noted, “The fight for resilience is not just about survival; it’s about justice and sustainability for our future generations.”

The BVI’s advocacy efforts highlight the broader plight of small island nations grappling with the dual challenges of climate change and economic exclusion, a message resonating across the Caribbean and beyond.

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“We maintain that the Order in Council is undemocratic, unnecessary, and should be lifted. Its removal would not only improve the UK-BVI relationship but also enhance the UK’s standing regionally and internationally,” Premier Wheatley said.

He also noted that he looked forward to welcoming the new UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Hon. Stephen Doughty, to the British Virgin Islands in November for further discussions. The Premier expressed optimism that these talks would help forge a modern partnership between the UK and the BVI, focusing on self-determination, sustainable development, climate resilience, economic stability, security, and democracy.

Additionally, Premier Wheatley lauded the successful visit by the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24), which conducted a fact-finding mission in the Territory from 26-27 August to assess progress on decolonisation. He thanked the C-24, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the UK’s Permanent Mission to the UN for their roles in ensuring the visit took place.

While at the UN, Premier Wheatley met with Her Excellency Ambassador Menissa Rambally, Chair of the C-24 and Permanent Representative of Saint Lucia to the UN. Ambassador Rambally reaffirmed the C-24’s commitment to supporting the will of the people of the British Virgin Islands, as mandated by the committee.

Premier Wheatley delivered his statement on 7 October, accompanied by Special Envoy Mr. Benito Wheatley. The general debate of the Fourth Committee concluded on 16 October.

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