The challenges posed by the ongoing tariff wars, the importance of stimulating intra-regional trade by harmonising our own tariffs, and a number of other sensitive matters were discussed at the 76th meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority in Saint Martin. Photo: OECS

Premier and Minister for Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), has reaffirmed the Virgin Islands’ commitment to regional collaboration and food security following his return from the 76th meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority in Saint Martin. Photo: GIS/File

The now former Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr the Hon Karl Dawson has emphasised water security as a key component, revealing that the design phase of a reservoir plan for Paraquita Bay had been contracted, with similar initiatives under review for other locations. Photo: Facebook

The Premier, speaking at a press conference on March 21, 2025, outlined key discussions from the meeting, including the impact of global tariffs and intra-regional trade.

OECS Response to Global Tariffs

Speaking directly to the OECS’ response to the global tariffs threats and its collective response, Premier Wheatley said: "At the meeting in Saint Martin, we discussed the challenges posed by the ongoing tariff wars, the importance of stimulating intra-regional trade by harmonising our own tariffs, and a number of other sensitive matters.

“Given the shifts in the global economic and geopolitical landscape, we have agreed that our governments will remain in close communication so that we can respond as required."

Food security

With food security, among other key issues, dominating the media engagement session, journalist Zan Lewis pressed the Premier on tangible actions taken to address rising global tariffs and their impact on the VI’s food supply, to which, Premier Wheatley, was forced to concede the urgency of the issue and sought to assured the public of the government’s commitment

Meanwhile, Premier Wheatley also used the occasion to reference the territory’s own efforts through its budgetary allocations, a strategic vision, and the role of Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson—now former Minister—in leading the effort, but acknowledged nonetheless more needed to be done:

"Whatever we've done thus far is not enough to meet the scale of the challenge. And this is why we had the conversation with the OECS… The OECS heads of government, we've agreed to meet monthly now. We've mandated the Director General, Dr. Didikos Jules, to come up with a strategic strategy and get a team in place to accelerate efforts to harmonise our processes, our procedures, and our tariffs."

Agriculture & Fisheries Initiatives

Meanwhile, Dr Dawson expanded on government efforts in the field of agriculture, highlighting land allocation for farming in Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, and Tortola.

He told media operatives, "...one of the key things, if we're going to increase production, has been the increase of the acreage available for farming… The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change has been working closely with us to ensure that lots are available for agricultural expansion."

Additionally, he emphasised water security as a key component, revealing that the design phase of a reservoir plan for Paraquita Bay had been contracted, with similar initiatives under review for other locations.