From left: Ms Siobhan Flax, Deputy Director of the BVI Representative Office, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), and Director of the BVI Representative Office in Hong Kong Dr Ricardo Wheatley at the commissioning of the newly relocated BVI Hong Kong Representative Office on February 16, 2025. Photo: Office of the Premier

The BVI Representative Office in Hong Kong has served as a vital link for the Territory's financial services sector for over a decade. Photo: Office of the Premier

Inside the BVI Representative Office in Hong Kong. Photo: Office of the Premier

Deputy Director of the BVI Representative Office, Ms Siobhan Flax (left) with the Acting Communications Director of the Government Information Service (GIS), Mrs Karia J. Christopher. Photo: Office of the Premier

The ceremony, marked by a modest ribbon-cutting event, saw Premier Wheatley, making his first official visit to Hong Kong and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Providing an update with the Acting Communications Director of the Government Information Service (GIS), Mrs Karia J. Christopher, Dr Wheatley in firstly qualifying the trip said, “This region is so important to the Virgin Islands, so important to our financial services industry, with most of our business coming from here.”

Crucial hub

The BVI Representative Office in Hong Kong has served as a vital link for the Territory's financial services sector for over a decade, according to the Premier, who reminded that with the industry forming the backbone of the Virgin Islands’ economy, the office plays a critical role in maintaining relationships with investors and partners in Asia.

“The BVI Representative Office in Hong Kong celebrated 10 years last year; Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it last year due to obligations with the Commission of Inquiry; however, Honourable Lorna G. Smith (OBE), led the delegation, and I certainly wanted to come this year to reassure all our partners in Asia that BVI is serious about business; We value the partnership, the friendships we’ve developed over the years, and we are here to stay.”

He, as such, sought to reiterate the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a strong regulatory framework while supporting the needs of its business community, telling Ms Christopher, “We are strengthening those bonds; We let everyone in the financial services sector know that we are committed to this partnership; We are committed to doing what is in the best interest of our relationships and in the best interest of our partners, while maintaining strong, robust regulation.”

Educational opportunities

Beyond financial services, the Premier also noted the importance of education in Territory's engagement with Asia.
“We want to assure our students that we are here to support them, and we are looking for more students; Some of the best universities in the world are over here; I’m grateful to the BVI Representative Office in Hong Kong for the work they have done to introduce students to these institutions, and that is something we want to build on.”

The BVI Asia Abroad Scholarship Programme, established in 2021, has already enabled six students to study in the region, with hopes of expanding this initiative.

Team of Virgin Islanders

Meanwhile, Ms Siobhan Flax, Deputy Director of the BVI Representative Office, told Ms Christopher, “For the first time in history, we have a full team of Virgin Islanders [at the office], which we are very proud of.”

Addressing the necessity of the new facility, she noted, “As the public knows, this region is where most of our market for financial services is based; With our growing, dynamic team, we needed more space to continue the work of the BVI people and government here.”

She as such pointed out the opportunities available to young Virgin Islanders interested in gaining international experience reminding, “If you can leave the BVI and come this far to represent the territory, that says a lot about how much you want to see the country develop”

According to Ms Flax, “One of the biggest accomplishments of this office is encouraging young Virgin Islanders to study and work in Asia; We also have opportunities for short-term placements, full-time employment, and internships.”

The Premier’s 5-day trade mission includes high-level meetings with officials from Shenzhen, Macau, and Malaysia, along with engagements with investors and VI students in Asia.

According to Dr Wheatley, “This region is extremely important to us, and I am very much looking forward to strengthening our connections.”