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Premier Wheatley off to St Kitts for OECS Authority Meeting

Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) will be attending the 74th Meeting of the OECS Authority in St. Kitts from February 14 to 15, 2024. Photo: GIS/File
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an international inter-governmental organisation dedicated to regional integration in the Eastern Caribbean. Photo: GIS
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an international inter-governmental organisation dedicated to regional integration in the Eastern Caribbean. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) will be attending the 74th Meeting of the OECS Authority in St Kitts from February 14 to 15, 2024.

According to a Government Information Service (GIS) press release on February 13, 2024, the Premier’s attendance at these official meetings is to continue to promote the overall socio-economic and political interests of the [British] Virgin Islands.

Premier Wheatley stated, “As leader of Government business, I will seek to further engage in strategic discussions with our regional partners as we strive together towards a sustainable future that is in alignment with our collective priority areas.”

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an international inter-governmental organisation dedicated to regional integration in the Eastern Caribbean. The OECS Authority is the supreme policy-making body of the OECS and is responsible for the general direction and control of the performance and functions of the Organisation.

The OECS is one of the regional bodies that has supported the VI in its efforts to resist the trampling of its democracy by the United Kingdom (UK).

Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE to act as Premier

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services Labour and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, has been appointed to act as Premier from February 13 to February 15 while Premier Wheatley is away from the Virgin Islands. The Premier is scheduled to return to the Territory on February 15.  

The Premier is accompanied by Assistant Secretary in the International Affairs Secretariat, Ms Xyrah Wheatley.

Honourable Smith’s appointment is in accordance with Section 55 (1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 which states, “If the Premier is expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of the Premier.”

17 Responses to “Premier Wheatley off to St Kitts for OECS Authority Meeting”

  • jack (14/02/2024, 08:22) Like (8) Dislike (14) Reply
    You continue to represent us well
  • PHD (14/02/2024, 08:25) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    Pure, utterly GOBBLE-DY-GOOK
  • Jeta55 (14/02/2024, 08:30) Like (6) Dislike (9) Reply
    When I'm flying high I forget the BVI!
  • It hurt (14/02/2024, 08:35) Like (29) Dislike (4) Reply
    While he there he should ask Skitts government how are they doing so well with tourism. Because we have a load of poppy show down in the tourist board, all they do is waste tax payers money, travelling around to trade shows and nothing new to show for it.
  • justin (14/02/2024, 08:45) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
    air fares could have gone to fixing some potholes
  • BVI love (14/02/2024, 08:49) Like (6) Dislike (22) Reply
    We thank the premier as he is one of the few we can send overseas
  • Laslow (14/02/2024, 09:25) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    LOL.
    The COI implemention has slowed but the frequent flyer miles gain more speed.
    How about sending the Deputy Premier and the leader stay on Island to make sure the ball is rolling to prevent the Order in Council from being activated?
  • lodger (14/02/2024, 09:51) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope he notices how much better the roads are than ours.
  • Hmmmm (14/02/2024, 09:52) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Question: Is the BVI a member of the OECS?
    • Honorary Citizen (14/02/2024, 11:06) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      The British Virgin Islands is an associate member of the OECS.
  • Wow. How the Table turned. (14/02/2024, 11:27) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can remember when the BVI was on top I was invited to join the OECD the refused because the other countries were seen as 3rd world and begging for help, now these same countries have gone passed the BVI the BVI is moving slowly in reverse..Hope he learn from what he sees especially the Roads..
  • Fam (14/02/2024, 12:06) Like (1) Dislike (10) Reply
    Bvi will always be first
  • Loyal (14/02/2024, 12:27) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    hope you learn something about good governance
  • Bishop (14/02/2024, 14:22) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Showande while you are in St. Kitts please look at the infrastructural developments and take a page out of their book. You and your goverment have the territory stagnant, spinning wheels in mud not moving. Why do you all waste our money traveling and don't bring back anything to improve the territory is beyond me. We are finished if we don't get rid of this useless government.
  • Yes (14/02/2024, 23:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope he see how low income houses are built.
  • Don’t get your hopes up (15/02/2024, 16:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He will go to S.K and come back as if he saw absolutely nothing. Maybe these guys are in denial.


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