Minister for the United Kingdom Overseas Territories the Right Honourable Stephen J Doughty MP met with Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D Wheatley (R7), Leader of the Opposition Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), other members of government, and senior public officials in the VI in November 2024. Photo: Facebook

Minister for the United Kingdom Overseas Territories the Right Honourable Stephen J Doughty MP, concluded his first visit to the Territory in his new role from November 4 to 6, 2024. Photo: Facebook

Minister for the United Kingdom Overseas Territories the Right Honourable Stephen J Doughty MP met with members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force during his visit to the Virgin Islands November 4 to 6, 2024. Photo: Facebook

In a video message on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Facebook page, Hon Doughty said he has long been an “advocate” for overseas territories and “passionate” about the relationship and shared family.

Hon Doughty was scheduled to meet with Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D Wheatley (R7), Leader of the Opposition Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), other members of government, senior public officials, police, and a range of community representatives including community organisations, businesses and representatives of the financial sector during his two days visit.

The aim of these meetings he explained was to “understand the kind of challenges that are facing the Territory ranging from climate resilience and nature, the impact of changes in the international financial services industry and of course governance reforms”.

Talks have also concentrated around security in the VI and the impact difficulties are having on people’s lives and businesses.

Hon Doughty’s visit followed meetings with Premier Wheatley and other government representatives in London in September 2024.

CoI & Order in Council

Meanwhile, Hon Doughty said, “On governance, I recognise that the Commission of Inquiry and delivery of reforms that followed it have seen a period of intense work across the BVI government and working with the Governor and his team and colleagues in the UK government.”

He added that he was encouraged by the focus placed on implementation in the period ahead stating that this is what will make a real difference calling the reforms the “most significant in BVI’s history”.

The Territory and its people he said will benefit in the longer term as it will take time to deliver real change on the ground. “I’ve had very constructive conversations with the government and a range of other representatives on that.”

When it comes to the Order in Council, Hon Doughty revealed he has set out the process by which the UK will review the progress being made for considering whether it can be lifted.

“It’s important to be transparent about that process which will consist of a final review by the Governor, a self-assessment by the BVI government, short visits by FCDO [Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office] officials to look at some key areas,” he explained.

Public input

Hon Doughty also said he has asked Governor Daniel Pruce to establish a means by which his office can receive any submission from the public on this process. “It’s important that your voices are heard in this process, and we will ensure that that takes place.”

Following all this Hon Doughty will discuss the conclusions with the Foreign Secretary as well as the VI government and Governor to agree on the next steps.

This he said he hopes will be done in the “first part of next year”.

Hon Doughty made a commitment to continue to support the VI and its people as “we collaborate on shared challenges whether that be on climate change, on governance, on security or indeed on disaster preparedness”.