Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL). Outspoken political commentator and former government consultant, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline, is urging Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), to take Opposition Leader Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) with him on his upcoming Asia-Pacific visit. Photo: Facebook/File

Commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline has said he heard the Premier has invited the Leader of the Opposition to join him on the Asian trip and hopes that the Leader of the Opposition will accept the invitation. Photo: Facebook

Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley’s upcoming visit to the Asia-Pacific region, scheduled for February, comes as part of his responsibilities as Minister of Finance. Photo: VINO

Speaking on his Honestly Speaking broadcast on ZBVI 780 AM, on January 28, 2025, Skelton-Cline spoke to the need for both leaders to step away from the political fray domestically and engage in direct, solution-oriented discussions.

During his broadcast, Skelton-Cline divulged, "I understand that he has invited the Leader of the Opposition to join him on the Asian trip. I hope that the Leader of the Opposition will accept the invitation. I hope that these two men will have a chance to sit down away from here, isolated from some of us, and maybe have a mano-a-mano conversation.”

According to Skelton-Cline, given the gravity of the challenges facing the Virgin Islands, the need for extraordinary leadership and cooperation is even more pressing.

"Common maneuvering will not address uncommon times; In this uncommon dispensation and season in which we live, it calls for some uncommon decisions and some uncommon moves." As such, Skelton-Cline suggested that Premier Wheatley and Honourable Skelton seize the opportunity to set aside political differences and instead prioritise national development.

"I hope that these two men can sit down around a drink, break some bread together, and maybe come to some conclusion as to how, as a people—not as a party—how, as fiduciaries of government, you're going to come together and advance the development of this country in the benefit of the quality of lives of the people of this country. This is what needs to be our priority during governance. Not politics."

Premier’s Asia-Pacific Mission

Dr Wheatley’s upcoming visit to the Asia-Pacific region, scheduled for February, comes as part of his responsibilities as Minister of Finance. During his first press conference of 2025 on January 23, he outlined the significance of the region to the Virgin Islands’ Financial Services Industry.

"The region generates significant business for the BVI. We have built some strong relationships there – which we must continue to strengthen. It is also important for us to ensure that we create awareness of our offerings and remind players why the BVI is the best place to do business," the Premier had explained.

His itinerary includes stops in Hong Kong, Macau, and Malaysia, where he will engage in high-level meetings to reinforce existing partnerships and explore new opportunities.

In Macau, the delegation is expected to pay a courtesy call on the Macau Government, reaffirming the strong financial service ties between the two jurisdictions. Notably, Macau, the world’s leading gaming capital, has utilised VI’s financial services to channel approximately USD $1.4 billion of inward investment into its economy.

According to the Premier, "Along with reaffirming financial service ties, one of our main objectives will be consulting Macau’s Gaming Commission and seeking partnerships to jumpstart the BVI’s Gaming Industry in the near future.”

In Malaysia, Dr Wheatley and his delegation will engage with the Labuan Financial Services Authority and the Ministry of Trade and International Investment Authority.

Upscaling market presence in VI

"BVI products have been sold out of Malaysia’s financial centre consistently for the last 15 years, and BVI is seeking to upscale our market presence, reflective of the region’s dramatic growth. One of our main objectives in Malaysia will be to secure cooperation agreements that will boost the sale of BVI products in the region," he added.

Beyond financial services, the Premier’s trip will also focus on strengthening educational partnerships under the Virgin Islands' Asia Abroad Programme. Currently, seven Virgin Islanders are undertaking full-time studies at partner universities in the region.

Dr Wheatley is also slated to be hosted by the Chancellors of the University of Macau, University of St Joseph, and Macau University of Tourism Studies, with discussions centred on expanding opportunities for Virgin Islanders. "All indications are that this series of engagements will be very fruitful for the Virgin Islands," the Premier assured.