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VI raising CoI concerns @ Caricom Heads of Gov’t meeting- Dr the Hon Wheatley

- said appeal has been made to CARICOM to pay close attention to issue
The opening session of the 33rd Inter-Sessional Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM in San Pedro, Belize this morning, March 1, 2022. Photo: YouTube
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) arrives in Belize for the 33rd Inter-Sessional Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Belize/Facebook
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) arrives in Belize for the 33rd Inter-Sessional Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Belize/Facebook
The Commission of Inquiry in the Virgin Islands was led by a lone Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom. The CoI has been criticised as a witch hunt and with an objective to harm the Virgin Islands' constitutional and democratic advancements. Photo: VINO/File
The Commission of Inquiry in the Virgin Islands was led by a lone Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom. The CoI has been criticised as a witch hunt and with an objective to harm the Virgin Islands' constitutional and democratic advancements. Photo: VINO/File
SAN PEDRO, Belize – Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says the BVI will be taking its concerns about the UK-Sponsored Commission of Inquiry to the 33rd Meeting of the Caricom Heads of Government currently ongoing in San Pedro, Belize, March 1-2, 2022.

Dr Wheatley in a statement to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) said the VI has a key item on the agenda it is looking to address, related to the CoI and its outcome.

“As persons would know, we have this ongoing Commission of inquiry and we have an appeal to our Caricom brothers and sisters to pay attention to the situation and also to give support to our right not to have our self-determination impeded by any other process,” he said.

Dr Wheatley added, “And we have been given great support in the past as we have a historic UN resolution that was passed some months ago, affirming our rights to self-determination and not having that impeded, which was very important for us as we continue along this journey.”

Caricom has been supportive to VI – Dr Wheatley

He noted that the Caribbean Community has been very supportive, and he asked that Caricom continue its support and pay attention to the situation with the VI and the United Kingdom, as well as him being hopeful for a just outcome of the CoI,

Meanwhile, Dr Wheatley said he was happy to be at the 33rd meeting to be representing the interests of the VI as well as foster relationships with new Caricom officials.

“I'm grateful that the Premier Honorable Andrew A. Fahie for his wisdom had confidence enough in me, to send me to this meeting. And I also congratulate the incoming Chairman of Caricom, Prime Minister John A. Briceno for hosting this meeting in Belize and we have been well taken care of thus far.”

The Minister added that the meeting remains an important one for the VI, as the territory is also seeking to establish its relationships with the incoming Secretary-General Dr Carla N. Barnett and the Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Armstrong Alexis.

5 Responses to “VI raising CoI concerns @ Caricom Heads of Gov’t meeting- Dr the Hon Wheatley”

  • asura (01/03/2022, 13:12) Like (3) Dislike (26) Reply
    yes we must keep the spot light on the oppressors the UK and there plans to invade the BVI
  • CARRIBEAN COMMUNITY (01/03/2022, 13:54) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    THEY NEED TO NEED TO HEAR THE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY , ( TRUMP WAS GOOD AT CREATING DRAMA UNTIL HE FOUND OUT THAT WHATS IN DARKNESS WILL COME TO LIGHT , SOME PEOPLE CALL IT
  • Hmm (01/03/2022, 18:20) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    I do not understand how Caricom thing is held in Brazil who is not part of Caricom
  • defence (01/03/2022, 19:38) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most if not all of these CARICOM Islands were once Colonies of Great Britian and have gained Independance although the queen remains Head of States. The BVI is an associate member. With the issues of their evonomies, health care and the on going pandemic, coupled with crimes etc. Do you think that any of these Government would put any efforts in what could be called external affairs into the BVI which is seemingly enjoying according to the Government a "robust economy "? Whatever it maybe, stop going around looking for sympathy. For year many voices have been calling for a COI in this country now we got one we crying foul. Let the truth be told. I could see a few of these Prime Ministers laughing behind your back and wondering why we can't demand independence from the Uk like they did.


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