Premier of the Virgin Islands to Attend High-Level Meetings in the United Kingdom

Official Duty Travel and Key Meetings

The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, will be on official duty travel from Saturday, 7 September 2024, to Saturday, 14 September 2024. During this period, he will attend high-level bilateral meetings with the new Government of the United Kingdom.

Implementation of Commission of Inquiry and Tax Evasion Concerns

While the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry will undoubtedly be discussed, the new Labour Party administration of the UK is considered to be unfriendly to the concept of tax evasion, and is facing an alleged 22 billion pounds shortfall and looking for ways to increase revenues. This cannot be good news for the BVI, where many UK businesses have secret accounts, and while the BVI has been a considerable thorn in the side of the UK for some years, a change of government after 14 years of Tory party rule will inevitably see new approaches.

Deputy Premier’s Involvement and Appointment of Acting Premier

Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Lorna G. Smith, OBE, will also be attending the same meetings with officials in the United Kingdom, which suggests that the meetings will have a substantial financial component and perhaps involve the UK treasury. The Deputy Premier is scheduled to return one day later, on Sunday, 15 September 2024. In light of their absence, Honourable Kye M. Rymer, Minister for Communication and Works, has been appointed to act as Premier and Minister of Finance from 7 September to 14 September 2024.

Virgin Islands Constitution Order and Absence

Rymer’s appointment is in accordance with the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, Section 55 (2), which states, “If both the Premier and the Deputy Premier are expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise another Minister designated by the 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 either the Premier or the Deputy Premier.”

BVI’s Reputation and Criticism

More than 50 percent of the shell companies uncovered by the Panama Papers document leak in 2016 were registered in the BVI. An International Monetary Fund report from February accused the BVI of not providing evidence it is implementing sanctions. A Transparency International report from 2022 found “endemic problems” with the BVI as the “destination of choice for corrupt individuals looking for secrecy.”

Conclusion

The upcoming meetings between the Premier of the Virgin Islands and the UK Government will likely have significant implications for the territory. As the new Labour Party administration of the UK takes office, it remains to be seen how this will affect the BVI’s relationship with the UK.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the Premier’s trip to the UK?
A: The Premier will be attending high-level bilateral meetings with the new Government of the United Kingdom.

Q: Who will be accompanying the Premier on this trip?
A: Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Lorna G. Smith, OBE, will also be attending the same meetings.

Q: Why is this trip significant?
A: The trip comes at a time when the new Labour Party administration of the UK is looking for ways to increase revenues, which may impact the BVI’s reputation and financial stability.

Q: Who will act as Premier during the Premier’s absence?
A: Honourable Kye M. Rymer, Minister for Communication and Works, has been appointed to act as Premier and Minister of Finance from 7 September to 14 September 2024.