TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Sept. 8, CMC – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley has left the territory for meetings in Bermuda and the United Kingdom.
According to a government statement. Wheatley is attending the annual Caribbean Overseas Territories Caucus in Bermuda from September 8 to 10. Bermuda Premier David Burt will lead the meeting.
Leaders of the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Overseas Territories are expected to discuss common concerns and opportunities for greater co-operation.
Following the caucus, Wheatley will travel to the United Kingdom for bilateral talks with the minister responsible for the Overseas Territories from September 10 to 12.
The government did not disclose the agenda for either engagement or identify the officials accompanying the premier.
The BVI hosted the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus at Scrub Island in October 2025. Leaders and senior representatives from Anguilla, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Montserrat participated in person or virtually.
Discussions focused on good governance, financial services, security and border protection, frozen pensions, climate change, trade and education. Participants also considered measures to strengthen collaboration among the territories.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Julian Fraser will serve as premier and minister of finance from September 7 to 13. He will also assume responsibility for tourism, culture and sustainable development, as well as financial services, economic development and digital transformation.
The government said the temporary appointment complies with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which authorises the deputy premier to perform the premier’s functions when the head of government is expected to be absent for more than 48 hours.
Previous talks between Wheatley and the UK minister responsible for the Overseas Territories have addressed governance reform and relations between the BVI and the United Kingdom. The territory has also raised issues including climate resilience, security, illicit finance and constitutional matters.
The government said it remains committed to advancing the territory’s interests through international engagement and regional co-operation.
CMC/kb/fg/2026