A top-level London summit of the leaders of the United Kingdom’s overseas territories and the British government was hailed a big success by Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley.
The annual Joint Ministerial Council, four days of meetings that wrapped up last Thursday, concentrated on issues such as financial transparency, environmental protection, disaster preparedness, constitutional affairs and economic development.
Mr. Wheatley told the Beacon on Tuesday that the JMC “went very well.”
As president of the UKOT Association this year, the premier had a central role in the gathering, delivering presentations on priorities such as climate change resilience and enhanced financial controls.
After the event, Mr. Wheatley said the platform gave him the opportunity to “advocate” for the territory’s national interests.
“The JMC remains an invaluable opportunity for overseas territories to speak candidly and constructively about the challenges we face,” he said in a statement. “Whether we are navigating the increasing threat of climate change, working to fortify financial management systems, or seeking equitable treatment within the UK-OT partnership, our shared experiences strengthen our resolve.”
Strength in unity
Mr. Wheatley stressed that the OT community is stronger when it comes together to voice common concerns.
“We have demonstrated that when we unify our efforts, we are better positioned to find effective, lasting solutions for the greater good of all our people,” he said.
The meetings concluded with a reception hosted by UKOT Minister Stephen Doughty, at which Mr. Wheatley gave a speech emphasising the VI’s commitment in “advancing shared priorities.”
“We stand united in our determination to work collaboratively, advocate decisively and prepare responsibly for the future,” he stated. “Our partnership with the UK must continue to evolve in a spirit of mutual respect, transparency and shared purpose.”
Ahead of the gathering, Mr. Wheatley said he would raise constitutional issues with the UK government after his call at the United Nations in New York in September for the territory to set a date for a referendum on its political status.
Mr. Wheatley had also been expected to raise concerns about the way former acting police commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool was replaced in her role last month.
The premier is scheduled to elaborate on his discussions at a post-JMC press conference in Road Town tomorrow.
Financial transparency
A joint communique issued after the JMC noted that financial transparency also proved to be a key issue for action during the meetings.
“We reaffirm our joint commitment to tackling illicit finance, sanctions evasion and corruption, by upholding and continuing to strive for the highest international financial standards,” the communique stated.
The declaration also noted the VI’s efforts to bring in an expanded beneficial-ownership register next year.
The government’s plan to limit access to the register to people deemed to have “legitimate interest” has been a source of tension between the VI and London in recent months.
Referencing the VI, the communique noted that discussions in the coming weeks will “ensure that we deliver the maximum possible degree of access and transparency whilst protecting the right to privacy in line with respective constitutions.”
The joint statement also acknowledged the territory’s efforts in freezing certain Russian assets in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“We recognise the efforts of the British Virgin Islands to strengthen their sanctions capability, including through the Virgin Islands Sanctions Unit,” the statement declared.
The joint communique also noted that the UK and the OTs agreed on “devolution and democratic autonomy” as well as “listening to OTs following the principle of ‘nothing about you without you.’”
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