Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley is currently away from the Territory attending the 46th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), taking place from February 25th to 28th, 2024.
The CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting is a semi-annual summit where leaders from the CARICOM member states gather to discuss regional issues, make decisions, and set policies for the Caribbean region.
The meeting will be held under the Chairmanship of President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
In a release informing the public of the Premier’s attendance, his office highlighted that the aim of such engagements is to “advance intraregional trade and policy coordination, towards safeguarding the overall socio-economic and political interests of the Virgin Islands.”
“The Virgin Islands has been an Associate Member of CARICOM for over three decades. Our Associate Membership is one of the primary means by which we engage in regional cooperation that benefits the Territory in a variety of ways, including the strong political support we have received over recent years,” stated Premier Wheatley.
He added, “It is highly appropriate that the Virgin Islands is present to demonstrate our solidarity with our neighbours, and find solutions to problems such as regional transportation and food security that affect the region.”
Premier Wheatley is accompanied by his Special Envoy Mr. Benito Wheatley and Deputy Director of the International Affairs Secretariat Ms. Dwynel Davis.
During the Premier’s absence, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, will act as Premier and Minister of Finance from February 24 to 29, 2024, in accordance with Section 55 (1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007. The Premier is scheduled to return to the Territory on February 29, 2024.