The Rt Hon. Lord Zac Goldsmith has acknowledged the will of the BVI, as demonstrated in the strength of the feeling of Premier Dr the Hon. Natalio Wheatley towards the Order in Council, to have the order removed.
Despite that, he maintained that the removal of the document weighs on the performance of the Government of the Virgin Islands in fulfilling the agreed upon recommendations made in the Commission of Inquiry report.
“The Premier made clear his strength of feeling about the Order in Council and we too want to see these reforms seen through, such that the Order can be lifted. I assure you I will continue to support the British Virgin Islands both in the next few months and after the general election in taking these reforms forward, so that we can realise the Premier’s vision of the BVI as a beacon of democracy”, he said.
This was one of 3 takeaways that Lord Goldsmith says he is returning to the UK with now that his trip has concluded.
“We are building a stronger, modern partnership between the UK and the BVI—and that applies not only to the UK’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of this beautiful territory. It also applies in other areas like health, education and energy reform, where there is room for a stronger and better partnership—sharing best practice, technical expertise, encouraging investment into the territory. And it’s great to be at the marina today to announce that the UK has funded four new Rigid Inflatable Boats for the Police which will provide a real boost to their capability”, he said.
“I’ve been privileged to learn more about the environmental work currently being carried out here, from mangrove restoration at the college to work to protect your extraordinary coral reefs. Protecting the environment and building resilience in the face of Climate Change are vital to the future of the people here in the BVI and across the world. As Minister for the Climate and Environment, as well as the Overseas Territories, I’m excited by the energy, enthusiasm and commitment I’ve seen here from so many people to that goal”, Lord Goldsmith added.
Outside of formal discussions with the government, Goldsmith also spent some time seeing the territory and meeting the people.
He said that his experience in the BVI was a positive one.
“I have so enjoyed being here in the British Virgin Islands – meeting elected representatives, officials and community members from right across the Territory. And I’ve also been able to get out and about, both in Tortola and today in Anegada. The beauty of these islands and the natural riches you have here are nothing short of amazing. I’m honoured to be the first UK Minister to visit Anegada in a very long time. I may even be the first ever!” he said.