Premier Dr the Hon Wheatley engages VI diaspora in UK

Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and his delegation engaged in meaningful discussions with members of the VI diaspora during a meeting held at the [British] Virgin Islands (BVI) London Office in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2023.

According to a Government press release issued on May 10, 2023, Dr Wheatley and team met with a large group of students and Virgin Islanders and entertained questions on various topics, including the referendum on same-sex marriages, advancements in the education curriculum, incentives for Virgin Islanders to return home, assistance for persons living with dementia, specialist healthcare needs, cost of living and use of artificial intelligence in crime solving, among others.

During the discourse, Premier Wheatley also made the promise to pursue the development of a diaspora policy, as he acknowledged that there is a large number of Virgin Islanders trained in various disciplines living abroad, and he is looking forward to developing a structured way in which they can be engaged to assist in addressing various challenges in the Territory.

Students who were in attendance are pursuing various disciplines including Law, Government and Political Science, Marine Engineering and Science.

The students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact with the Premier and Ministers as well as other students who are studying across the United Kingdom.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) field questions and comments from those in attendance at the BVI London Office on May 8, 2023.

Disapora wishes new Gov't well

Meanwhile, Virgin Islanders in attendance congratulated the Premier on the formation of his new administration and extended well wishes.

Following greetings from Premier Wheatley, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE and Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, the Ministers also fielded questions and comments from those in attendance.

The release added that Government remains committed to the development of the Virgin Islands population both locally and abroad, through active dialogue and other engagements as well as the facilitation of programmes and policies aimed at socio-economic advancement.

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