Guam Backs BVI UN Decolonisation
Guam’s Lieutenant Governor Joshua “Josh” Franquez Tenorio met Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley during a December 4 stopover in the British Virgin Islands to discuss cooperation on UN decolonisation efforts. Both territories, listed as Non‑Self‑Governing by the United Nations, agreed to share experience and bolster representation in UN processes as they pursue political development.
Guam’s Lieutenant Governor Joshua “Josh” Franquez Tenorio paid a courtesy call on Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley on December 4, signalling closer cooperation between the two territories on United Nations decolonisation work. Both the British Virgin Islands and Guam remain on the UN list of Non‑Self‑Governing Territories — a designation for jurisdictions that have not yet achieved a full measure of self‑government.
During the meeting, Tenorio said Guam wants to strengthen its use of UN mechanisms and welcomed the BVI’s experience within the organisation. “We recognise that the Virgin Islands has understood the entire UN framework,” Tenorio said. “There are some spaces that we have not been a part of that we are entitled to be a part of, and I am looking forward to us providing support to each other as we undertake this very important responsibility of addressing the political futures of our jurisdictions.” Premier Wheatley thanked Tenorio for the engagement, highlighting shared challenges and the need to protect residents’ right to self‑determination. “I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Tenorio for calling on me here in the Virgin Islands,” Premier Wheatley said. “We are brothers and sisters in the struggle for our people being properly recognised, having our right to self‑determination protected and promoted.” Wheatley noted similarities between the territories despite different constitutional arrangements: “We share many similarities, even though their administering power is the United States and ours is the United Kingdom.
What I like about this visit is that it somewhat signals an intention of further engagement.” The visit comes amid ongoing local discussions on constitutional modernisation in the BVI and increased engagement with the UN’s Special Committee on Decolonisation. In recent years BVI leaders have urged stronger representation at the UN and clearer pathways to advance the Territory’s political development; cooperation with jurisdictions like Guam could help broaden access to UN spaces and share practical experience on advocacy and procedures.
For residents, the meeting signals an effort by local leaders to internationalise conversations about governance, autonomy and political rights. Closer ties with other non‑self‑governing territories could translate into coordinated strategies at the UN and potentially more visibility for the BVI’s constitutional priorities.
The courtesy call was hosted at the Premier’s Office and formed part of Tenorio’s travel to a conference in the United States Virgin Islands.
Primary source: BVI News