Guam Lt Governor Meets Premier Wheatley
The Lieutenant Governor of Guam paid a courtesy call on Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, reinforcing a shared commitment to stronger ties among Pacific and Caribbean Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs). The visit builds on an October discussion focused on regional collaboration, sustainable development and people-centred governance, the BVI Office of the Premier said.
The Office of the Premier says the Lieutenant Governor of Guam made a courtesy call on Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley to reaffirm both administrations’ commitment to closer cooperation among Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Pacific and Caribbean. According to the Office, the meeting built on an earlier discussion in October and focused on continued regional collaboration, sustainable development and people-centred governance across both Territories.
The Office of the Premier expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with NSGT partners and for Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio’s leadership in regional affairs. Guam, an island in the western Pacific Ocean and a territory of the United States, is among several territories that share similar governance and development challenges with Caribbean NSGTs such as the British Virgin Islands.
While geographically distant, these Territories often face comparable issues: vulnerability to extreme weather and sea-level rise, the need for resilient infrastructure, limited economies of scale, and the importance of sustaining local livelihoods and public services. For BVI residents, engagement with Pacific counterparts can offer practical benefits.
Exchanges between Territories can help share lessons on disaster preparedness and response, climate adaptation measures, sustainable tourism practices, fisheries management, and approaches to strengthening public administration and community-led development. The Office of the Premier said the courtesy call underscores a mutual interest in learning from one another and aligning efforts where possible.
The meeting highlights a broader trend of NSGTs seeking to amplify their voices on regional and international stages by forming networks that can advocate for tailored support and funding, particularly in areas affected by climate change and economic vulnerability. The BVI government’s public statement thanked Lieutenant Governor Tenorio for his role in these regional discussions and reaffirmed the Territory’s openness to continued dialogue and cooperation.
No specific bilateral projects were announced following the courtesy call. However, the exchange signals willingness on both sides to pursue deeper ties and to explore practical steps that may benefit residents of the Virgin Islands. The Office of the Premier provided the details of the visit in its advisory to the public.
Primary source: VINO