Premier to Attend UN Decolonisation Meetings
Premier Dr. Wheatley will travel to New York from October 6 to 8 to attend the United Nations Fourth Committee meetings during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. He will deliver an official statement on the Virgin Islands' decolonisation progress, seek UN technical assistance for an education programme on self-determination, and meet with the UK deputy UN representative.
Wheatley will attend the United Nations Fourth Committee meetings in New York from October 6 to 8, part of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the Premier announced at a press conference on Friday, October 3. "From October 6th to the 8th, I will travel to New York to attend the meetings of the UN 4th Committee," Dr.
The Fourth Committee (also known as the Special Political and Decolonisation Committee or C-24) considers matters relating to decolonisation, and this year will review a draft resolution on the progress of decolonisation for the Virgin Islands alongside the other 16 non-self-governing territories on the UN list. "As premier, I'm obligated to provide the United Nations with an update on the Virgin Islands decolonisation process," he added.
During the visit, the Premier will deliver an official statement to the committee; the address will be broadcast live via UN Web TV, allowing residents to view proceedings in real time. Wheatley said he will also pursue follow-up discussions about technical assistance from the UN to support an education programme and measures to promote self-determination in the Virgin Islands. "This initiative aligns with the recommendations from the UN C-24's visiting mission to the territory," he said, referring to the committee's recent review and recommendations following its visit to the BVI.
While in New York, the Premier is also scheduled to meet His Excellency Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, to discuss matters relating to the territory's decolonisation process and potential cooperative steps. For BVI residents, the meetings are a key step in the territory's ongoing engagement with the UN decolonisation framework.
The Fourth Committee's consideration of a draft resolution can increase international visibility and lead to offers of technical support and advice, though any committee recommendations are not binding and further domestic steps will determine the path forward. Residents who wish to watch the Premier's statement can find the schedule and live stream on UN Web TV.
The government has indicated it will provide updates following the meetings regarding any commitments or next steps agreed in New York.
Primary source: VINO