Premier Wheatley Leads Delegation to 51st USVI–BVI
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley led a Government of the Virgin Islands delegation to St. Thomas on Saturday 15 November 2025 to take part in the 51st Annual USVI–BVI Friendship Day, held under the theme “Binding Our Ties Through Friendship and Culture.” The Premier delivered greetings, recognised members of his delegation, reflected on family ties to the tradition and highlighted ongoing practical cooperation between the territories, while the Government provided additional contact and coordination details for cross-sectoral policy work.
Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Wheatley, led a Government of the Virgin Islands delegation to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, on Saturday 15 November 2025 to participate in the 51st Annual USVI–BVI Friendship Day celebrations, held under the theme “Binding Our Ties Through Friendship and Culture” (BVI Government).
At the ceremony Premier Wheatley extended greetings on behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, and acknowledged the warm hospitality of USVI Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr., Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, and leaders across all branches of the United States Virgin Islands government (BVI Government).
The Premier formally recognised members of his delegation, naming the Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer; Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Karl Dawson; Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith; together with accompanying public officers and members of the public who joined the visit (BVI Government).
Wheatley described the annual observance as "not just an event; it’s a family reunion with official titles attached," a line he used to underline the personal as well as institutional bonds between the islands (VINO). He reflected on his own family’s historical link to Friendship Day, noting that his grandfather, the late Honourable Willard Wheatley, welcomed the first USVI delegation to the BVI in 1972. "I suspect he never imagined his grandson would one day stand here doing the same," the Premier said (VINO).
The day’s programme included cultural presentations, a luncheon and the traditional exchange of gifts among leaders — events designed to strengthen the people-to-people ties that underpin official cooperation (BVI Government). These cultural moments were cited by both delegations as reminders of shared history, music, food and family connections across the Greater Virgin Islands.
Premier Wheatley also stressed the practical value of the partnership, pointing to ongoing collaboration in education, tourism, security and development, and the work of the Inter-Virgin Islands Council to coordinate joint efforts (BVI Government). He thanked Governor Bryan and the USVI Administration for their support during recent political challenges in the Virgin Islands, saying the solidarity from the USVI helped strengthen the BVI’s resolve when the United Kingdom proposed an Order in Council that was later withdrawn (VINO; BVI Government).
In closing, Wheatley reaffirmed a shared commitment to unity, cultural pride and cooperation. "The ties that bind us are stronger than any border. Our unity is our legacy," he said, adding a wish that "the spirit of love and friendship that unites the Virgin Islands continue to flourish today, tomorrow, and always" (VINO).
The Government of the Virgin Islands reiterated that its participation in the 51st Friendship Day reaffirmed a longstanding relationship between the territories and underscored a commitment to promote good governance and sustainable development through coordinated cross-sectoral policies.
The Premier’s Office was noted as the focal point for coordinating those policies and programmes to ensure a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable Virgin Islands (BVI Government). For media and public enquiries the Government supplied contact details in its release, including Information Officer Angela U.
Burns at the Premier’s Office and a general government phone and WhatsApp line (BVI Government).
Primary source: BVI Government