Virgin Islands Hosts Caribbean UK Overseas Territories
Leaders and senior representatives from the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Overseas Territories met on Scrub Island on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, for a one-day Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus hosted by Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley (BVI Government). The meeting reviewed a broad agenda and plans for UKOTA Leadership 2026, with officials stressing closer cooperation to strengthen the Territories' collective voice with the United Kingdom (BVI Government; BVI News).
Leaders and senior representatives from the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Overseas Territories convened on Scrub Island on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, for the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus, a one-day forum hosted by the Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier of the Virgin Islands (BVI Government).
The caucus brought together in-person and virtual participation from neighbouring premiers: the Honourable Cora Richardson-Hodge (Anguilla), the Honourable David Burt (Bermuda), the Honourable Andre Ebanks (Cayman Islands) and the Honourable Reuben T. Delegates used the meeting for candid discussions on matters affecting the Territories’ relationship with the United Kingdom and on everyday concerns for residents across the region (BVI Government).
Participants examined a broad agenda that included Good Governance, Financial Services, Security and Border Protection, Frozen Pensions, Climate Change and Resilience, Economic Resilience and Trade, Health and Human Development, Education and Workforce Development, and Connectivity and Infrastructure Development.
The caucus also reviewed preparations and plans for UKOTA Leadership 2026, a programme intended to promote collaboration, continuity and strategic engagement among the Overseas Territories when dealing with London and other partners (BVI Government). Premier Wheatley emphasised the need for closer cooperation among the Caribbean Overseas Territories, saying the meeting “reflects our shared commitment to advancing the collective interests of the Caribbean Overseas Territories and strengthening our voice in engagement with the United Kingdom.
Through collaboration, we can better navigate global challenges, build resilient economies, and ensure that the people of our Territories continue to thrive,” according to the government’s media release (BVI Government). Supporting the Premier at the caucus were key Virgin Islands officials, including Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Office Mrs Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe; Acting Director for International Affairs Ms Dwynel Davis; Acting Director of the BVI London Office Ms Tracy Bradshaw; and Special Envoy Mr Benito Wheatley.
Other regional officials in attendance included Marisa Harding-Hodge, Marc Telemaque, Kimberley Durant, Brandon Sousa, Tracy Knight, Tasha Ebanks and Kei-retta Farrell (BVI Government). The Government of the Virgin Islands described the caucus as a “critical forum” for aligning policy priorities and presenting a unified approach to engagement with the United Kingdom.
The Premier’s Office will continue to act as the focal point for coordinating cross-sectoral policies and programmes to promote sustainable development and good governance in the Territory (BVI Government). BVI News noted the caucus follows earlier efforts by the Virgin Islands to foster closer ties among the Overseas Territories and to strengthen their influence in talks with London.
Past meetings have wrestled with balancing local autonomy and UK oversight while advancing shared goals on climate resilience, trade and governance — issues that remain central to this gathering (BVI News). For residents, the meeting signals continued high-level attention to practical matters such as pension security, border protection, climate adaptation and improvements to connectivity and infrastructure that underpin economic opportunity and public services.
The caucus sets the stage for further coordination ahead of UKOTA Leadership 2026 and ongoing engagement with the United Kingdom and other international partners (BVI Government; BVI News).
Primary source: BVI Government