Wheatley: 2025 Achievements Amid Loss
In his New Year Message for 2026, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley highlighted major milestones for the Virgin Islands in 2025, including completion of a governance reform agenda and a UK commitment to lift the Order in Council. He also noted strong tourism performance and resilient financial services, and called on Virgin Islanders to unite as the Territory faces global uncertainty in 2026.
Natalio Wheatley used his New Year Message for 2026 to reflect on 2025 as a year of both loss and significant achievement for the Virgin Islands. He praised the Territory's public service, elected leaders, and community partners for completing a major governance reform agenda and securing a promise from the United Kingdom to lift the Order in Council.
The Premier said the reforms signal a strengthened national foundation and reflect a collective commitment to transparency, accountability and good stewardship. He described the UK's assurance to remove the Order in Council as 'a testament to the hard work and the immense capabilities of the Virgin Islands public service, elected leaders, and community partners.' For residents, the move represents progress toward greater local autonomy and recognition of the Territory's ability to manage its own affairs.
Economically, Wheatley pointed to encouraging signs of resilience. Tourism reached record arrivals in 2025, he said, reaffirming the BVI's reputation as one of the world's most desired destinations. That tourism growth has direct local impact — supporting small businesses, hotels, restaurants, tour operators and workers across islands and cays.
At the same time, the Premier emphasised that financial services remain strong, delivering healthy revenues and reinforcing the Territory's standing as a trusted, innovative jurisdiction. These revenues help fund public services and infrastructure that benefit everyday life in the BVI.
Wheatley acknowledged the personal and communal losses many experienced last year, but insisted those setbacks did not define the Territory's progress. 'Yet, even amid loss, 2025 brought significant achievements that strengthened our national foundation,' he said, pointing to reforms and economic performance as evidence of forward momentum.
He credited the people of the Virgin Islands — those who serve, build, teach, create and welcome visitors — for driving those successes. As the Territory moves into 2026 amid shifting geopolitics and an unpredictable global economy, the Premier urged unity and shared purpose. 'Let us recommit ourselves to that unity.
Let us stand together, Virgin Islanders, at home and abroad,' he said. Wheatley's message framed the coming year as a moment to consolidate gains, protect hard-won advances in governance, and continue building an economy that benefits residents across the Territory. The call was clear: resilience will come through solidarity, purposeful action and continued investment in people and institutions.
Primary source: VINO