Wheatley Announces New BVI Diaspora Policy
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has announced plans to establish a Virgin Islands Diaspora Policy to better connect overseas Virgin Islanders with the territory's development. The initiative aims to tap into the skills, networks, and investments of citizens living abroad while facilitating those seeking to return, work, or build businesses locally.
For a small territory like the British Virgin Islands, sending young people abroad to study comes with an uncomfortable possibility: some of them might never come back. It’s hard to blame them when an overseas education can open doors to careers and opportunities that extend well beyond what the Virgin Islands can presently offer.
However, what if leaving the Virgin Islands didn’t have to mean taking those opportunities with you? Imagine a Virgin Islander working in international finance in London who helps a local business operating in the BVI establish connections with potential clients overseas. They could contribute to the Territory’s economic development without ever having to leave their job in the UK.
That is the kind of opportunity that could emerge from a new Virgin Islands Diaspora Policy announced by Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley during his October 27 Budget Address. “We will establish a Virgin Islands Diaspora Policy to better connect Virgin Islanders across the globe with the development of their homeland, tapping into their skills, experience, investment and networks while strengthening their connection to home.
The policy also seeks to facilitate Virgin Islanders seeking to live, work and establish businesses in The Virgin Islands, ” Wheatley stated.
Primary source: The Real BVI Community Board (Facebook)