Wheatley Attends CARICOM Heads Meeting
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley is in Saint Lucia attending the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government from July 5–9, 2026 as the Virgin Islands continues to explore full membership. Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser is Acting Premier at home while Wheatley is away.
Natalio Wheatley is representing the Virgin Islands at the 51st Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), taking place in Saint Lucia from Sunday, July 5 to Thursday, July 9, 2026. The meeting—held under the theme "CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World"—is chaired by Saint Lucia Prime Minister the Hon Philip J.
Pierre, who assumed chairmanship duties on July 1. In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Pierre urged leaders to work together "to build a stronger, safer, fairer, and more united region," adding: "History may forgive us for disagreement; it may even forgive us for delay, but it will not forgive us for failing to create a stronger, safer, fairer, and more united Caribbean Community." The Virgin Islands participates in CARICOM as an Associate Member.
Premier Wheatley has previously indicated that the Territory has sought permission from the United Kingdom to pursue full membership. Full membership would carry practical implications for the BVI, potentially affecting trade links, regional cooperation on health, education and disaster response, and the movement of people and services across member states.
Any change in status would require continued consultations with the UK and with CARICOM partners. From Monday, July 6 through Wednesday, July 8, Heads of Government will conduct business sessions to address regional priorities. A Closing Press Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8.
Ahead of the meeting, athletes from member states took part in the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk on July 4—CARICOM Day—an event CARICOM said highlights the role of sport and physical activity in quality of life. While Premier Wheatley is attending the meeting, Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development the Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3), has been authorised to perform the duties of Premier from Sunday, July 5 to Thursday, July 9.
The appointment follows Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which requires the Governor to authorise the Deputy Premier to act if the Premier is absent for more than 48 hours; the authority is revoked on the Premier's return. Premier Wheatley is scheduled to return to the Virgin Islands on Thursday, July 9.
Residents can expect updates on any developments related to the Territory's CARICOM engagement after the meeting's close. (Source: Virgin Islands News Online)
Primary source: VINO