Wheatley, Kariuki Discuss UK-VI Relations
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley met with UK Ambassador to the United Nations Ambassador Kariuki in New York for what he described as a "constructive" discussion on key issues including the UK Order in Council held in reserve, access to beneficial ownership registers, climate cooperation and constitutional advancement. Wheatley also delivered a statement to the UN Fourth Committee on October 7, 2025, and stressed the need to consider the next stage of the UK-BVI relationship.
Natalio Wheatley described a recent meeting with the UK Ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador Kariuki, as "constructive" after a wide-ranging discussion about the future of UK–British Virgin Islands relations. According to a press release from the Office of the Premier, topics covered included the UK Government's recent announcement to lift the UK Order in Council that has been held in reserve and which can suspend the Territory's constitution; legitimate interest-based access to public registers of beneficial ownership; cooperation on climate change; support for Overseas Territories in a changing international environment; constitutional advancement toward self-determination; and potential UN reform.
Wheatley thanked Ambassador Kariuki for consistently receiving him during his annual visits to UN Headquarters in New York for the June Substantive Session of the Special Committee on Decolonisation and the Fourth Committee meetings at the UN General Assembly. He also praised the ambassador's constructive engagement over the past three years while the Virgin Islands implemented a governance reform programme amid periodic strains with the UK. "Our discussions with Ambassador Kariuki were constructive as always when I visit the UN," Premier Wheatley said. "UK and British Virgin Islands relations are at a point where we must consider the next stage of our relationship.
We have an opportunity to partner in critical areas such as climate change, sustainable development and sustained economic growth that would benefit the British Virgin Islands and allow the UK to meet its obligations to help the Territory advance. There must also be an evolution of the constitutional relationship, which I look forward to discussing in due course." For BVI residents, the potential lifting of the Order in Council held in reserve is particularly significant because that instrument has the power to suspend constitutional governance in the Territory — a subject that has been at the centre of recent political debate.
Discussions on access to beneficial ownership registers respond to ongoing international pressure for transparency while raising local concerns about privacy and legitimate commercial interests. Climate cooperation also featured prominently. The BVI, still recovering from major storms and facing long-term sea-level rise, continues to seek UK support for resilience, adaptation and sustainable development initiatives.
Premier Wheatley delivered a statement at the UN Fourth Committee on October 7, 2025, where he was accompanied by Special Envoy E. The meeting signals an intent to move beyond periodic tensions and pursue a partnership framed around development, climate resilience and a considered process for constitutional advancement, the Office of the Premier said.
Primary source: VINO