Wheatley Presents Trèfle Gift to India
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley presented a collection of Trèfle ties, cufflinks and tie pins to India's High Commissioner to Jamaica, Mayank Joshi, as a diplomatic gift on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands. The gesture, tied to the first-ever VI‑India Trade Mission (August 24–31, 2026), highlights support for a local luxury brand and aims to strengthen bilateral relations and promote BVI business interests abroad.
Natalio Wheatley chose a collection of Trèfle ties, cufflinks and tie pins as an official gift to His Excellency Mayank Joshi, India’s High Commissioner to Jamaica and Non‑Resident Consul to the Virgin Islands, the Office of the Premier reported. The items were presented and received warmly during a recent meeting in which the two officials met for a third time.
Trèfle is a luxury fashion brand founded in 2008 by Virgin Islander Kristin C. The label specialises in swimwear, resort wear, accessories and home goods, and has gained international recognition for its designs — including appearances on celebrities such as Beyoncé, Blue Ivy and Chrisette Michele.
By selecting Trèfle, the Premier’s office said the gift was chosen on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, signalling official support for a locally owned business on the global stage. The presentation comes ahead of the first‑ever Virgin Islands‑India Trade Mission, which Premier Wheatley will lead from August 24 to 31, 2026.
The 12‑member delegation is built around financial services, international affairs and trade promotion and reflects the territory’s focus on expanding economic partnerships. Smith, OBE (AL), Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Mr Kenneth B. Baker, CEO/Managing Director, BVI Financial Services Commission Ms Dwynel D.
Davis, Acting Director, International Affairs Secretariat Ms Ayana I. Glasgow, Director of Financial Services Mr Kareem Nelson‑Hull, Acting Director of Communications Dr Ricardo L. Wheatley, Director, BVI Hong Kong Office Ms Siobhan M. Flax, Associate Director, BVI Hong Kong Office Mr Rhodni A.
Skelton, Director of Marketing and Business Development, BVI Finance Ms Xyrah Wheatley, Private Secretary to the Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Ms Kyla K. Forbes, Analyst/Political Economy Officer, BVI Hong Kong Office Mr Ronn A. Grant, Analyst/Political Economy Officer, BVI Hong Kong Office Officials say the mission aims to deepen formal relations with India — relations that continued in September 2025 through the office of His Excellency Joshi — and to explore opportunities in financial services, tourism, investment and cultural exchange.
For BVI residents, the visit represents a chance to showcase locally rooted products and services, promote job creation through expanded markets, and strengthen ties with a major Asian economy. The Office of the Premier characterised the gift exchange as a warm, symbolic step in diplomatic engagement and a precursor to substantive talks planned during the trade mission.
Organisers say they will pursue practical agreements that could benefit the territory’s economy and raise the international profile of BVI businesses such as Trèfle.
Primary source: VINO