Virgin Islands Hosts Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus

Leaders and senior representatives from the United Kingdom's Caribbean Overseas Territories (UK OTs) convened on Scrub Island on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, for the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus, a one-day meeting that provided a vital platform for dialogue on key issues impacting their relationship with the United Kingdom.

The caucus was hosted by the Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier of the Virgin Islands, and featured participation both in-person and virtually from the following premiers: Honourable Cora Richardson-Hodge of Anguilla, Honourable David Burt of Bermuda, Honourable Andre Ebanks of the Cayman Islands, and Honourable Reuben T. Meade of Montserrat.

The leaders engaged in in-depth discussions on a range of shared priorities, including Good Governance, Financial Services, Security and Border Protection, Frozen Pensions, Climate Change and Resilience, Economic Resilience and Trade, Health and Human Development, Education and Workforce Development, and Connectivity and Infrastructure Development. The caucus also reviewed plans for UKOTA Leadership 2026, which aim to enhance collaboration, continuity, and strategic engagement among the Overseas Territories.

Premier Wheatley emphasised the significance of continued regional cooperation, stating:

"This caucus reflects our shared commitment to advancing the collective interests of the Caribbean Overseas Territories and strengthening our voice in engagement with the United Kingdom. Through collaboration, we can better navigate global challenges, build resilient economies, and ensure that the people of our Territories continue to thrive."

Supporting Premier Wheatley at the caucus were Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Office, Mrs Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe; Acting Director for International Affairs, Ms Dwynel Davis; Acting Director of the BVI London Office, Ms Tracy Bradshaw; and Special Envoy, Mr Benito Wheatley.

Other regional officials in attendance included Marisa Harding-Hodge, Marc Telemaque, Kimberley Durant, Brandon Sousa, Tracy Knight, Tasha Ebanks, and Kei-retta Farrell.

The Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus serves as a critical forum for strengthening regional ties, aligning policy priorities, and fostering a unified approach to engagement with the United Kingdom.

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The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to promoting good governance and the sustainable development of the Territory with a view to ensuring a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society. The Premier’s Office serves as the focal point for coordinating cross-sectoral policies and programmes and promoting the sustainable development of the Virgin Islands to ensure a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society.