Premier Wheatley Leads Local Delegation to USVI/BVI Friendship Day Activities in St. Thomas

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, is leading a local delegation to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands of the United States this weekend to participate in the 51stUSVI/BVI Friendship Day activities.

The 18-19 October celebration is being hosted by USVI Governor, Albert Bryan Jr. and Lieutenant Governor, Tregenza Roach Esq. under the theme: “Binding Our Ties Through Friendship and Culture.”

The main activities will include cultural presentations at Emancipation Garden and a luncheon at the Mark C. Morin Center, Antilles School. 

The local delegation will comprise legislators, public officers, and members of the public. There is expected to be strong local support as the two territories spar off in a friendly basketball game on Sunday featuring the USVI and BVI national teams.

“It is my pleasure, once again, to join with our brothers and sisters across the waters as we celebrate the unique bond that we have nurtured and maintained over the years – our friendships, our business relationships, our mutual support, and our familial ties,” Premier Wheatley said. “Both Virgin Islands have rich traditions that unite us as a people, and we cherish that dearly.”

He thanked Governor Bryan, Lieutenant Governor Roach, and the people of the USVI, for always extending their warm hospitality to the people of these Virgin Islands. He said he is looking forward to this weekend as they celebrate an enduring friendship, through culture, sports, and fellowship. 

“Together, we will continue to build bridges of cooperation and understanding that will serve our peoples well for generations to come,” Premier Wheatley stated.

The 50th anniversary of the first observance of the British Virgin Islands/United States Virgin Islands Friendship Day celebration was held on Saturday, 22 October 2022. The theme was: “Our Golden Jubilee: A Resilient Bond of Friendship”.

The first Friendship Day celebration was held on Tortola on 21 October, 1972 following the issuance of a proclamation by Acting Governor, Mr. Norman Derek Matthews, OBE when he enjoined all residents of the British Virgin Islands to actively support and cherish the day.

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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.