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by pltm
(PLTM) - Director of the BVI London Office/UK Representative, Mr. Benito Wheatley said there are no issues between him and the government, as he prepares to leave the post.
In a statement over the weekend, Wheatley said that as a matter of fact, he was supposed to leave since September last year, but he stayed on to assist the BVI during the aftermath of the hurricanes.
He made it clear that he is leaving the post for personal reasons.
Wheatley is known for his stellar representation of the BVI during his tenure and especially during the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“Contrary to a comment made on a recent radio talk show and a related media article, I have not resigned from my post as Director of the BVI London Office/UK & EU Representative, and have not been engaged in any wrangling or disagreements with the government on a future contract,” he said.
He said that after seven years of dedicated service to the territory in the United Kingdom, for personal reasons, he opted to not renew his contract for another term, which expired in September 2017.
“At that time, however, for love of country, I extended my tenure in post for a limited period to help see the territory through the difficult period which followed Hurricanes Irma and Maria.”
He said, “While the recovery has much further to go, conditions on the ground have stabilised. The government has also been able thus far to successfully manage the international pressures facing the financial services sector.”
Wheatley stated that the public can rest assured that he will continue to serve the territory faithfully until a successor is appointed in the weeks ahead.
“I have enjoyed a good working relationship with the governments of Premier Dr. Hon. D. Orlando Smith, OBE, and prior to this, briefly with the government of Premier Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE.”
He said that he is confident that the government will identify a BVIslander, who will continue the important diplomatic work of the office and lead its excellent staff.
Government has also commented on Wheatley’s departure.
“The government continues to be immensely proud of the work that Mr. Wheatley is doing as the Director of the BVI London Office. He has indeed helped to deliver on the government’s international affairs agenda.”
Government stated that under his leadership, the office continues to be on the frontlines of promoting and protecting the jurisdiction’s financial services sector, representing the BVI on Brexit matters, diplomatically repositioning the Territory; strengthening the BVI’s relationship with the UK at national and local levels, and supporting BVI’s citizens in the UK and EU.
“The position of Director of the BVI London Office is currently being advertised to secure a suitably qualified successor.”
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