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Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley has congratulated Stacey E. Plaskett on becoming the first woman elected Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, expressing his intention to strengthen relations between the neighbouring territories.
In a congratulatory statement, Wheatley described Plaskett’s victory as historic and wished her success as she prepares to assume office.
“I look forward to working with you to strengthen the longstanding relationship between The Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands and to advance areas of shared interest for the benefit of both Territories,” he said in a statement.
Wheatley recalled their recent participation in the 51st USVI–BVI Friendship Day celebrations in St Thomas, which recognised the enduring connections between the people of both territories.
He also congratulated Lieutenant Governor-elect Milton Potter, highlighting his BVI birthplace.
“As a son of the soil, we are equally proud of your accomplishment,” Wheatley stated.
The Premier extended best wishes on behalf of the Government and people of the BVI to Plaskett and the people of the USVI as they prepare for a new chapter of leadership.
The incoming administration will take office amid an ongoing dispute over the BVI’s charter vessel licence fees. Outgoing Governor Albert Bryan Jr. pushed for talks in Washington involving US federal officials, arguing that the charges were damaging USVI marine businesses.
Wheatley has defended the BVI’s right to regulate commercial activity in its waters and expressed willingness to hold further talks locally. He previously described the escalation to Washington as unfriendly and said the existing Inter-Virgin Islands Council provided a framework for resolving the matter.
In a congratulatory statement, Wheatley described Plaskett’s victory as historic and wished her success as she prepares to assume office.
“I look forward to working with you to strengthen the longstanding relationship between The Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands and to advance areas of shared interest for the benefit of both Territories,” he said in a statement.
Wheatley recalled their recent participation in the 51st USVI–BVI Friendship Day celebrations in St Thomas, which recognised the enduring connections between the people of both territories.
He also congratulated Lieutenant Governor-elect Milton Potter, highlighting his BVI birthplace.
“As a son of the soil, we are equally proud of your accomplishment,” Wheatley stated.
The Premier extended best wishes on behalf of the Government and people of the BVI to Plaskett and the people of the USVI as they prepare for a new chapter of leadership.
The incoming administration will take office amid an ongoing dispute over the BVI’s charter vessel licence fees. Outgoing Governor Albert Bryan Jr. pushed for talks in Washington involving US federal officials, arguing that the charges were damaging USVI marine businesses.
Wheatley has defended the BVI’s right to regulate commercial activity in its waters and expressed willingness to hold further talks locally. He previously described the escalation to Washington as unfriendly and said the existing Inter-Virgin Islands Council provided a framework for resolving the matter.
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