Premier in Dubai for global forum

Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley attended a major global forum in Dubai this week that included efforts to strengthen regional ties and encourage sustainable development across the Caribbean, according to government.

Mr. Wheatley is representing the Virgin Islands at the 10th Association of Caribbean States International Cooperation Conference, which was held Tuesday and yesterday on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in the United Arab Emirates.

The event marks the first time the ACS forum has been held on a global stage with a focus on innovation, resilience and South–South cooperation, according to government.

The ACS said the conference will be a platform for dialogue on its flagship initiatives, which include digitisation of maritime transport and logistics, regional strategies on sargassum management, ecosystem-based disaster-risk reduction, and the implementation of the ACS Strategic Plan 2025-2035.

Sponsored trip

The premier’s participation was by invitation, and his trip was fully sponsored by the World Governments Summit and the ACS, an organisation committed to promoting “consultation, cooperation and concerted action” across the Caribbean, according to government.

ACS Secretary-General Noemí Espinoza Madrid said Mr. Wheatley’s presence was invaluable in advancing the region’s development agenda.

For his part, Mr. Wheatley welcomed the opportunity.

“By participating in this high-level exchange, the Virgin Islands is continuing to position itself as a proactive leader in regional diplomacy and environmental stewardship,” he said in a statement. “Our participation allows us to align our development goals with broader regional strategies. By leveraging global partnerships and South-South cooperation, we can more effectively address challenges like sargassum and maritime efficiency that no single nation can solve alone.”

The premier was joined in Dubai by Special Envoy Benito Wheatley, his brother.

While he is away, Deputy Premier Julian Fraser was appointed to act as premier and finance minister from Sunday of this week to next Tuesday, according to government.