From left to right: USVI Governor Albert Bryan and BVI Premier and Minister of Finance Andrew Fahie
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS — The relationship between the British Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands comes into sharp focus when the Inter-Virgin Islands Council meets on Tortola on Tuesday, February 4.
The council, established in 2004, brings together the leaders of both territories to discuss matters of mutual interest.
BVI Premier and Minister of Finance Andrew Fahie will welcome Governor of the United States Virgin Islands Albert Bryan Jr. and officials of his administration for the day-long talks.
Topics on the agenda include the novel Coronavirus, tourism strategies, airport and seaport development, joint marketing and public relations initiatives, fisheries, inter-territorial cooperation between charter yacht companies and boarder security.
“It is imperative that officials of the two territories meet as the policies and laws enacted by the respective governments significantly impact the lives of the people of the Virgin Islands, on either side,” Premier Fahie said.
The Inter-Virgin Islands Council was established on Saturday May 29th, 2004, after former USVI Governor, Dr. Charles Turnbull and then-BVI Chief Minister, Dr. D. Orlando Smith, OBE signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding. The council’s first meeting convened on St. Croix in April 2005.
Mr. Fahie’s Virgin Islands Party government was swept to power on February 25, 2019. He said he is committed to continuing these talks, as this reaffirms the BVI’s commitment to strengthening regional and international relations, as well as maintaining its close ties with the USVI.
This is the council’s first meeting since both territories were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017.
The British and U.S. Virgin Islands are at the nearest point — from West End, Tortola to Cruz Bay, St. John — about 20 minutes away via ferry, which plies these waters several times daily.
