“[The BVI wants] a greater presence, a naval presence, supporting the islands, and quite a number of other concerns as it pertains to security.” — Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says he will use talks in London this week to seek stronger United Kingdom support for border management and wider security in the Virgin Islands, warning that trafficking and smuggling pressures are growing across the Overseas Territories.
Dr Wheatley, speaking at a press conference on Friday before departing for the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), said security is a major focus of the annual UK–Overseas Territories meeting.
“Security will remain central,” he said, adding that the agenda includes sessions with UK departments “on internal security, irregular migration, border management, and criminal justice.”
The Premier said the BVI and several other territories need more practical help from Britain to tackle cross-border crime. “Security has been a challenge in many of the territories,” he explained.
He said that while the UK is responsible for external security in most territories, local governments are still bearing the effects. “We are seeking more support… as it pertains to human trafficking, gun and drug smuggling,” he said, adding that the BVI wants “a greater presence, a naval presence, supporting the islands, and quite a number of other concerns as it pertains to security.”
The Premier’s request forms a striking contrast to his predecessor, Andrew Fahie, who declined a UK-offered naval vessel to assist with border patrols during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The then-Premier insisted the territory could manage its own border security and rejected the prospect of a British patrol ship entering the BVI’s waters.
Dr Wheatley will co-chair the JMC with UK Minister Stephen Doughty and described the forum as “the highest level annual forum for dialogue between elected leaders of the United Kingdom’s overseas territories and ministers of His Majesty’s government.”
He said the 2025 meetings form part of a broader push to reset UK-territory relations through new bilateral compacts that clarify shared priorities, including long-term security planning.
Concerns have been expressed about the territory’s waters being used for illegal activity, with reports showing an increase in gun-related crime and trafficking risks, alongside calls for stronger enforcement support. Three locals and four expatriates were arrested earlier this year during a high-risk drug recovery mission in Virgin Gorda that resulted in the seizure of cocaine worth an estimated $144 million. The intelligence-led operation began at sea after authorities pursued a suspicious vessel in a high-speed chase.
Premier Wheatley said the Virgin Islands delegation will take part in plenary sessions, workshops and bilateral meetings to advance these priorities, with security remaining one of the key areas. “The members of the delegation will be participating in JMC and other meetings to help us further the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands,” the Premier said.
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