Statement of the BVI at UN HQ: Welcomes Visits of the UN RC and UNDP RR

July 1, 2019

Special Envoy of the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Mr. Benito Wheatley, addresses the Special Committee on Decolonization

During the ninth sitting of the Special Committee on Decolonization, the Committee heard from the Special Envoy of the Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) where priority was given to recovery post Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the sustainable development of the BVI. The Special Envoy, Mr. Benito Wheatley, further reported to the Committee that while full recovery is expected, support from regional and international partners will be required.

He noted, "the United Nations also has been tremendously helpful. I am pleased to report that in the period since Primere Fahie expressed the British Virgin Islands' desire for a deeper and broader relationship with the UN, we have received a visiting mission, led by Mr. Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the OECS. In a few weeks time, we are also looking forward to receiving the newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the OECS, Mr. Magdy Martinez-Soliman. We are particulary interested in UNDP technical assistance in the development of a Blue Economy Strategy." Mr. Wheatley also mentioned support forthcoming from ECLAC and the intention to pursue associate membership with FAO and the UNFCCC.

The Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (also known as the Special Committee on decolonization or C-24) annually reviews the list of Territories to which the Declaration is applicable and makes recommendations as to its implementation. It also hears statements from NSGTs representatives, dispatches visiting missions, and organizes seminars on the political, social and economic situation in the Territories. Further, the Special Committee annually makes recommendations concerning the dissemination of information to mobilize public opinion in support of the decolonization process, and observes the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

For the complete recording of this meeting, visit this link.

On the heels of their statement at UN HQ, BVI hailed UNDP as Recovery and Development Partner. Special Envoy Mr. Benito Wheatley met with Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Luis Felipe Lopez Calva. Read more...