[Virgin Islands News Online] – Noting that he was pleased to announce visa-free access to Guyana nationals to the British Virgin Islands, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio D. Wheatley said this step strengthens the bond between the Virgin Islands and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism and investment.
“It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange. Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI and we are pleased to extend this reciprocal courtesy to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier Wheatley stated at a press conference this morning, Monday, September 30, 2024.
‘Guyana a key partner for collaboration & investment’- Premier
Further elaborating on the Cabinet decision, Premier Wheatley said Guyana is currently experiencing a historic economic transformation, posting a growth rate of 62.3 percent in 2022, the highest in the world. This growth, he said, is being driven primarily by its burgeoning oil and gas sector, alongside a diversified economy that includes strong expansions in agriculture, mining, and construction.
“For the BVI, this makes Guyana a key partner for collaboration and investment.
Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Dr Natalio Wheatley (right)
But the question is why Guyana at this time? As a CARICOM member and emerging global power, Guyana has become a model for sustainable growth and international diplomacy. Guyana’s election to the United Nations Security Council places it in a pivotal position to influence the global policies on peace and security, an accomplishment that elevates the Caribbean’s voice on the international stage.”
VI trade mission to Guyana was ‘timely & fruitful’
Dr Wheatley continued that Guyana has become a focal point for global investment, driven by its significant oil reserves and growing non-oil sectors.
He also said Guyana’s economic boom has not gone unnoticed by the international community, including the US, United Kingdom, Canada and Brazil, and that several countries have already launched trade missions to Guyana.
According to Dr Wheatley, the trade mission to Guyana led by Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) in August 2023, was “timely and fruitful”.
MoU for ‘deepening cooperation’ with Guyana in the works
“As promised, we have granted visa-free access and we are currently working on an MoU for deepening cooperation between Guyana and the BVI.”
Regarding when the visa-free travel will take effect, Premier Wheatley said he would need to discuss that with the Immigration Department and the Ministry for Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development.
“But the Cabinet decision was passed and the implementation should take place quickly,” the Premier and Minister responsible for Immigration stated.
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