Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has thanked the Governor of the United States Virgin Islands Albert Bryan Jr. for his Government’s commitment and cooperation in law enforcement and border security in the Greater Virgin Islands.

The United States Virgin Islands Police Department presented the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force with protective kits and body armour on Friday, May 1 that will assist Her Majesty’s Customs and Immigration with their daily responsibilities in law enforcement and border security.

Premier Fahie said, “This gift from the USVI Government comes on the heels of the 8th Inter-Virgin Islands Committee (IVIC) meeting that was hosted in the BVI on February 4. As the Greater Virgin Islands, we pledged in that meeting to take advantage of possibilities and opportunities for inter-territorial cooperation and collaboration.”

The Premier said that the assistance is timely. “It comes at a time when the police, customs and immigration teams have fostered a joint partnership to allow for full engagement and an increase in the Territory’s capacity and capability in strengthening and improving security upon our territorial waters and on land throughout the islands.”

The Territory’s leader said that it is customary for police, customs and immigration to established and engage in joint operations, sometimes partnering, when necessary with US federal agencies including the US Customs and Border Protection, and the US Coast Guard.

“As Governments and as co-chairs of the IVIC, we have pledged to continue working together in many areas to enhance cooperation and communication. The Council has 12 standing committees and we have renewed our commitment to ensure that representatives from both jurisdictions lead the monthly virtual meetings, despite COVID-19,” Premier Fahie added.

During the IVIC Meeting, Governor Bryan, Jr. who described the meeting as productive said, “The one thing that is key is the strong familial ties that lie between the British and US Virgin Islands and our constant commitment to ensure that our people are resilient in the face of our challenges and that we can take advantage of the possibilities and opportunities of a collaborative Greater Virgin Islands.”

During the meeting, both Heads of Government also had discussions around the potential effects and threat of COVID-19 Coronavirus on the Greater Virgin Islands and their economies.

The 8th IVIC meeting was the first since both territories experienced severe damages during hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

• Photo:1:1- L-R- Governor of the Virgin Islands of the United States, Honourable Albert Bryan Jr. and Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie at the 8^th Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting.