Deputy Premier of the British Virgin Islands and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley was in London last week to meet with international officials and various International Financial Centre (IFC) partners.

With a focus on furthering the BVI’s relations across Africa, several meetings took place with high commissioners in London. This included His Excellency Mr. Caleb Esipisu, High Commissioner of Kenya and His Excellency Mr. Papa Owusu-Ankomah, High Commissioner of Ghana.

In addition, he also attended the Financial Times’ Africa Summit, which included presentations from the President of the Republic of South Africa, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, and Minister of Energy and Mineral Development from the Government of Uganda.

Commenting, the Deputy Premier said, “It is important to continue to strengthen relations and develop international partnerships as we bring awareness to the services being offered by the BVI. In particular, we are continuing to build ties with the nations of Africa, which by 2030 will be home to 1.7 billion people.”

The Deputy Premier also attended the IFC Forum Expert Roundtable alongside international business leaders and financial experts, discussing the future of global finance and IFCs’ role in supporting billions of people in the world’s emerging economies.

In addition, an informal meeting took place with the Deputy Director of Overseas Territories Directorate, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The meetings were also attended by Elise Donovan, Chief Executive Officer of BVI Finance along with Tracy Bradshaw and Siobhan Flax of the British Virgin Island London Office.

NOTES:

Three photos attached:

1 of 3: Deputy Premier Wheatley with Mr. Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times
2 of 3:  Meeting at Ghana High commission. Pictured from L to R: Ms. Elise Donovan (CEO of BVI Finance), Deputy Premier Hon. Wheatley, H.E. Mr. Papa Owusu-Ankomah (High Commissioner of Ghana), Matilda Osei-Agyeman (Minister - Head of Chancery), Tracy Bradshaw (BVI London Office)
3 of 3: Hon. Wheatley with Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister for Small Business Development of South Africa