Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE will attend a number of high level meetings in London this week as he continues to promote the role of the BVI within the global economy.

The Premier will attend the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) with the other heads of the UK Overseas Territories.

With the UK’s departure from the European Union in March next year, the group will discuss what Brexit means for the OTs across a range of areas including international trade, the environment, development funding and EU exit legislation.

In addition, the OT leaders will discuss their constitutional relationship with the UK as the Premier looks to protect the rights of the people of the BVI, as well as the future of trade and investment across the region.

Commenting on the trip, Premier said, “As the UK seeks to define its relationship with the EU we are, in turn, discussing how we ensure our constitutional relationship with the UK is fit for purpose.”

"We are pleased that the UK Government will continue to support us and are encouraged by the Prime Minister's statement that 'we will always negotiate on behalf of the whole UK family [including the Overseas Territories] and in the future relationship we will stand up for their interests',” Premier added.

The Premier will focus on promoting the role of the BVI in a post-Brexit world as the jurisdiction looks to support the UK by leveraging its international relationships with key strategic partners in Asia and Africa, as well as also looking for its own opportunities in new markets and strengthening its global economic position.

Premier Smith added, “In an increasingly global world, the BVI plays an integral role within the wider international economy. As a highly respected centre for business and financial services which adheres to global standards, we are dedicated to serving the needs of our own people, as well as the international community. As the UK approaches its exit from the EU in March 2019, the value of the BVI will only continue to increase in importance as we leverage existing relationships with key markets to support the UK as it looks to redefine its role on the international stage post-Brexit.”