Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley has completed a successful visit to the United Kingdom (UK) where he met with officials and the VI team who are participating in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Premier visited the Commonwealth Games village in Birmingham where he was able to tour the facilities, meet with the team and share words of inspiration as they settled in and prepared for the start of the games. The team of nineteen athletes, representing four sporting disciplines, is the largest in the BVI’s history of participation in the Commonwealth Games. Team BVI will compete in Men’s and Women’s Athletics, Men’s Squash, Men’s Cycling and Women’s 3X3 Basketball. The team was encouraged by the Premier’s presence and are excited to represent the Territory on the international stage.

 “I was excited and inspired to visit with and hear from our athletes competing in this year’s Games. Even before the Games have started, this team has made history as the largest contingent to represent the BVI and I believe that that is just the beginning for them,” Premier Wheatley said.

“Our athletes represent the very best of who we are as a Territory – hard work, resilience, dedication and pride and I encourage persons at home to follow along with the coverage and support them,” he added.

While at the games and surrounding events, the Honourable Premier engaged with other dignitaries and many of the invited guests directly involved with the games.

Honourable Wheatley also dedicated an afternoon to discussions with BVI diaspora in London during which he was able to provide an update on current developments in the Territory and field a range of questions from attendees on areas such as the COI recommendations, immigration reform and innovation.

Premier Wheatley’s delegation to the Commonwealth Games included BVI London Office Director Ms. Tracy Bradshaw and Deputy Director Ms. Siobhan Flax. The Premier departed for the BVI on July 29.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXII Commonwealth Games and commonly known as Birmingham 2022, is an international multi-sport event for members of the Commonwealth that is being held in Birmingham, England from July 28 to August 8. The 22nd hosting of the games in Birmingham marks the first time more medals will be awarded to women than men and is touted as the biggest fully integrated para sports programme ever held.

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NOTES TO EDITOR(S): Photo collage is attached.

Persons in collage:

• Governor of Anguilla – Ms Dileeni-Selvaratnam
• Governor of Bermuda – Rena Lalgie
• Former OT Minister - Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon
• Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations – Baroness Patricia Scotland of Asthal PC QC
• His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales – Prince Charles
• Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham City Council - Shafique Shah (Photo Credit - FRASER MCGEE PHOTOGRAPHY http://frasermcgeefoto.com)
• Chief Minister of Jersey – Kristina Moore
• Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party of the United Kingdom – Sir Keir Starmer KCB QC
• VI Commonwealth Games Team