Premier and Minister for Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley was engaged in discussions to advance the approved Blue Economy Strategic Road Map and the recently completed National Development Plan.

Premier Wheatley met with Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ms. Limya Eltayeb to discuss developing and implementing actions to further both these strategies, as well as other high priority areas such as economic development, social justice, and public sector reform.

The Premier said, “It was certainly a pleasure receiving the credentials of Ms. Limya Eltayeb. We were able to discuss vital areas of cooperation including the blue economy, agriculture, the digital transformation of the public service, and the implementation of our soon to be laid sustainable development plan among other critical areas of importance.”

He also added, “Based on Ms. Eltayeb’s knowledge, experience and passion, I am confident that her mission here in the region will yield a great deal of progress for the Virgin Islands.”

Ms. Eltayeb stated that she is anticipating the continued relations between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the UNDP. She said, “I look forward to exploring with you specific areas of cooperation, such as the implementation of national and sectoral plans based on achieving the above mentioned strategies; supporting the civil service capacities and institutional development for implementation; digitalisation as a catalyst for service delivery and inclusive growth; as well as policy support and expertise for social and economic reforms more broadly.’’

Ms. Eltayeb reiterated that the UNDP is committed to enhancing their support to the Virgin Islands through the UNDP’s Multi Country Office in Barbados and its worldwide network.

The official meeting followed a recent mission to the Virgin Islands in November 2022, which included the head of the UNDP Poverty, Governance, Monitoring and Evaluation Cluster, Mr. Jason LaCorbiniere. The mission was regarded by Ms. Eltayeb as “successful in further distilling the areas of need and support identified by senior public servants in Government”.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to fostering national political, economic, and social development in the Territory.