The British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) Premier and Finance Minister, Natalio Wheatley, has announced that Guyanese citizens will soon be granted visa-free travel to the BVI.
During a press conference, Premier Wheatley emphasized the importance of building closer connections with Guyana, noting the South American nation’s transformation into an emerging global power.
He highlighted the country’s economic success, particularly in the oil sector, and its rise in global diplomacy, evidenced by its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. “Guyana is a model for sustainable growth and international diplomacy,” Wheatley said.
The Premier pointed to the exponential growth of Guyana’s economy, particularly in the oil industry, where the sector expanded by 124.8% in 2022. However, he was quick to stress that the country’s development extends beyond oil, highlighting the success of Guyana’s non-oil sectors and its balanced approach to economic growth.
Wheatley suggested that the visa-free travel arrangement could foster new business opportunities, increase tourism, and boost bilateral exchanges between the BVI and Guyana. He underscored Guyana’s rising profile as a focal point for global investment, noting its vast oil reserves and increasing influence in international diplomacy.
“Guyana’s position on the UN Security Council places it in a pivotal role to influence global policies on peace and security, while also amplifying the Caribbean’s voice on the international stage,” he added.Wheatley also discussed Guyana’s close ties with China, emphasizing the significance of their trading relationship. In 2022, bilateral trade between the two nations reached $1.88 billion, making Guyana China’s most significant trading partner among CARICOM members.
This partnership, Wheatley noted, has solidified Guyana’s status as a major player in the global economy.To formalize these growing ties, the BVI and Guyana are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and tourism.
While specific details of the MoU were not disclosed, the visa-free travel arrangement is expected to take effect once final agreements are reached, facilitating more frequent exchanges between the two territories.
The BVI Cabinet approved visa-free travel for Guyanese citizens last week. This development follows a 17-member trade mission from the BVI to Guyana in early August.
Discussions regarding the removal of visa restrictions have been ongoing since August 2022, when BVI Deputy Premier Lorna G. Smith first indicated that the matter was under consideration by the Cabinet.
