Labour’s Dame Margaret Hodge and the Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell hit out at “dither and delay”, ahead of this week’s summit between UK government officials and overseas territories, such as the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) and Cayman Islands, in London.

Full story: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/17/uk-territories-laundering-money-crime-margaret-hodge-andrew-mitchell

Premier of the Virgin Islands Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley is out of the Territory attending the said, annual Joint Ministerial Counsel Meeting in the UK, which is held at the end of each calendar year. 

In an unforeseen upset, the Premier fired his Financial Services Minister, the Honourable Lorna Smith just a couple weeks ago. 

The financial services industry and many other residents alike, have expressed concern about her abrupt firing, with some pointing out an apparent void now in the Government make up. Many both locally and internationally, see her as an invaluable source in the industry. 

The Honourable Smith is also known to have fiercely protected the Virgin Islands and the financial services sector against Dame Hodge in an interview during a visit to the UK just a couple years ago. 

The territory remains concerned over the leadership style of the now Premier Wheatley, and his need to retain power over the best interest of the Territory.