THE PREMIER TO TRAVEL TO THE UK TO PAY RESPECTS FOLLOWING THE PASSING OF THE QUEEN

Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley has indicated that he will be travelling to the United Kingdom to pay his respects to the Royal Family and convey condolences on behalf of the territory following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Premier Wheatley made the statement in a tribute which was dedicated to paying respect to the Queen.

He reflected on the two visits by the Queen to the territory back in the 1960s and 1970s and what it meant to the people of the BVI.

“Virgin Islanders and residents who are old enough, will remember Her Majesty’s two visits to the Virgin Islands. First in 1966, Her Majesty was accompanied by her husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Then again in 1977 when my grandfather, Chief Minister Dr the Honourable Willard Wheatley, had the honour of hosting her here in the territory,” Premier Wheatley stated.

He added, “The people of the Virgin Islands welcomed her visits to these shores and the opportunity to interact with her. Historians recall, in both visits, Her Majesty’s cool composure, confidence and charm as she mingled with residents at handicraft and agricultural exhibitions, the hospital, schools, the opening of the bridge named in her honour, and other places she visited. She made a lasting connection which has endured until today.”

Dr Wheatley said the legacy left behind by the Queen in her seven-decade-long reign as monarch of the United Kingdom is unmatched.

He said, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II leaves with us a legacy that reflects an unconquerable spirit, a monarch who was driven by her confidence in herself and her abilities. She will be remembered here in these Virgin Islands and around the world for her noble service to humankind.”

The premier also extended condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of his government and the people of the territory.

“We join the world in mourning Her Majesty, and on behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, and on behalf of myself and family, I extend condolences to the Royal Family, British citizens around the world, and the Commonwealth Community on the Queen’s passing,” he expressed.