Guyanese tourists will no longer need a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands (BVI), according to Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, who made the announcement at a press conference on Tortola. He expressed his pleasure at this development, noting that it will strengthen the relationship between the Virgin Islands and the region by facilitating easier travel, trade, tourism, and investment.
Premier Wheatley emphasized the importance of fostering regional collaboration, which opens up new opportunities for interpersonal communication between the two countries. He pointed out that visa-free travel has already benefited many Caribbean nations, and extending this privilege to Guyana is a recognition of the country’s significant role in regional collaboration and investment.
He also highlighted that Guyana is undergoing a historic economic transformation, driven largely by its expanding oil and gas industry, alongside rapid growth in sectors such as mining, construction, and agriculture.
Premier Wheatley commended Guyana as a model for international diplomacy and sustainable development, stating, “Guyana’s election to the United Nations Security Council positions it to influence global policies on peace and security, amplifying the Caribbean’s voice on the international stage.” He emphasized that Guyana’s substantial oil reserves and expanding non-oil sectors have established it as a key hub for international investment.
Wheatley noted that various nations, including the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, have already sent trade missions to Guyana, indicating a growing global interest in the country’s economic success.
Deputy Premier Lorna Smith also expressed her delight at the BVI government’s decision to eliminate visa requirements for Guyanese visitors. She highlighted that this change will enhance trade relations with the oil-rich nation, underscoring that Guyana is now one of the fastest-growing economies in the Western Hemisphere. As an associate member of CARICOM, she added that the BVI has always recognized Guyana’s potential.
Deputy Premier Lorna Smith emphasized the strong cultural connections between the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Guyana, noting that Guyanese represent the third-largest non-BVI population in the territory. She pointed out that for many years, BVI residents have collaborated with Guyanese in various professions, including mechanics, boat captains, teachers, and leaders in the financial services industry.
With the removal of visa requirements, Deputy Premier Smith highlighted that this change will make it easier for both nations to experience each other’s cultures, resulting in a “win-win” situation for both countries.
Regarding food security and agriculture, she reflected on her visit to Guyana last year, where she observed firsthand the developments in agriculture and their potential impact on the BVI.
“We see great opportunities to learn from Guyana; however, our current challenge is transportation for importing goods. This is an issue we are actively addressing, as we already have significant maritime trade between Guyana and the BVI, with potential for further expansion.”
She also shared plans to establish a Memorandum of Understanding between Guyana and the BVI to enhance cooperation in key areas like agriculture, which she considers “very critical” for the territory.
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