GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The British Virgin islands (BVI) says discussions are taking place with Guyana on the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) allow for visa-free travel between the two Caribbean countries.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley during Monday’s CARICOM summit sessionBVI Premier, Dr Natalio Wheatley, who is here attending the 46th regular meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders here, noted that as a result of the close relations between the two countries and the fact that Guyana’s economy has grown due to its oil reserves, there have been requests for the BVI to remove the restrictions on visas to Guyana.
“It only makes sense for us to form stronger economic ties with these nations, especially when you have a nation like Guyana which has so many natural resources, benefits, and advantages that we could benefit from as a territory. Just as how Guyanese nationals have been able to benefit from working from within the BVI economy,” he said.
While noting that he fully supports this endeavour, Premier Wheatley said that the obstacles posed by visas prevent countries from forging better economic ties.
“We are discussing a memorandum of understanding that hopefully we would want the BVI and Guyana to sign to speak about the type of relationship that we have…So, certainly, as a part of that MoU, we would see that matter being handled quite speedily,” Dr Wheatley highlighted.
Last July, a 16-member team from the BVI travelled to Guyana to advance talks on commerce, investment, and improved collaboration. More than 1,000 Guyanese are residing in the BVI.
