Deputy Premier Lorna Smith is leading a 17-member delegation on a trade mission designed to strengthen ties between the Virgin Islands and Guyana.

The mission’s “packed agenda” — which is scheduled to wrap up tomorrow — has included meetings and presentations with the Guyanese government and “prominent members” of the country’s business sectors, according to the VI government.

The primary objectives included presenting “financial services offerings, the advantages of using [VI] corporate structures, and [the territory’s] expertise in facilitating global cross-border business,” government stated in a Friday press release.

Since a major offshore oil discovery in 2015, Guyana’s economy has become one of the fastest growing in the world.

“Guyana has rapidly emerged as an economic powerhouse with an impressive overall growth rate and has been attracting investments from around the world,” the release stated. “As a global partner, the [VI] offers a natural alliance for Guyana.”

Delegates

Besides Ms. Smith — who is the minister of financial services, labour and trade — the delegation includes Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr. Karl Dawson, who is exploring potential agricultural partnerships to support the territory’s food security strategy.

Other delegates are BVI Finance CEO Elise Donovan, BVI Financial Services Commission Deputy Director Kishelle Blaize Cameron, BVI International Arbitration Centre Director Shan Greer, and Agriculture and Fisheries Director Theodore James.
Members of the VI business community across several sectors — such as law, insurance, and financial services — also joined.

“I am deeply pleased with the overwhelming turnout from our business community, who are making a substantial investment in funding their own trip to join this inaugural trade mission to Guyana,” Ms. Smith said. “Their enthusiasm not only underscores the potential of this venture but also their commitment to forging stronger ties within the Caribbean region.”

In the press release, government promised “an era of increased collaboration” between the VI and Guyana.