Caribbean Too Small to Face Global Crises Alone, BVI Warns as It Pushes for Stronger Global Alliances

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is calling on Caribbean nations to strengthen partnerships with countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, warning that the region is too small to weather growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and global conflicts on its own.

The appeal was made during the Second Regional Conference on South-South Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile.

Speaking virtually, BVI Special Envoy and Vice Chair of the Regional Conference, Benito Wheatley, urged delegates to accelerate the establishment of cooperation mechanisms between the Caribbean, Latin America and other regions, arguing that stronger international partnerships are essential to securing the region’s long-term sustainable development.

“The Caribbean is too small in size and influence to navigate the new international environment on its own,” Wheatley said, stressing that the region must build stronger relationships with reliable partners across the Global South to withstand the impacts of geopolitical instability, economic volatility and international conflict.

He said regional cooperation, supported by international organisations, has become increasingly important as pressure continues to mount on the global multilateral system. According to Wheatley, closer collaboration would help provide more stable development support while reducing the Caribbean’s exposure to external shocks.

The Special Envoy also renewed calls for greater climate justice, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Caribbean nations that remain highly vulnerable to climate change despite many being ineligible for critical climate financing. He said governments across the region continue investing in resilience but require stronger international support to safeguard their future.

Wheatley further advocated for South-South and triangular cooperation to be fully integrated into the post-2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, saying such partnerships will be vital to advancing sustainable development beyond the current global framework.

“As a Regional Conference we are making good progress on cooperation arrangements and must continue to work toward a clear and efficient framework for South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation,” he said.

“In the first instance, a regional basis can provide much needed development assistance and support that would further advance our sustainable development and climate resilience, which would be subject to less disruptions from geopolitical turmoil, economic volatility and foreign conflicts. The BVI and wider Caribbean will certainly benefit from closer cooperation with our Global South partners in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia as we pursue sustainable development beyond 2030.”

The British Virgin Islands currently serves as Vice Chair of the Second Regional Conference on South-South Cooperation on Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, a subsidiary body of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

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