In a letter to the new leader, the Chief Minister said the Government and the people of the BVI join in congratulating Dr Lewis and his colleagues in Montserrat, which is also a United Kingdom Overseas Territory.

Smith assured Lewis of the BVI’s continued support as he leads Montserrat on the path to restoring economic vibrancy. Smith said he remains committed to maintaining the very good relations the two territories have enjoyed over the years.

Smith added that he is looking forward to meeting and welcoming Lewis at next week’s Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Heads of Government Meeting in St Kitts and Nevis.

“Our backgrounds are similar, in that we are both medical doctors and first time chief ministers,” said Smith.

Smith asked that the BVI’s best wishes for a successful term be relayed to other members of the Montserrat Government. “The people of this Territory continue to keep the Government and people of Montserrat in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.

Lewis became the Chief Minister of Montserrat following general elections in that Territory on May 31.