Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone was sworn in as Deputy Premier today, December 17.

His Excellency the Governor Mr. Augustus J. U. Jaspert acting in accordance with Section 52 (2) of the Constitution of the Virgin Islands and with advice from the Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, appointed Honourable Malone as Deputy Premier for a period of three months with effect from December 17, 2019.

Premier Fahie congratulated Honourable Malone on his appointment and thanked the Governor and his Ministers of Government for agreeing to follow through on an unconventional area of the Constitution which allows the appointment of each minister to serve in the post of Deputy Premier for three months.

The Premier also commended the Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent Wheatley, whom he said served with distinction and demonstrated great enthusiasm while serving in the capacity of Deputy Premier. Honourable Vincent Wheatley served as Deputy Premier for an extended period of four months.

The Premier said, “The rotation of ministers in the role of Deputy Premier for a period of  three months each has enabled the ministers to improve and helped them to become more surefooted and confident in their decision making.”

“You cannot expect people to perform if you do not give them the tools, the training and the opportunity to develop and sharpen their skills,” Premier Fahie added.

Every three months for the first year, each minister will be given the opportunity to serve in the office of Deputy Premier. The temporary appointments allow for each minister to get the experience and ensure that they develop in all areas of Government, and that after the first year someone will be named permanently to the post.

Attached:  Photograph of Government Ministers and Governor at the Swearing in Ceremony for Honourable Carvin Malone as Deputy Premier. (Photogragh/Franklyn Skerritt)