Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Julian Fraser RA, has been appointed Acting Premier of the Virgin Islands until Friday, June 20.

The appointment comes in the absence of the Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, who is currently on official duty travel. Dr. Wheatley is attending the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority Heads of Government meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, from June 16 to June 20.

The Acting Premier’s appointment was made by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce in accordance with Section 52(2) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 which states, “The Governor, acting in accordance with the advice of the Premier, shall, by instrument under the Public Seal, appoint Ministers from among the elected members of the House of Assembly.”

During this period, Honourable Fraser will also serve as Minister of Finance, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, and Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation.

Honourable Fraser expressed his commitment to the role, stating: "I am pleased to assume the duties of Premier in Dr. Wheatley’s absence and to oversee the affairs of the Territory, ensuring the continuity and smooth operation of the people's business."

His appointment is also in accordance with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which provides: “If the Premier is expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of the Premier.”