Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye Rymer was sworn in as Deputy Premier today, June 6.

His Excellency the Governor Mr. Augustus 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 Rymer as Deputy Premier for a period of three months with effect from June 6, 2019 until September

Premier Fahie congratulated Honourable Rymer 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 took the opportunity to commend the Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley for demonstrating great enthusiasm while serving during his three months.

He said, “By allowing our Ministers to take turns in the office of Deputy Premier, we are giving them a wider, more comprehensive view of the functioning of the whole government system while equipping them to take on bigger challenges in the future.”

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.