Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley will be absent from the Territory from Friday, November 15, 2024, to Friday, November 22, 2024, to attend the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meetings in the United Kingdom.

In the Premier’s absence, Honourable Kye Rymer, Minister for Communications and Works, will act as Premier and Minister of Finance from November 15 to 17, 2024. Honourable Rymer’s appointment is in accordance with the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 Section 55 (2) which states, “If both the Premier and the Deputy Premier are expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise another Minister designated by the 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 either the Premier or the Deputy Premier.”

Additionally, Honourable Julian Fraser, Deputy Premier, will assume the role of acting Premier and Minister of Finance from November 17 to 22, 2024, upon his return to the Territory on the evening of Sunday, November 17, 2024. Honourable Fraser’s appointment is in accordance with Section 55 (1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 which states, “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.”

The JMC is the principal forum for reviewing and implementing the shared strategy for promoting the security and good governance of OverseasTerritories, as well as their sustainable economic and social development.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to promoting the sustainable development, prosperity, and good governance of the Territory. The Government works closely with various stakeholders, including the UK Government, to ensure security and well-being, while fostering an environment of transparency, accountability, and progress.