Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley will join leaders from across the Caribbean Overseas Territories (OT) for a caucus of Caribbean OT leaders on Saturday, July 29 in Miami.

The objective of this official attendance is to continue to promote the overall socio-economic and political interests of the Virgin Islands through strengthening regional collaboration.

Premier Wheatley said, “This gathering is an opportunity for us to engage with other leaders from the Caribbean Overseas Territories to exchange views on issues of mutual concern and find common ground on various matters.”

The Premier added, “By identifying priority areas ahead of the upcoming Joint Ministerial Council meeting later this year, we can amplify our collective voice and work towards solutions that benefit all our territories as we confront various challenges and seize new opportunities; unity and solidarity among the OTs are paramount.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services Labour and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, has been appointed to act as Premier and Minister of Finance from July 28 to July 30 while Premier Wheatley is away from the Virgin Islands. The Premier is scheduled to return to the Territory on July 30. 

Honourable Smith’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.”