STATEMENT BY ACTING PREMIER OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DR. THE HONOURABLE NATALIO D. WHEATLEY

 CONCERNING UNAUTHORISED CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE PREMIER'S OFFICE

WEDNESDAY, 4^TH MAY, 2022

Fellow Virgin Islanders

A pleasant good afternoon. I would like to inform the public of a recent development. It has come to my attention that correspondence is circulating on the Premier’s Office letterhead and stamped by the International Affairs Secretariat regarding diplomatic immunity of Premier Andrew A. Fahie who remains in the federal custody of the United States Government.

Both the Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Dr. Carolyn O’Neal-Morton, and I were unaware of the correspondence dated 3^rd May. At the time, I was in the House of Assembly and the Permanent Secretary in her office carrying out her normal functions. 

It appears that the preparation and sending out of the correspondence were the actions of a rogue Public Officer who acted without the authorization or the knowledge of myself as Acting Premier or the Permanent Secretary. The content of this letter regarding diplomatic immunity for Honourable Fahie does not reflect the position of the Premier’s Office or the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Dr. O’Neal-Morton is currently engaged with the Deputy Governor Mr. David Archer to have the matter immediately investigated and addressed without any delay.   

I have also updated His Excellency Governor John J. Rankin, CMG on the situation and he has assured me that he will act immediately.

Thank you for your attention.