On 20^th December 2018, I received a letter from Member of the Opposition Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton. Other signatures affixed to the letter are that of Opposition Members namely Honourable Archibald C. Christian and Honourable Melvin Mitch Turnbull. Honourable Skelton in making representation via the letter requested that he be appointed Leader of the Opposition.

After seeking appropriate legal advice and in accordance with The Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, I wish to announce that effective 21^st December, 2018, the appointment of Honourable Andrew Fahie as the Leader of the Opposition is revoked in accordance with section 70 (3) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.

Under section 70 (1) and (2) (a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, the Governor is empowered to appoint a Leader of the Opposition and shall so appoint a member of the House of Assembly recommended by a majority of the elected members of the House who are members of any opposition party whose numerical strength in the House is greater than that of any other opposition party.

Therefore, effective 22^nd December, 2018, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton is appointed Leader of the Opposition in accordance with section 70 (2) (b) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.  

I thank the Honourable Andrew Fahie for serving the people of the Virgin Islands as the Leader of the Opposition.

I wish Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton all the best in his new role as Leader of the Opposition.