Good afternoon ladies and gentleman of the press corps and persons listening via social media and radio.

My Administration remains committed to engagement with the press and the public, so I am very pleased to have this press conference today.

Thank you, Madame Speaker for allowing me this opportunity to make this brief statement to this Honourable House.

Honourable Members, over the past few weeks there have been a number of significant developments as it relates to the Governance of the Virgin Islands and how we are continuing to ensure the good conduct of the business of the people as their democratically elected Representatives under our current Constitutional arrangement.

Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley has affirmed that, “Reform itself remains a top priority of his administration”, in a public statement regarding key issues on government reform.

Fellow Virgin Islanders,

A pleasant good morning. As the Government of National Unity continues its third week in office, I would like to provide you with an update on key issues regarding reform.

A pleasant good morning to the Virgin Islands community; those of you joining us live via the radio and the various social media channels.

I especially wish to welcome the members of the media who are with us.

Consistent with your Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and overall keeping you informed on the work that we are doing to properly manage your affairs, I intend, as Premier, to continue the practice of holding regular press conferences to provide updates on current matters and answer questions from the media.

Left to Right – Cabinet Secretary Ms. Sandra Ward, Attorney General Honourable Dawn J. Smith, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull, Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer, His Excellency, the Governor and Chairman John J. Rankin, CMG, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Marlon A. Penn and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, and Sports Honourable Sharie de Castro. The first meeting with Members of the new Cabinet of the Virgin Islands was held on 11^th May, 2022 at the Premier’s Conference Room.

Members of the new Cabinet of the Virgin Islands seen here holding their Oaths of Cabinet Confidentiality, which were administered by Chairman, His Excellency, the Governor John J. Rankin, CMG

As I stated when I published the Commission of Inquiry report on 29 April, I believe it is a vital and hugely valuable contribution towards the achievement of better governance for the people of the BVI.

As you would recall, last Thursday, 5 May, 2022, your National Unity Government took office with a pledge to work together to urgently deal with a number of critical matters and to build a better Virgin Islands.

Good afternoon. 

I am very proud to stand before you today, now officially appointed Premier of the Virgin Islands.