Local News

Premier Sacks Deputy in Major Cabinet Shake-Up, Appoints Julian Fraser

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2024

Editor

British Virgin Islands Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley in a significant Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday sacked Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE, citing a lack of confidence in her commitment to his administration for the remainder of the term.

In a virtual statement on October 23, Wheatley appointed former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) member and Third District representative Julian Fraser to the vacant position.

“I’m pleased to announce that the honourable Julian Fraser, member for the third electoral district, is now a member of my government who will sit on the government front benches going forward,” Wheatley said.

He noted that Fraser remains the chairman of the PU party but has now aligned with the Virgin Islands Party, where he was a longtime member.

Fraser, who left the VIP after losing the leadership vote in 2017 to establish PU, will also take on the role of Minister for Labour and Immigration.

Governor David Pruce on Tuesday signed the instruments of appointment, and Fraser was officially sworn in.

Wheatley thanked Smith for her service but stressed that her dismissal is “a necessary change,” stating, “I do so with a heavy heart. She did not give me the confidence that she would remain with my administration for the duration of this term.”

He underscored the importance of “political stability at this time” as the territory’s leaders focus on vital reforms.

Smith, who won the Territorial-At-Large vote for the National Democratic Party in the April 2023 general elections, had previously switched her allegiance to assist the ruling Virgin Islands Party in forming a government. She held the portfolio for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade.

Wheatley highlighted that Fraser “brings much to the table” and that his political experience is “invaluable.”

He reassured stakeholders of his “full commitment to the financial services and trade.”

Fraser is noted as the longest-serving politician in the territory, having previously served as Deputy Premier under the late Premier Ralph T. O’Neal.

Up Next

Dismissed Deputy Premier Lorna Smith Notified of Removal via Letter from Premier

Don't Miss

FirstBank Customers Accounts Show Zero or Negative Balances Electronically

Click to comment

Local News

Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands

Published

1 week ago

February 27, 2026

Editor

The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).

The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.

According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.

“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.

Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.

Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.

Entertainment

Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua

Published

2 weeks ago

February 22, 2026

Editor

Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.

Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.

Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.

Entertainment

Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut

Published

2 weeks ago

February 20, 2026

Editor

Caribbean designer Andrea Wilson has thanked her supporters after showing her first New York Fashion Week showcase on February 14 in Manhattan — a milestone that also celebrated ten years of her swim and resort wear label, The Islander.

Her showcase, I’Landed in the Big Apple, was both anniversary and arrival in one of fashion’s global capitals. More than 20 new designs from her latest collection, Ocean Odyssey, swept down the runway in saturated colour and fluid silhouettes alongside a retrospective capsule from her earlier Wave Collection.

Collectively, the pieces traced a decade of design shaped by Caribbean light, landscape and movement.

“It was an experience,” Andrea said afterwards. “There were hiccups — a venue change, flight delays — but I am simply grateful. This would not have been possible without my family, my friends, the models and my extraordinary team who worked tirelessly to make it happen.”

She offered particular thanks to the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, who attended and walked the runway in support of Caribbean fashion.

He wore designs by Andrea and fellow British Virgin Islands creative Germain Smith, whose label Kym’Asia is known for its fluid, gender-expansive approach to couture. Emerging designer Morgan Creque, founder of Trippy Tortuga, also presented work during the evening.

Jewellery for the showcase was created by Ammique Mills of Artistry, whose striking pieces are crafted from sea-worn fabrics and natural elements, complementing the island-inspired collections.

Approximately 30 models — representing the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis,

the United Kingdom and the United States — took part in the show. The models also competed in the Anastacia Magazine Model Competition, where Keedencia Harris of St Kitts and Nevis won the top model prize, with her fellow islanders taking second and third places,

showing the depth of emerging Caribbean talent.

Former Miss British Virgin Islands Universe World Ayana Phillips, also known as DJ Lady Mix, curated the soundtrack, infusing the space with Caribbean rhythm and energy.For Andrea, a 2016 Branson Centre Entrepreneur, the New York debut signals wider ambitions.

“Next year we will elevate the experience even further in New York City,” she said. “By year’s end, we are setting our sights on Africa. I am thankful beyond words to everyone who has supported this journey.”

The showcase was filmed as part of a reality series in development documenting Wilson’s path to New York Fashion Week, with plans for international broadcast and festival screenings across the United States and Europe.

Photography was led by New York-based Cheryl Gorski and British Virgin Islands photographer

Kelvin Titley, supported by videographers Camroy Peters and Jordan Lewis.