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

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.