Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Julian Fraser, RA, has been appointed Acting Premier of the Virgin Islands until Friday, June 20.
The appointment was made in the absence of Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, who is currently on official duty travel attending the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority Heads of Government meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which runs from June 16 to 20.
Governor Daniel Pruce appointed Honourable Fraser in accordance with Section 52(2) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007. The section states, “The Governor, acting in accordance with the advice of the Premier, shall, by instrument under the Public Seal, appoint Ministers from among the elected members of the House of Assembly.”
During this period, Honourable Fraser will also assume responsibility for the portfolios of Minister of Finance; Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development; and Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation.
The Acting Premier’s appointment is also guided by Section 55(1) of the Constitution, which provides: “If the Premier is expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of the Premier.”
Honourable Fraser confirmed his assumption of duties, stating, “I am pleased to assume the duties of Premier in Dr. Wheatley’s absence and to oversee the affairs of the Territory, ensuring the continuity and smooth operation of the people’s business.”
