Fraser Praises Wheatley’s Work With Pickering
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser defended Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s collaborative leadership in the House of Assembly, praising his decision to work with climate envoy Dr Kedrick D. Pickering. Fraser cited Pickering’s role at COP30 in Brazil and his knowledge of the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund as evidence of the value of continuity and bipartisan cooperation.
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has publicly praised Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley for embracing a collaborative approach to government, highlighting the Premier’s decision to work with climate envoy Dr Kedrick D. Pickering despite their electoral rivalry in 2019. Speaking in the House of Assembly recently, Fraser said Wheatley has remained focused on advancing the territory’s interests amid criticism from the Opposition Leader and parts of the public.
Fraser pointed to Pickering’s presence alongside the Premier in 2025 and his subsequent appointment to represent the British Virgin Islands at international climate talks as examples of unity in action. "In 2025, that former opponent (Dr Pickering) stood on the stage with him, shaking hands, taking photographs.
He was sent to Brazil to represent this country. That’s the bigger man he is," Fraser said. The reference to Brazil relates to the COP30 climate conference, where Dr Pickering was part of the delegation that sought international backing for climate finance solutions. A former Deputy Premier and long-serving legislator, Pickering has been credited with playing a key role in the original legislation that established the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund.
Fraser argued that Pickering’s institutional knowledge is an asset to the government. "Even this whole thing about the climate change trust fund — he knows more about it than all of us," Fraser said, adding that government members do not feel threatened by Pickering’s involvement.
He described the Trust Fund as an example of continuity and good governance, important for securing long-term financing for climate resilience projects in the territory. Fraser also signalled personal support for Pickering’s continued public role and even a possible return to frontline politics under the Virgin Islands Party banner. "And I hope that come next election, he’ll be standing on the VIP platform," Fraser said, prompting chuckles from government members.
Fraser used the remarks to make a broader point about leadership and governance in the BVI, urging politicians to accept and build on good ideas regardless of their origin. "The tendency is ‘my idea is always better than yours, and I’m going to scrap it and start over.' That’s what’s been happening in this country.
That’s why we’re so far behind," he said, adding that humility and openness are essential for progress. For BVI residents, the exchange underscores an ongoing focus on climate finance, institutional continuity and political reconciliation as the territory prepares for future challenges and elections.
Primary source: BVI News