Premier Leads Delegation to UK Constitutional Talks
Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley is leading a high-level government delegation to London for constitutional negotiations scheduled from September 21 to 26, with formal talks taking place between September 23 and 25. Several acting ministerial appointments have taken effect across the Virgin Islands Government to ensure administrative continuity while key officials are away on official duty.
Wheatley has departed the Virgin Islands to lead a senior government delegation to London, England, for pivotal constitutional negotiations taking place from September 21 to 26. According to official announcements from the Premier's Office and the BVI London Office, formal negotiation sessions with United Kingdom officials are scheduled to run from September 23 to 25.
Accompanying the Premier on the high-level mission are Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser, Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer, and Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports Honourable Sharie B. deCastro. The constitutional talks represent a critical juncture in shaping the future governance framework and modernising the relationship between the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.
The travel period coincides with other significant international assignments for members of the government. Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley is scheduled to attend several major regional health forums in Washington, D.C., from September 26 to October 3.
His schedule includes the 53rd Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development, the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization, and the Session of the Regional Committee of the World Health Organization of the Americas. Additionally, Junior Minister Honourable Lorna Smith is set to serve as a featured speaker at the Outbound Summit in New York City, taking place from September 23 to 28.
To manage public affairs and maintain seamless government operations while several ministers are away on official duty, the government has established a comprehensive series of acting appointments. Wheatley is serving as Acting Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation from September 21 to 24.
Following that period, Honourable Sharie deCastro will assume those ministerial responsibilities from September 25 to 26 upon concluding her role in the London talks. Further temporary Cabinet appointments have also been instituted to cover portfolios during the delegation's absence.
Territorial At-Large Representative Honourable Stacy R. Mather, MBE, has been appointed to act as Minister responsible for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change from September 21 to 26. In addition, Fourth District Representative Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith will serve as Minister responsible for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports from September 21 to 24.
Premier Wheatley is scheduled to return to the Virgin Islands on the evening of September 26. Government officials noted that these constitutional engagements and administrative arrangements remain central to promoting good governance, institutional stability, and long-term sustainable development across the Territory.
Primary source: BVI Government