Premier Wheatley Attends CARICOM Summit in St
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley is attending the 51st Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM in St. Lucia from 5 to 9 July. Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has been appointed to act as Premier during this regional trip as well as for an upcoming trade mission to India in August.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Wheatley is currently away from the Virgin Islands to attend the 51st Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, spanning Sunday, 5 July to Thursday, 9 July 2026. The regional conference is convening under the chairmanship of Saint Lucia's Prime Minister, the Honourable Philip J.
The summit's opening proceedings included remarks from Prime Minister Pierre, outgoing CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of St. Terrance Drew, and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Caribbean leaders are participating in business sessions from 6 to 8 July to deliberate on strategic regional policies, economic resilience, and shared community priorities.
In accordance with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser has been authorized to carry out the functions of the Premier until Dr. Wheatley returns to the Territory on Thursday evening, 9 July. The constitutional provision specifies that the Governor shall authorize the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier whenever the head of government is expected to be absent for more than forty-eight hours.
This regional conference forms part of an active international travel schedule for the Premier. Following his return from Saint Lucia, Dr. Wheatley is also slated to lead a high-level financial services trade mission to India from Thursday, 20 August to Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
Deputy Premier Fraser will again assume the role of acting Premier during that two-week overseas mission. The Government of the Virgin Islands stated that the mission to India will focus on marketing and expanding the Territory's foundational financial services industry. Trade missions of this nature aim to reinforce international relationships, attract foreign investment, explore fintech and regulatory collaboration, and elevate the BVI's global market visibility through discussions with industry leaders and regulatory partners.
Officials assure residents that these temporary acting arrangements will not affect standard public administration or day-to-day government operations. The Premier's Office continues to oversee cross-sectoral initiatives under the Deputy Premier's acting leadership. The public can access government services through the main switchboard at (284) 468-3701, WhatsApp at (284) 468-9760, or online at https://gov.vg.
Media inquiries may be directed to Angela U. Burns at the Premier's Office or via BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com.
Primary source: BVI Government