Premier Wheatley Attends UN Decolonisation Talks
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has travelled to the United Kingdom to participate in a United Nations Special Political and Decolonisation Committee meeting. During his official absence, Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has been appointed to act as Premier until October 7. The trip highlights the Territory's ongoing commitment to international diplomacy and self-determination discussions.
Wheatley is currently in the United Kingdom attending meetings of the United Nations Special Political and Decolonisation Committee, also known as the Fourth Committee, during the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Fourth Committee considers a wide range of critical global matters, including a cluster of five decolonisation-related agenda items directly relevant to Non-Self-Governing Territories like the British Virgin Islands.
Additionally, the committee oversees agenda items concerning the effects of atomic radiation, international information policies, peacekeeping operations, and special political missions. Participation in these high-level discussions provides the Virgin Islands with a critical platform to advocate for its constitutional evolution, territorial interests, and sustainable development.
The Government of the Virgin Islands noted that it remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the Territory through strategic international engagement, multilateral dialogue, and regional cooperation. While Premier Wheatley is away from the Territory on official duty, Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has been appointed to act as Premier.
The acting appointment took effect on October 4 and will conclude upon the Premier's scheduled return to the Virgin Islands on October 7. Deputy Premier Fraser's appointment was executed in accordance with Section 55 (1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007. The constitutional provision stipulates that 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 until the Premier returns to the Territory.
The administration continues to maintain standard operations across all ministries and statutory bodies while the Premier represents the Territory abroad.
Primary source: BVI Government