Sharie de Castro Appointed Acting Premier
Minister Sharie B. de Castro has been appointed as Acting Premier of the Virgin Islands while Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley participates in constitutional negotiations in London. Her temporary appointment follows a rotation of executive duties during the overseas delegation. Premier Wheatley is scheduled to return to the Territory upon concluding the high-level talks with United Kingdom officials.
Minister Sharie B. de Castro has officially assumed the role of Acting Premier of the Virgin Islands following the formal presentation of her instruments of appointment by Acting Governor David D. During this temporary appointment, Hon. de Castro is carrying out the extensive responsibilities of the territory's highest executive office.
In addition to serving as head of government, her acting responsibilities include overseeing the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry for Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. The leadership assignment comes as Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D.
Wheatley continues official business in London, United Kingdom. Wheatley is currently leading the Virgin Islands delegation in the second round of formal constitutional negotiations with UK officials. These crucial discussions focus on modernising the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, aiming to secure governance reforms that reflect the evolving democratic aspirations and priorities of the people of the Virgin Islands.
Prior to Hon. de Castro stepping into the role on Friday, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Wheatley handled the executive duties as Acting Premier from earlier in the week. The rotational handover ensures uninterrupted governance while key cabinet ministers assist in advancing both local administration and external constitutional dialogue.
Premier Wheatley is scheduled to return to the Virgin Islands this weekend to resume his full portfolio and provide updates on the progress made during the bilateral constitutional talks in the United Kingdom.
Primary source: VINO