Student Sworn In As Premier for Week
Roman Nibbs Alberto, a 17-year-old 12th Grade student at Elmore Stoutt High School, was sworn in today as the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Premier for a Week in a ceremony officiated by His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce. The week-long programme, coordinated by the Premier’s Office, will give Mr. Nibbs Alberto and his Cabinet ministers hands-on experience in government, including meetings with ministers, governance training, public engagements and possible inter-island travel, the Government of the Virgin Islands said in a press release.
Roman Nibbs Alberto, a 17-year-old 12th Grade student of Elmore Stoutt High School, was sworn in today as Premier for a Week in a ceremony officiated by His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce, the Government of the Virgin Islands said in a press release from the Premier’s Office. Nibbs Alberto’s Cabinet Ministers — Niaeika Aymer, Trishelle Phillips, Rudell Stoute and Zhane Waters — also took the Oath of Allegiance.
The swearing-in forms part of the Premier for a Week initiative run by the Premier’s Office, which aims to give young people first-hand exposure to government, leadership and public service. During his week in office, the student Premier will take part in official government activities and high-level meetings, receive training in governance, and attend key discussions with ministers, the release said.
He is scheduled to engage with the public through a featured radio or television interview, work with a communications team, and be supported by a personal assistant while carrying out assigned duties. The Government’s statement notes that, where scheduled, the student Premier may travel with the Honourable Dr.
Wheatley between islands and will be authorised to use official resources when representing the Office of the Premier in a professional capacity. These practical duties are designed to give participants direct experience with the inner workings of government, including policy-making and inter-agency coordination.
Officials from the Premier’s Office emphasised that the programme is intended to foster civic engagement among young people and to sharpen public speaking and decision-making skills. By exposing students to real-world governance challenges, the initiative also aims to support a pipeline of future leaders who better understand the responsibilities of elected office and the importance of transparent, effective public service.
The Premier’s Office serves as the focal point for cross-sectoral policy and programme coordination in the Territory, and the release highlighted how the Premier for a Week complements broader commitments to good governance and sustainable development across the Virgin Islands. The Government said the exercise promotes a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society.
Residents, schools and youth groups interested in similar civic opportunities are encouraged to follow announcements from the Premier’s Office and the Government of the Virgin Islands. For more information, the Premier’s Office press contact listed in the release is Angela U. Burns, Information Officer II, Premier’s Office, Government of the Virgin Islands.
The swearing-in marks the start of an intensive week of learning and public service for Mr. Nibbs Alberto and his Cabinet, and underscores the Territory’s ongoing efforts to involve young people in public life and community development.
Primary source: BVI Government