Waste Management Rewards Persons for Environmental Stewardship
The Government of the Virgin Islands will hold a press conference on Friday, 3 October 2025 where Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley will brief the public on recent developments and priorities, including a new awards programme recognising environmental stewardship. Immediately after the briefing the Premier will travel to New York to speak at the United Nations General Assembly, and Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser will act as Premier from 6–8 October 2025, the Government said.
The Government of the Virgin Islands will host a press conference on Friday, 3 October 2025 in the Conference Room on the first floor of the Cutlass Building, the Department of Information and Public Relations has said. Media are asked to RSVP through the Department; the dress code for the event is business attire.
At the press conference Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley will provide updates on a number of territory priorities, the Government said. Among the items listed for discussion are outcomes and follow-up actions from the recent Anti-Crime Summit, progress regarding the Order in Council, details of Baroness Margaret Hodge’s recent visit to the Territory, and the current status of the Constitutional Review.
These topics form part of the administration’s ongoing public information programme and will be addressed with members of the media. Also on the agenda is an announcement and recognition programme under the theme "Waste Management Rewards for Environmental Stewardship." The Government said the initiative aims to recognise residents and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding care for the environment through waste reduction, recycling and other stewardship activities.
Officials have indicated that details on award recipients and the selection criteria will be shared at the press conference. Newly released information from the Government notes that immediately after the press conference Premier Wheatley will travel to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
According to the Government, the Premier is scheduled to make a presentation to the Fourth Committee during the Assembly later that week. The United Nations opened the 80th ordinary session on 9 September 2025 and it runs until 8 September 2026 under the theme "Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights," the UN states.
Because the Premier will be absent from the Territory from Monday, 6 October to Wednesday, 8 October 2025, the Government has appointed the Honourable Julian Fraser, RA, Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, to carry out the duties of Premier during that period.
The acting appointment also covers the Premier’s ministerial responsibilities for Finance; Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development; and Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation. The Government said the appointment was made in accordance with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which empowers the Governor to authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier where the Premier is expected to be absent for more than forty-eight hours.
Members of the media seeking further information or international enquiries were asked to contact BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. For general government services, call (284) 468-3701 or use WhatsApp at (284) 468-9760, the Department of Information and Public Relations noted. The Department supplied the release and confirmed logistical details for attendance and enquiries.
Primary source: BVI Government