In a statement to the public during a press conference on Wednesday, October 23, Hon. Lorna Smith addressed her unexpected removal from her roles as Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade. Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley had dismissed Smith just hours earlier, citing his loss of confidence in her supporting … Continued
Honourable Julian Fraser, the Member for the Third Electoral District and Chairman of the Progressive United Party (PU), has realigned politically, rejoining the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government after years of separation from that party. Fraser’s move to the Government benches comes with a key appointment—he has been named Deputy Premier, a title previously held … Continued
UPDATE: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley delivered a special address to the public on Wednesday Morning confirming that Representative for the Third District Julian Fraser has crossed the floor to join the Government. In addition, Fraser has been appointed Deputy Premier and has been given a ministerial portfolio consisting of areas previously held by the Premier … Continued
Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley has announced that Tuesday, October 29, will be Budget Day for the Virgin Islands, marking the official presentation of the territory’s 2025 financial plans. While Premier Wheatley has kept details of the upcoming budget under wraps, he hinted during a recent interview on JTV’s Big Story that it will showcase the … Continued
Hon. Marlon Penn, Representative for the Eighth District, has sharply criticized Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley for spending $1.5 million on entertainment initiatives over the past 18 months. This amount, which excludes festival-related expenses, is approximately 15 times more than what the government has budgeted for resolving the territory’s ongoing water issues in 2024, … Continued
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley has made it clear that no additional funds will be provided to YOLO Promotions if their highly anticipated Vybz Kartel show, scheduled for March 2025, does not meet expectations. Speaking during an interview on JTV’s Big Story on Monday, October 14, the premier addressed growing public concerns … Continued
Opposition Leader Hon. Ronnie Skelton has raised concerns about the source of funding for the Government’s sponsorship of the upcoming Vybz Kartel concert, scheduled for March 2025. The event, organized by YOLO Promotions, is set to feature the Jamaican dancehall artist in the British Virgin Islands for the first time. Skelton’s comments follow the recent … Continued
At least two ministers within the government of Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley have voiced opposition to the use of taxpayer funds to support an upcoming concert that will be headlined by Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, scheduled for March 2025 in the British Virgin Islands. Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna Smith and Minister for Communication and … Continued
Following the recent decision to grant visa-free access to Guyanese nationals, the Government of the Virgin Islands is now considering extending the same privilege to citizens of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley announced at a press conference on Monday that the government is actively exploring the possibility of removing … Continued
Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley is advocating for the removal of the Governor from presiding over the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands, in an effort to increase autonomy over the territory’s policy-making process. Premier Wheatley raised this issue during a recent session of the House of Assembly, calling for the Opposition to put aside … Continued
