Deputy Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley will be the Acting Premier of the territory until October 3 as Premier Andrew Fahie is away on business at the ongoing Seatrade Cruise 2021 Global convention in Miami.
This was confirmed in a government commissioned media release dated Monday September 27.
It said, “Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie is away from the Virgin Islands attending the Seatrade Cruise 2021 Global convention in Miami, Florida from September 26 to October 3.”
“Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. Natalio Wheatley will act as Premier and Minister of Finance and carry out the duties during this period of Premier Fahie’s absence,” the release added.
Dr. Wheatley’s appointment is in accordance with Section 55 (1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 which states, “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; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of the Premier.”