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 by Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE.
Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley made the announcement in a special to the public on Wednesday.
The shake-up has seen Smith removed from all her ministerial portfolios, including her former role overseeing Financial Services, Labour, and Trade.
Premier Wheatley indicated that while Smith was an effective Deputy Premier, doubts about her long-term commitment to the administration led to the decision.
Wheatley emphasized the need for political stability, especially with significant governance reforms, constitutional negotiations, and economic development on the horizon.
Honourable Fraser’s return to a position of prominence has stirred the political waters, leading to several points of discussion in the public domain.
Several members of the public noted that the move came as no surprise, as Fraser has long indicated his openness to aligning with the Natalio Wheatley-led administration should he be given the opportunity and an appealing appointment.
Smith’s removal comes just weeks after she was one of 2 members of the Cabinet to speak out publicly about the premier’s decision to give $220,000 of public funds to a private promoter.