The Premier’s Office has expanded its portfolio in a recent ministerial reorganization, assuming responsibilities for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Veterinary Services, previously managed by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.
Additionally, Constitutional Advancement has been formally added to the Premier’s Office, consolidating its role in constitutional matters and further broadening its leadership over these critical subjects.
His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, signed the instruments of appointment finalizing the changes, which affect five ministerial portfolios. Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, will now lead the Premier’s Office along with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and the newly renamed Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Dr. Wheatley will be supported by Junior Ministers Dr. Karl Dawson for Agriculture and Fisheries and Luce Hodge-Smith for Culture and Tourism.
The reshuffle also brings the following changes:
- Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development: Gains oversight of Statistics from the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, and District Councils from the Premier’s Office.
- Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation: Formerly the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, it has expanded to include Cooperatives, Industrial Development (including incentives), Immigration, and the RATED Programme, among others.
- Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change: Now led by Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser, this ministry gains responsibilities for Building Inspection and Standards, Electrical Inspection, Housing, and Town and Country Planning.
- Ministry of Communications and Works: Now includes Alternative Energy, transferred from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.
This reorganization is intended to streamline and focus ministry roles, enhancing government efficiency in tackling key areas such as food security, economic development, and climate resilience.
The Premier’s Office, in particular, now holds a central role in shaping the future of constitutional reform and agriculture, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable growth and autonomy in the Virgin Islands.