Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley, is attending the 74th Meeting of the OECS Authority being held in St. Kitts from February 14th to 15th, 2024.
The Premier’s attendance at this regional meeting is to continue promoting the overall socio-economic and political interests of the Virgin Islands.
Premier Wheatley is accompanied by Ms. Xyrah Wheatley, Assistant Secretary in the International Affairs Secretariat.
“As leader of Government business, I will seek to further engage in strategic discussions with our regional partners as we strive together towards a sustainable future that is in alignment with our collective priority areas,” stated Premier Wheatley.
The OECS Authority is the supreme policy-making organ of the OECS and is tasked with providing general oversight of the Organization’s functions and operations.
At this time Deputy Premier the Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, has been appointed Acting Premier from February 13th to 15th during Premier Wheatley’s absence from the Territory. The Premier is expected to return on February 15th.
The appointment of Acting Premier is in accordance with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007. This section states that “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.”