Junior Minister and female legislator in the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government, Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) says she is honoured to have been entrusted with the portfolio of trade and economic development. Photo: VINO/File

Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) is now the Junior Minister of Tourism. Photo: VINO/File

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) announced on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 that he had reassigned the portfolios of the Junior Ministers, effective Monday, November 25, 2019. Photo: VINO/File

This follows the announcement this week by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) that he had reassigned the portfolios of the Junior Ministers, effective Monday, November 25, 2019.

This meant that Hon Flax-Charles would see her portfolio of Tourism assigned to Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) while she would now be responsible for Trade and Economic Development, which was held by Hon de Castro.

‘Honoured'

In a statement on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, Hon Flax-Charles noted that on February 25, 2019, four thousand and thirty-three voices united as one to give her the responsibility of fair, honest and just representation as an At-Large Member.

"My duty to the Virgin Islands people transcends an office and my love for this country continues to drive me to excel as Junior Minister. I am honoured to have been entrusted me with the dynamic portfolio of Trade and Economic Development. Our manifesto makes clear our shared dedication to small businesses, economic diversification and human capital development," she said.

Hon Flax-Charles also noted that tourism in the VI is maintained by the creativity and enterprise of entrepreneurs across this Territory and so the transition is as natural for her as the sail from Virgin Gorda to Tortola.

"I anticipate the formalisation of my new role and engaging with you the business community to execute impactful initiatives."

Embrace the change

While some persons have questioned the swapping of the portfolios, Hon Flax-Charles urged the public to “embrace this change" as she is embracing this new opportunity.

“I am fresh. I bring the perspective of an entrepreneur and an innovator. I am willing and I am able! I look forward to receiving ideas from our business people and wider community. These are exciting times and I welcome the opportunity to help our people share in the economic wealth that is possible in our BVI."

Hon Flax-Charles appealed to all to continue to engage with her for transformation of the Territory for the better.