Dr Natalio D. Wheatley-led VI Gov’t to be sworn in this evening April 25, 2023
The party detailed that in accordance with section 52 of the VI Constitution, the government will comprise of elected VIP members and territorial At-Large member Ms Lorna G. Smith, OBE with documents already signed in the presence of Governor John J. Rankin CMG.
Further, the party extended thanks to the people of the VI for electing them once more, to lead the territory and added that it remains committed to fostering a government of inclusion, integrity accountability, and transparency.
Swearing-in Ceremony @ 6:30 PM
Confirmation of the swearing-in was also given by Government Information Services (GIS).
"Following the elections held in the Territory on Monday, April 24, 2023, the Governor has today received a letter from the elected members of the Virgin Islands Party, together with Mrs. Lorna Smith OBE, elected At Large Representative, that declares their support for the appointment of Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley as Premier of the Virgin Islands and for him to form the Government of the Virgin Islands in accordance with Section 52 of the VI Constitution Order, 2007.
"In accordance with Section 52 of the VI Constitution Order the Governor will swear in Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley as Premier, and his Ministers, this evening at 6.30 p.m. at Government House," GIS stated in a press release today.
'I will uphold my promises to you'- Lorna G. Smith
Meanwhile, Mrs Smith in a statement today thanked the electorate for the trust placed in her through their overwhelming support at the polls in the recent general elections.
“While on the campaign trail, I have consistently said that I am willing to work with whichever party the people of the BVI select, in the best interest of this territory. I remain grateful to the people for the faith they have placed in me and I will uphold my promises to you, now and throughout my tenure. The people have spoken: they want a coalition of persons to run the territory,” she added.
Ms Smith said the decision to form the government with the VIP came after several hours of conversation with the different parties concerned, including the National Democratic Party and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), and with telephone discussions with the VIP to arrive at a position to take the territory forward.
“Today I have decided that I will form a coalition with the VIP in order that a new Government be sworn in, and we start the process of moving this territory forward. As a public servant I have worked with various administrations in the best interest of the BVI,” she said.
Ms Smith detailed that as a member of the House of Assembly, her final arbiter in all matters will be the people of the Virgin Islands who elected her.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
87 Responses to “Dr Natalio D. Wheatley-led VI Gov’t to be sworn in this evening April 25, 2023”
Don’t t argue with that idiot...
That person is simple hater or spiteful X
The VIP won 6 Districts. If PVIM and NDP would stop their bullsh** they could form a Government. 4 years as Opposition for being IDIOTS!!!! After all that happened with Head Coach, COI and the Territory against them and still win 6 seats, the other parties should be ashamed. Let them hold their corner without Lorna!
PVIM you all need to kick selfish Mictch to the curb. He created confusion in NDP and now in PVIM. All you show him out the door ????
Lorna! Thanks for being part of this new government as your expertise and knowledge will assist in taking this BEAUTIFUL BVI to the next step.
Also, the majority of the BVI wanted to see a coalition Government. That means one Ministry for each party leader. Kyre and Sharie could have been made Junior Ministers.
People need to remember being a Minister equals more money than a backbencher, Kyre and Sharie do not want to give that up to form no proper and fair coalition Government.
At least Lorna is honest.
The corruption is going to be a lot less with her present.
That’s why we have to be grateful even if we would not choose this. It is better than the clown Fraser ruling over the BVI! At least she is smart and had experience in the world.
Wins!
How you people want a millionaire to be premier. You think he will really care about the people?? Def not.
A little louder for those in the back: BVI IS NOT A REAL PLACE.
VIP did outstanding in this critical election. Those who loss was meant to work harder.
When the wicked is in power the people morn, but when the righteous is, they rejoice.
FIRE UP THE HILL AGAIN
BUNCH OF NO BRA....N
Sadly A lot of people are feeling like the day Head Coach was detained. Shock, disbelief, betrayal etc. by this turn of events. But who knows? It could be a blessing or a curse. Let’s pray that it’s for the better.