Roman Nibbs Alberto, a 17-year-old 12th-grade student of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), has emerged as the winner of the Premier for a Week initiative. Photo: Facebook/Office of the Premier

Premier Designate Roman Nibbs Alberto will be sworn in by His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce by April 7, 2026. Photo: Facebook/Governor's Office

Premier for a Week winner Roman Nibbs Alberto will undertake a full week of plans and will have the opportunity to work with Virgin Islands Premier, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). Photo: Facebook/Office of the Premier

Alberto was one of five finalists for Premier for a Week. The finalists had the opportunity to record speeches at the Premier’s lectern in one of the conference rooms in the Premier’s Office, flanked by the Premier’s ceremonial flag set and emblem of the Office of the Premier. 

The video which amasses the highest total likes and shares resulted in that student candidate being selected as Premier for a Week. The other finalists were Niaeika Aymer, Trishelle Phillips, Rudell Stoute and Zhane Waters, all students of the ESHS. 

Believing deeply in the future of the VI

During his speech, Alberto, who is also enrolled as a Humanities major at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), said, “I stand before you not just as just as a student, not just as an athlete, or a musician, but as a young Virgin Islander who believes deeply in the future of these islands we call home.” 

The young man, who also served as the Speaker of the House during the Mock Sitting of the House of Assembly earlier this month, added that he has been blessed with opportunities that shaped his leadership journey, explaining that he learned discipline, teamwork, and the importance of harmony both in music and in life as a member of the ESHS Senior Band. 

Alberto is also a member of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) U-17 Men’s National Team, where he said he learned resilience, strategy and how to push forward even when faced with unfavourable odds. 

“These experiences strengthen my passion for law, leadership and politics; a passion that continues to grow as I prepare for a future in the legal field.”

Swearing in by April 7

According to the Office of the Premier, Premier Designate Alberto will be sworn in by His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce by April 7, 2026. 

“I'm thankful that I won the election. I want to thank the organisers of this free and fair election. I want to thank my worthy competitors, and I want to thank everybody [who] voted and campaigned for me,” Alberto said while speaking to his soon-to-be communication team. 

Once sworn in, Alberto will undertake a full week of plans and will have the opportunity to work with Virgin Islands Premier, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). 

Premier Wheatley expressed his happiness for the incoming Premier.