remier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) revealed that he was not consulted about the one year extension to Governor Daniel Pruce’s term in the Virgin Islands; however, he is not concerned. Photo: Facebook

On September 11, 2026, Governor Pruce announced that his tenure as Governor was being extended, which means he will be in office until January 2028. Photo: Facebook

On September 11, 2026, Governor Pruce announced that his tenure as Governor was being extended, which means he will be in office until January 2028. He called it “great news” that he was “absolutely delighted” about. 

I’m not too concerned about that- Premier 

During a press conference on Friday, September 18, 2026, the premier was asked whether or not he was consulted prior to Governor Pruce’s term extension, to which he replied that he was not. 

“That was something between Governor Pruce and the FCDO.”

Dr Wheatley said ultimately, “we want more power and authority for the elected government”.

This, he added, is consistent with what the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister Andrew M. Burnham has spoken about regarding his principle of devolution. 

“If we have the authority and the power in the areas we are seeking it, it wouldn’t trouble me, so to speak, how long a Governor stays…I’m not too concerned about that really. My main concern is us maturing our constitutional relationship and placing more authority in the hands of our elected government, which is called democracy.”

With Governor Pruce’s extension, he will be in office when the next general election is called.