Virgin Islander Karia J. Christopher has been confirmed to the Government’s post of Director of Communications. Photo: GIS

The Director of Communications, Karia J. Christopher (left), will be attached to the Premier’s Office and will often accompany the Premier on travel duties to keep the public updated on information related to accomplishments on overseas missions. Photo: VINO/File

As Director of Communications, Mrs Karia J. Christopher- the former Director of Trade and Consumer Affairs- is responsible for managing the public service's communications strategy, including the Department of Information and Public Relations (GIS). Photo: Team of Reporters

High-level sources within the Department of Human Resources have also confirmed this information and said her appointment has been retroactive to June of 2025.

Her confirmation comes as she has been acting in the post since 2023.

As Director of Communications, Mrs Christopher- the former Director of Trade and Consumer Affairs- is responsible for managing the public service's communications strategy, including the Department of Information and Public Relations (GIS). Mrs Christopher's oversight of GIS includes budget management and strategic direction.

Other duties

She will also be the Government of the Virgin Islands Press Secretary while managing press communications. The Director of Communications is expected to serve as the Government’s key cross-ministry communications coordinator, assisting the Government with achieving its Legislative agenda while ensuring consistency in the Government’s message across the public service, including statutory bodies.

The Director will be attached to the Premier’s Office and will often accompany the Premier on travel duties to keep the public updated on information related to accomplishments on overseas missions.

Very qualified & experienced

Mrs Christopher is highly qualified, as she holds Bachelor's and Master's of Science Degrees, and has a progressive career in the public service, including holding the post of Sister Island Coordinator and the Director of Human Resources and Administration at the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC).

Earlier this year, she gained widespread recognition when she served as the lead communications expert for the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London, delivering real-time updates and ensuring transparency on key discussions between the UK government and Overseas Territories.

The Director of Communications, who returned to the Territory last evening, Monday, August 2025, from Barbados with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), after attending the early events of the Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV), could not be reached for a comment.