Premier of The Virgin Islands Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) is participating in a landmark global forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo: GIS/File

Honourable Julian Fraser, RA (R3), Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, has been appointed to carry out the duties of Premier and Minister of Finance, from February 1-10, 2026. Photo: GIS/File

The 10th Association of Caribbean States (ACS) International Cooperation Conference (ICC) is being held from February 3–4, 2026, in the margins of the prestigious World Governments Summit. For the first time, the ICC is being convened on a global platform that underscores innovation, resilience, and South–South cooperation. 

According to Government Information Services (GIS), an invitation was extended to the Premier to attend the conference, and the trip was fully sponsored by the World Governments Summit and the ACS, an organisation dedicated to promoting consultation, cooperation, and concerted action across the region.

The ACS said the conference will serve as a forum for enhanced dialogue on the ACS’ flagship initiatives, including the digitisation of maritime transport and logistics, regional strategies on sargassum, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction, and the implementation of the ACS Strategic Plan 2025–2035.

VI Premier's presence 'invaluable'- ACS Secretary-General

According to GIS, ACS Secretary-General H.E. Noemí Espinoza Madrid emphasised that Premier Wheatley’s presence is invaluable in advancing the region’s shared development agenda. 

Premier Wheatley stated: “By participating in this high-level exchange, the Virgin Islands is continuing to position itself as a proactive leader in regional diplomacy and environmental stewardship," Premier Wheatley stated. "Our participation allows us to align our development goals with broader regional strategies. By leveraging global partnerships and South–South cooperation, we can more effectively address challenges like sargassum and maritime efficiency that no single nation can solve alone," Dr Wheatley added.

The Premier is accompanied to Dubai by Special Envoy, Mr E. Benito Wheatley.

Hon Fraser at the helm

While Premier Wheatley is away, Honourable Julian Fraser, RA (R3), Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, has been appointed to carry out the duties of Premier and Minister of Finance, from February 1-10, 2026.

Honourable Fraser's acting appointment is in accordance with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which states: "If the Premier is expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of the Premier."