Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) gave a little dance move on his arrival at the Premier’s Party at Prime Restaurant on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook

Some of the persons at the Premier’s Party held at Prime Restaurant on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook

It was an atmosphere of music, laughter, lots of dancing among the elegantly dressed men and women, and even reflection, when the Premier’s Party was held at Prime Restaurant in the heart of Road Town on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook

It was an atmosphere of music, laughter, lots of dancing among the elegantly dressed men and women, and even reflection, when the Premier’s Party was held at Prime Restaurant in the heart of Road Town on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook

“I am humbled by your presence this evening. Thank you so much for taking time out of your January month, this early 2026, to come to the Premier’s Party, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) told the many in attendance.

He reminded that the party was scheduled for December but was put on hold following the sudden death of Director of Communications Karia J. Christopher.

According to Premier Wheatley, Christopher’s passing taught him something extremely important.  “It taught me that we must cherish every moment. It taught me that you must cherish your family and your loved ones. You must let them know that you care for them.”

‘Not just a social gathering’

He said the Premier’s Party was not just a social gathering, but also a celebration of those who work hard on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands.

“Yes, we work together on a daily basis and on a weekly basis but I want to let those persons who work in the Premiers Office, who work in the various ministries I’m responsible for, and who work across government and all of our partners, all of the Statutory Boards, all of the Non-Profit Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, those persons in the private sector, to know that we care about you. We care about you, we care about your families, we care about your well-being.

“Yes, we are working hard for the territory but it is important that we come together, we smile together, we laugh together, we eat and we drink together, we dance together, and we celebrate life together.”

Premier Wheatley said his government stated the year, 2026, in the right way, with a church and prayer service last week, because it wanted to start the year affirming that God is the head of our lives and the head of this territory.

“And now we continue celebrating our relationship with each other, and we are looking forward to a very positive 2026. But let us go through this 2026 with love, let’s go through this 2026 with compassion, with patriotism, dedication, and unity,” Premier Wheatley stated.