The late Karia J. Christopher, Director of Communications, will be celebrated with a primetime special soon, following her sudden death on December 5, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) sat down with former Director of Communications and current Cabinet Secretary, Ms Sandra I. Ward, to share his reflections on the life of the late Karia J. Christopher, which will air as part of a primetime special in her honour. Photo: Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) called the late Mrs Christopher’s death “deeply shocking and sudden” during a press conference on December 14, 2025. 

The Director of Communications passed away suddenly at her home on the morning of December 5, 2025. 

Calling her his “beloved friend”, Premier Wheatley said everyone had been in the vice grip of sadness since learning of her passing. 

“I am determined to celebrate the lovely memories she shared with us and her beautiful legacy, to celebrate her professionalism, her grace, her compassion, her humour, her audacious commitment to keeping it real.”

Premier Wheatley also took the time to express condolences to her family again publicly. 

Celebrating Karia for the queen she was 

“Karia also had a work family and a huge social network, which means that the pain of her passing has been felt by many, including the Premier’s Office and the wider public service. At the appropriate time, we will give our tributes and celebrate her for the queen that she was,” he said. 

On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Office of the Premier released a behind-the-scenes video on Facebook featuring Premier Wheatley sitting with former Director of Communications and current Cabinet Secretary, Ms Sandra I. Ward. 

Premier Wheatley was sharing his reflections on the life of the late Christopher. 

“The 7-minute interview will be featured as part of a primetime special produced by the Government of the Virgin Islands and will air in honour of our colleague. Karia will always be remembered by all in the Office of the Premier,” the post added. 

A date for the airing of the primetime special dedicated to the late Karia J. Christopher has not yet been released. 

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