ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands – The leader of the Virgin Island Party (VIP), Dr. Natalio Wheatly was sworn into office as the Premier of this British Overseas Territory the party secured the support of Territorial At-Large winner, Lorna Smith, in forming a coalition government following Monday’s inclusive general elections.
Dr. Natalio WheatlySmith, who was elected on a ticket of the National Democratic Party (NDP) was later sworn in as Deputy Premier. Her decision gave the coalition the seven seats needed to take control of the 13 seat Parliament.
“Elected members of the Virgin Islands Party and Territorial At-Large member Lorna G. Smith, OBE have signed official documents in the presence of His Excellency John James Rankin CMG.,” a VIP statement noted.
The VIP, which had won eight seats in the last general election, secured six seats this time around, while the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and the NDP, each won three seats. The other seat was won by the Progressives United (PU). There were 10 independent candidates.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am humbled and honored to once again be appointed Premier of the Virgin Islands,” Wheatly, 42, said after he had taken the oath of office at the Office at Governor House.
“At the top of our agenda is reform, better roads, better infrastructure, better public services, sustainable development and balanced economic growth that benefits all our people. I look forward to presenting our comprehensive list of priorities in due course,” said Wheatly, who had taken over the leadership of the government after premier Andrew Fahie was arrested in Miami by US police on drug and money laundering charges last year.
Wheatly called on everyone, including the opposition politicians to help develop the island, acknowledging that the campaign had been a bruising one and reconciliation is needed where politics has ‘deepened divisions amongst us.
Lorna Smith being sworn in as Deputy Premier
“I call on everyone to leave the campaign behind us. Let us not hold on to past grievances. Let us move forward as one people,” Premier Wheatly said, assuring that his coalition administration will serve the entire population.
“It is the only way to heal, renew and restore these beautiful islands. Our best days are yet ahead of us,” Wheatley stated.
Smith, the wife of former premier Dr D Orlando Smith, the former NDC chairman for nearly two decades, had negotiated an alliance with the VIP and political commentators said that her new appointment signaled the demotion of Fifth District Representative, Kye Rymer who previously served as deputy premier.
Rymer as well as Territorial At-Large Representative Sharie de Castro, and Ninth District Representative Vincent Wheatley were also sworn in as government minister, even though their new ministerial portfolios have not yet been announced.
First-time legislators Luce Hodge Smith of the Fourth District and Dr Karl Dawson of the First were appointed as junior ministers.
In a statement, Smith assured residents that their objectives in electing her would be at the forefront of her mind.
