Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley is set to travel to Bermuda to participate in the Annual Caribbean Overseas Territories Caucus from September 8 to 10, 2026.
The caucus will be held under the leadership of Bermuda Premier E. David Burt and is expected to bring together leaders from the Caribbean Overseas Territories for regional discussions and cooperation.
Following the Bermuda meetings, Premier Wheatley will travel to the United Kingdom from September 10 to 12 for bilateral meetings with the UK minister responsible for the Overseas Territories.
During the Premier’s absence, Deputy Premier Julian Fraser will assume responsibility for the functions of Premier.
Fraser will also carry out the duties of Minister of Finance, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, and Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation from September 7 to 13.
The temporary appointment is being made in accordance with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.
The provision states that when the Premier is expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than 48 hours, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the Premier’s office. That authority is revoked upon the Premier’s return to the Territory.
The government says Premier Wheatley’s participation in the regional caucus and subsequent UK meetings forms part of its commitment to advancing the Virgin Islands through international engagement and regional cooperation.