BVI finally has its Government, Wheatley returned as Premier

By Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#BVI, May 1, 2023 – The British Virgin Islands (BVI) Elections held on Monday April 24th, 2023, ended with a conundrum as there was no clear winner.

Negotiations followed and led to an agreement that Dr. Natalio Wheatley will continue to serve as Premier; on Tuesday, April 25th he was sworn in alongside his ministers.

It was decided that the Ronnie Skelton, Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) leader, would serve as the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly.  Skelton was on Thursday, April 27th sworn in to office.

This seems a historic polling season, as the coming together of the parties to reflect what the people wanted now forms a Coalition government for the British Virgin Islands.

Looking back to the General Election results of last Monday, of the 13  available seats, the VIP held on to six including that of Premier Wheatley who only just scraped by with a 120 vote lead on his competitor, however, it is one less seat than they need for a ruling majority.

The National Democratic Party (NDP) grabbed three constituencies, as did the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM). The Progressives United (PU) claimed one seat.

Interestingly, the VIP also held on to the seat which was once held by Former Premier Andrew Fahie, who is now awaiting trial on drug charges and money laundering in the US after a shocking arrest in 2022.

Photo Caption: NEW BVI CABIENT:  Dr. the Hon. Natalio D Wheatley, Premier and Minister for Finance; Hon. Lorna Creque Smith, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade; Hon. Kye M. Rymer, Minister for Communications and Works; Hon. Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports; Congratulations Hon. Vincent Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development; Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture and Dr. the Hon. Karl Dawson, Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries!