Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley will be attending the upcoming Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government meeting, scheduled to be convened in St. George’s, Grenada, from July 28 to 30, 2024.

The Meeting’s agenda will comprise the agri-food systems, which prioritises food and nutrition security, climate change and sustainable development, foreign policy, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Hurricane Beryl and its impact on the Region will form part of the discussions.

Premier Wheatley expressed his anticipation for participating in this significant regional gathering, emphasising the importance of collaboration among CARICOM member states for regional development and cooperation.

He said, “The upcoming meeting presents a pivotal opportunity to address key issues impacting our region. By focusing on agri-food systems, we aim to enhance food and nutrition security, build climate resillience, and promote sustainable development.”

The Premier added, “Together, we will forge a path towards a more secure and sustainable future for the people of the Virgin Islands, and our neighbours."

During the Premier’s absence, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, has been appointed to act as Premier and Minister of Finance from July 27 to August 1 2024. The Premier is scheduled to return to the Territory on August 1, 2024.

Honourable Smith’s appointment is in accordance with Section 55 (1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 which states, “If the Premier is expected to be absent from the VirginIslands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of the Premier.”