Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), right, has warned against the continued inclusion of the Governor's powers in legislation, and urged his colleagues to safeguard the legislative autonomy already devolved to the Territory. Left is Governor Daniel Pruce. Photo: GIS/File

Deputy Premier and Third District Representative Honourable Julian Fraser, RA speaking in the House of Assembly on March 31, 2025. Photo: YouTube

Leader of the Opposition Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6) was also in agreement with Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) that legislators needed to be careful to not give the governor legislative powers unnecessarily. Photo: YouTube

“We cannot continue like this,” Deputy Premier and Third District Representative, Honourable Julian Fraser, RA, bluntly told members in his contribution. “We must fix this as we go through the committee stage,” Hon Fraser said at the Continuation of the Third Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth HoA.

Gubernatorial Authority

Qualifying his position, the Deputy Premier warned against the continued inclusion of the Governor's powers in legislation and urged his colleagues to safeguard the legislative autonomy already devolved to the Territory.

“I couldn’t help, Madam Speaker, but notice something very peculiar and something I think that we all need to be cognizant of and help to guard against.”

He, as such, urged colleague legislators to be “vigilant and fearless” in resisting attempts to reinstate gubernatorial authority over areas that should be under local control.

“As I listen to the Premier, I keep hearing the word ‘Governor’ come up in this bill. Any legislation from an earlier era would have contained such references, but in this piece of legislation, Madam Speaker, there is no pretense about it.”

Deputy Premier is ‘quite right’- Hon Walwyn

Highlighting specific provisions of the Merchant Shipping Amendment Bill, he pointed to language that authorises the Governor to make regulations and proclaim when the Act takes effect.

“We have to be woke; Or else we will just be wearing suits,” Hon Fraser quipped, urging amendments during the committee stage to replace every instance of ‘Governor’ with ‘Minister’ or ‘Cabinet.’

Leader of the Opposition Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6) reinforced Deputy Premier Fraser’s concerns, particularly regarding the governance of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry.

“The Honourable Deputy Premier is quite right in what he’s saying in relation to the powers that are given to the Governor in this particular bill.”

International Obligations

Supporting the Deputy Premier’s stance, Hon Walwyn also called for revisions to ensure that “...wherever the Governor appears in the document, the Minister who has conduct of the subject is the person who is responsible.”

The sponsor of the bill, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), sought to address the necessity of bringing the Virgin Islands in line with international maritime regulations.

The Virgin Islands, he said, is committed to upholding the highest standards in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

“These legislative reforms will not only ensure our compliance with international obligations but also reinforce our ability to effectively regulate, enforce, and support the global maritime industry,” Premier Wheatley stated.

According to the Premier, “Strengthening our legal framework demonstrates our commitment to responsible flag state administration and enhances our position as a premier maritime jurisdiction.”