Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Hon Julian Fraser RA sworn in as a Deputy Premier & Minister

Third District Representative and Chairman of the Progressive United Party (PU) Hon Julian Fraser RA, right, is been sworn in as Deputy Premier and Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change by Governor Daniel Pruce on October 23, 2024. Photo: GIS
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the ‘necessary change’ to the composition of his Government provides it with political stability and a wealth of knowledge and experience ‘which will serve us well over the course of the remainder of this House of Assembly.’ Photo: GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the ‘necessary change’ to the composition of his Government provides it with political stability and a wealth of knowledge and experience ‘which will serve us well over the course of the remainder of this House of Assembly.’ Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- With the firing of Lorna G. Smith, OBE, a new Deputy Premier has already been sworn in.

Third District Representative and Chairman of the Progressive United Party (PU) Hon Julian Fraser RA has been sworn in.

Governor Daniel Pruce, this morning, October 23, 2024, appointed Honourable Fraser as Minister and Deputy Premier, acting on the advice of the Premier in accordance with the Constitution.

Hon Fraser, a former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) member, will hold the portfolio of Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change.

He will also be the Minister with responsibility for Labour and Immigration.

Hon Fraser brings ‘a wealth of knowledge & experience’- Premier

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), in a statement this morning, said: “This is a necessary change to the composition of the Government that provides my administration with political stability and a wealth of knowledge and experience which will serve us well over the course of the remainder of this House of Assembly.”

Dr Wheatley further said Hon Fraser brings much to the table, as a former Cabinet Minister and the House of Assembly’s most senior member today, having served as a parliamentarian for over 25 years.

“Among other things, he previously served as a member of the Government’s negotiating team, that agreed the 2007 constitution. His political experience will be invaluable in our future constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom in which the Virgin Islands must become more self-determined.

“He is highly qualified to serve as Deputy Premier and will be an excellent Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change having led this Ministry previously,” Hon Wheatley said.

Meanwhile, the now-sacked Hon Smith will be holding a press conference this morning.

48 Responses to “Hon Julian Fraser RA sworn in as a Deputy Premier & Minister”

  • resident (23/10/2024, 11:15) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    that was fast, next legco going to be lit
  • In Hospital in the U.S. (23/10/2024, 11:18) Like (46) Dislike (12) Reply
    What is kye going to tell the people at the Cruise conference, that he is at when asked about the BVI stability..And knowing Sowande ain got no confidence in him as deputy...BVI in deep waters.
  • Sooo... (23/10/2024, 11:19) Like (55) Dislike (9) Reply
    How come the premier can't get fired?
    • Wel Sah (23/10/2024, 11:51) Like (47) Dislike (8) Reply
      He can get fired. WE just have to protest and vote he out!
    • Yes (23/10/2024, 12:31) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Sooo… Time will tell
    • NB (23/10/2024, 18:25) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      The people of the BVI hired him. Of course we can fire him but we are too afraid, so we sit on the sideline and suffer hoping that somebody will save us. If only we knew what powers we have……smdh
      • @ NB (23/10/2024, 19:15) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
        Let me make something CLEAR - the people of the VI DID NOT HIRE THAT BOY FOR PREMIER!!

        He got the 7th district seat and the moomoo them let him continue as default Premier.
      • @NB (24/10/2024, 08:11) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
        The people of District 7 hired him, not the people of the Virgin Islands. That said, the constitution needs to change so the people can vote for the Premier
  • Eagle Eye (23/10/2024, 11:25) Like (38) Dislike (8) Reply
    If Lorna and kye join the opposition, we shall see things today.
    • @Eagle Eye (23/10/2024, 15:58) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      YES, YES AND YES.
    • Migoman (23/10/2024, 18:17) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply
      Honestly speaking, i wouldnt want that. id lkke to see a Kye-led VIP.
      the day Kye leads that party is the day ill support VIP
    • @Eagle Eye (24/10/2024, 08:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Then who will be your 5 Cabinet Ministers, because Kye and Lorna will be looking for Ministerial Portfolios, and you have Ronnie, Marlon, Myron and Mitch already waiting. Who will stand down?
  • Comment (23/10/2024, 11:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok!
  • Oh Oh (23/10/2024, 11:35) Like (25) Dislike (4) Reply
    Two of his members are going cross d floor soon b4 end of year
  • jack (23/10/2024, 11:38) Like (33) Dislike (2) Reply
    He's back in power,more taxpayers money will spent on projects that no can't see,remember sea cows bay warf,it never completed but the money was paid out to his brother,why the premair doesn't want a fresh face in gov, give the young generation a chance,you ppl not tired giving out contracts to your family and friends to get a draw back.. taxpayers feeling the burden.
    • @Jack (24/10/2024, 08:51) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Not this time. The process has become significantly more complex. He now faces additional requirements and a greater volume of documentation to complete.
  • Salty Cindy (23/10/2024, 11:39) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
    Is this to make room for a Willock run in 2027?
  • Juanico Francis (23/10/2024, 11:44) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    All this is betrayal, personal selfishness of power, what we are, where we go we carry that in the suitcase and where we arrive the first thing those rags are taken out
  • BAM shots...I back again (23/10/2024, 11:49) Like (10) Dislike (23) Reply
    I write the following comment on 16/10/24 @ 13:56 and no body aint study por lil me , now wa happen . the same ting a tell ayo...
    BAM shots fired (16/10/2024, 13:56) Like (14) Dislike (28)Reply
    Frasier corssing the floor .Good wuk Mr Premier. The oppoersition is too power hungry .Fraser is a student of politics and understand that he can end his run on a high note with even a Ministry . BAM . Premier back in action.
  • The Mentality Of Our People (23/10/2024, 12:15) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is holding us captives of our own mind.
  • Learned (23/10/2024, 12:44) Like (5) Dislike (19) Reply
    3rd district is a learnt man he did the right thing.
  • Citizen (23/10/2024, 12:46) Like (33) Dislike (2) Reply
    All who think these politicians love the BVI put your hand up. Just as I thought. They are ALL ABOUT THEIR OWN SELF INTERESTS AND THEIR HEFTY SALARIES!!
  • EXPERIENCE MATTERS (23/10/2024, 12:52) Like (5) Dislike (29) Reply
    THE VIP IS BACK IN BUSINESS....STRONGER THAN EVER
  • FRAZER IS BACK (23/10/2024, 13:02) Like (4) Dislike (19) Reply
    EAT AYO HEARTS OUT
  • Bob (23/10/2024, 13:06) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    Can't wait for the reinstallation of traffic lights at the roundabout...it was going soo well
    • Oh ho - good idea (23/10/2024, 18:39) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      Now that Kye turned the traffic where 4 vehicles are entering the round about at once from 2 different directions, we need the stop light. Then we have extra large trucks, that cannot turn by Bobby’s in one lane and very heavy cement trucks going in the business area where all the popular banks are located, which is a danger to us all, we may need even more stop lights.
  • Just saying (23/10/2024, 13:07) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    What if Fraser resign next week and become premier with Ronnie them? Then Sowe get fired.
  • Greg (23/10/2024, 13:18) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    WTF???? When, how, and why did this immediate change take place? We didn't know there was a rumble in the jungle. Why are we the people the last to know, without any warning or reasons why? Julian Fraser was sworn in and we didn't even know Lorna Smith was kicked out. What did she do????????????
    • @Greg (23/10/2024, 17:58) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Must've have been because she disagreed on the jam
      Down artist sponsorship when according to her there is soo much important work to be done the territory

      Lesson learnt don't get on board with bully's and party animals
    • Captain Obvious (23/10/2024, 18:07) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      it's what she didn't do, she didn't swear loyalty to our new dictator showande
    • @Greg (23/10/2024, 22:01) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think it was because she did not agree to the silly Vybz Kartel waste of money concert. Did you all not see dude fell out the other night in the club after singing for less than five minutes. Dude is sickly
  • Neppy Jost V (23/10/2024, 13:22) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    TRAFFIC LIGHTS are back at the ROUNDABOUTS, we are screwed, the humble man in the opposition and a terror in power, rest assured that in his portfolio he carries with him the toad for the soup that will be made for the reception, imagine in a few days
  • Redlight (23/10/2024, 13:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Please Sir, do not erect a STOP light at the Round About!
  • Once again (23/10/2024, 15:08) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Fraser, you large. Dee was right. You that race horse. Much respect.
  • talk dat (23/10/2024, 15:16) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    Sea cows bay massive stand up!!!! We back in power
  • Junie (23/10/2024, 16:24) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    School chirren say Frazer wanted Communications and Works, but Kye is doing an excellent job so Premier refused him. I wonder what Kye is saying though. First the Premier took away the Deputy Premier from him and gave it to Lorna. Now he terminated Lorna but instead of giving it back to Kye, he gave it to someone from the Opposition.


    We shall see what happens next.
    • Yes Indeed (23/10/2024, 17:26) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I believe that Kye still salty about the first and now double salty about this but I don't see him going anywhere.
      • @ yes indeed (23/10/2024, 19:16) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
        Kye pigeon-hold by VIP Committee who is his family so even if he wants to go he may be more loyal to them than the people of the Virgin Islands.
      • Fraser can bring the VIP home again (23/10/2024, 22:21) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Fraser is bigger than Kye
  • Yes (23/10/2024, 17:09) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Julian W i hope you know you have to run at large, Frazer will not retire now.
  • Ooi (23/10/2024, 18:26) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    More traffic lights for us!
  • 6D VOTER (23/10/2024, 19:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    With move I smell a big big big rat in member from the D3 this how he get fall the government
  • HMMM (24/10/2024, 07:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    here comes all the backward policies,
  • Hmmmm (24/10/2024, 08:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    He will bring nothing of substance to a modern world we living in, he will try to reverse all the policies she has implemented. If he become labor Minister we will go backwards..
  • DownWest (24/10/2024, 08:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Kye ain so chupid to join with the opposition
    Any foolish moves and it is back to the polls
    Don't forget that the premier could devolve the assembly at anytime and hold fresh elections.
    VIp needs to support its base,Sea Cow Bay and Carrot Bay their biggest bases and nothing a do there


Create a comment


Submit comment

Create a comment

Submit comment
Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.