Premier told to openly celebrate Order in Council lifting

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatly

Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has urged Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley to openly celebrate the lifting of the controversial Order in Council, describing the development as a “huge” achievement for the Virgin Islands.

Speaking during a recent House of Assembly debate, Fraser commended Premier Wheatley’s efforts in persuading the United Kingdom that the territory was committed to reform, even as he acknowledged the intense demands placed on the government to deliver on its promises.

“I cannot, for the life of me, understand how he was able to put together this package that was sold to the United Kingdom government… and he convinced them,” Fraser said. “But the torture came later… in the way he had to execute it.”

Fraser noted that the reform process required sustained accountability, including regular reporting to UK authorities. “They had to make monthly reports on progress… to this day they still have charts figuring out how much is left,” he added, highlighting the ongoing nature of the oversight.

Despite the challenges, Fraser argued that the eventual lifting of the Order in Council represents a milestone that should not be downplayed.

“I think Premier, if you haven’t done it yet, you could come down to the Zolieka’s tonight and have a Brugal,” Fraser said in a light-hearted remark that drew attention in the chamber. “You’re not gonna see me, but after you’re done telling the public about this, you need something. This is a celebration.”

He continued: “Some people don’t think that you should celebrate it, but this is huge… and I think that you should not be sheepish about doing it.”

Fraser’s comments come against the backdrop of ongoing criticism faced by Dr Wheatley over his administration’s spending priorities, particularly funding directed toward public events, festivals, and promotional activities. Critics have argued that such expenditures — especially in a period of reform — could have been better allocated toward pressing national issues such as infrastructure, healthcare, and economic resilience.