The Premier was at the time speaking to the media at the conclusion of the VIP Congress and Elections at the R&R Malone Complex in Pockwood Pond on Sunday evening, February 5, 2023.

Date to be shared in near future - Premier

“Well of course there's a date that we cannot go past, and we know that time is drawing near. We haven't decided on an exact date as yet, that is something that will be shared in the very near future.

“The Minister for the Overseas Territories [Lord Frank Zacharias Robin Goldsmith] has basically confirmed in his statement that we will be having general elections in the near future and, of course, the people of the Virgin Islands must get ready,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Premier said the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) will soon introduce to the people of the Virgin Islands its new elections candidates, along with the incumbents.

Legislation still has to be passed - Premier

He said candidates will detail what was done over the past four years to get the VI through hurricane recovery, the COVID-19 era, and inflationary periods as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war and how the party will be positioning the local economy for greater prosperity and success.

He said ahead of elections, legislators will continue going to the House of Assembly and pass much-needed legislation to advance local institutions and ensure that the economy runs well.

“It's a balancing act because, of course, the VIP we have to prepare for the General Election but as persons who are ministers and members of the House of Assembly, we certainly have to be responsible and we have to continue the governance of the Virgin Islands right up until when the election is called,” Premier Wheatley said.