This was announced by Acting Premier, Dr. Natalio Wheatley during a televised message to the Territory following an emergency internal meeting of the governing Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Congress.

"The business and interest of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands people come first. In this regard, the elected members of the Government have been involved in various meetings to set our course for moving forward. We recognize that given the practical realities of the current premier situation it is incumbent that steps be taken to have a new Premier substantively appointed to this critical constitutional post," Dr. Wheatley stated.

Noting that the Virgin Islands requires leadership on the ground, Dr. Wheately shared that Congress unanimously voted for him to assume the mantle of Chairman of the VIP.

"The elected members have expressed the view that I should be appointed Premier and we will be taking steps in this regard. Efforts are underway to seek the resignation of Honourable Andrew A. Fahie as Premier of the Virgin Islands as this would facilitate the smooth advancement of the process. All my elected colleagues in the Government have expressed their support and confidence in me and we have all reiterated our commitment to working together in the best interest of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands people," Dr. Wheately shared.

Admittedly, Dr. Wheatley said that he never contemplated that the responsibility of leadership of the Virgin Islands would come so soon nor under such circumstances.

He added, "But I have been asked to lead and I rise to the call along with the rest of our team in the Government who remain committed to the development of the Virgin Islands and the improvement of the quality of life for all our Virgin Islands and residents."

He encouraged residents to keep 'Honourable Fahie', his wife, children, and mother as they deal with the current circumstances.