Hon Fraser, who was first elected in 1999 and has retained his seat ever since, was sworn in by Governor John J. Rankin, CMG at Government House in Road Town on the main island of Tortola.

Speaking exclusively to Virgin Islands News Online, the new Opposition Leader noted that “while the all-party government was his idea, the people must respect that the Opposition has a role to play”.

Former Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), left, now holds the portfolio of Minister for Health and Social Development, replacing Hon Carvin Malone, right, a Territorial At Large Representative who now sits in the backbench with the Unity Government.

‘I will do my job as Opposition Leader’- Hon Fraser

Mr Fraser, who has been in office for twenty-three years and is now seen as the father of the HoA with Hon Andrew Fahie’s (R1) legal challenges, also stated: “in the absence of a constitutional amendment stating otherwise, I will perform my duties as Leader of the Opposition”.

Hon Fraser has replaced former Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), who crossed the floor to join the coalition government headed by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).

Mr Penn now holds the portfolio of Minister for Health and Social Development, replacing Hon Carvin Malone, a Territorial At Large Representative who now sits on the backbench with the Unity Government.