In a special statement, the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Natalio D. Wheatley, announced changes to the composition of government aimed at strengthening the territory’s ability to respond to global economic turbulence, including the potential impact of tariffs. The Premier said he will recommend to the Governor that Lorna Smith, OBE be appointed Minister of State for Financial Services and Economic Development in a senior role. Under the proposed portfolio, Smith would be responsible for financial services including domestic banking, as well as economic diversification, investment promotion, trade and investment, shared responsibility for climate finance, and expanding the small and medium-sized enterprises sector. The remit would also cover business regulation, economic planning and consumer affairs, with direct oversight of the Financial Services Commission, the International Tax Authority, BVI Finance, and the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, including the Virgin Islands Trade Commission; she would also be invited to participate in relevant Cabinet and National Security Council meetings. The Premier said he will discuss with the Governor how to implement the appointment quickly. He also announced that Karl Dawson will no longer serve as Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and that he will write to the Clerk to give notice of his intention to move a motion to make Dawson Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.

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