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Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley is in St. Lucia this week attending the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
According to the Government Information Service (GIS), Dr. Wheatley departed the Territory on Sunday, July 5, and is expected to return on Thursday, July 9.
GIS said the regional summit is being held in Gros Islet from July 5 to 8 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Philip J. Pierre, who assumed the CARICOM chairmanship on July 1.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Prime Minister Pierre, outgoing CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Terrance Drew, and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett.
CARICOM Heads of Government will participate in business sessions from July 6 to 8, where they will deliberate on issues critical to the region's agenda.
In Dr. Wheatley's absence, Deputy Premier Hon. Julian Fraser has been appointed to carry out the duties of Premier.
GIS noted that the appointment was made in accordance with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which requires the Governor to authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of Premier when the Premier is expected to be absent from the Territory for more than 48 hours.
According to the Government Information Service (GIS), Dr. Wheatley departed the Territory on Sunday, July 5, and is expected to return on Thursday, July 9.
GIS said the regional summit is being held in Gros Islet from July 5 to 8 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Philip J. Pierre, who assumed the CARICOM chairmanship on July 1.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Prime Minister Pierre, outgoing CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Terrance Drew, and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett.
CARICOM Heads of Government will participate in business sessions from July 6 to 8, where they will deliberate on issues critical to the region's agenda.
In Dr. Wheatley's absence, Deputy Premier Hon. Julian Fraser has been appointed to carry out the duties of Premier.
GIS noted that the appointment was made in accordance with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which requires the Governor to authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of Premier when the Premier is expected to be absent from the Territory for more than 48 hours.
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