Coms director remembered fondly

Hours before she was scheduled to host one of the premier’s regular press conferences on Friday, government Communications Director Karia Christopher died unexpectedly in the night, officials said.

“Ms. Christopher was a highly respected and accomplished communication specialist, a trusted and valued colleague and a strong contributor to the effective delivery of the government’s communications agenda,” Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said in a Friday statement. “She will be terribly missed by all of us both professionally and personally.”

Ms. Christopher, a long-time public officer and mother of two daughters, began acting as communications director in September 2023, when she succeeded Arliene Penn. She was confirmed in the role this August.

During her time in the post, she became known for her sense of humour and easy banter with the media at press conferences hosted by the premier and other officials.

She also organised other public-facing appearances, routinely posting social media content while travelling with government delegations to engagements including the Joint Ministerial Council last month in London.

The week of her death, Ms. Christopher helped host the Financial Services Awards ceremony on Dec. 3 at Prime Restaurant in Road Town, mingling and laughing with guests and helping to hand out awards.

Memories

In the days after her death, various government agencies expressed condolences and noted her wide-ranging contributions.

Deputy Governor David Archer Jr. recalled working with her previously in the Department of Human Resources, which he used to lead.

“Her professionalism was evident in every role, and she worked collaboratively with many other government offices throughout her tenure, leaving a positive and lasting imprint wherever she served,” Mr. Archer said.

In a Facebook post, Premier’s Office Permanent Secretary Carolyn Stoutt Igwe and her staff described an “immediate void” left by Ms. Christopher’s death.

“She was to us kind, admirable, radiant like the daughters penned in the territorial song,” the post stated. “She was intelligent and adorable.”

The BVI Hong Kong Office noted her contribution during the government’s 2025 Asia Trade Mission and her support of initiatives including the BVI Asia Abroad scholarship programme.

Before taking up the communications director role, Ms. Christopher served in positions including director of trade, investment promotion and consumer affairs; Sister Islands Programme coordinator; and chief administrative officer of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, among others.

She held a bachelor of science in business administration and management and a master of science in human resources management.

For many years, she also hosted her own television show, “Real Talk with Karia Christopher.”

Survivors

Ms. Christopher is survived by her husband Roberto “Rory” Christopher; daughters Hunter and Dakota Christopher; and her mother Delrice Mactavious.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.