Albert O. Wheatley proposes 15-member HoA
Anegada stagnated
Shedding light on the need for development, Wheatley presented the Development Planning Unit’s (DPU) census figures for 1946, 1960 and 2014 estimates respectively. “In 1946, the population on Virgin Gorda was 504 and Anegada was 274. The 1960 figures showed Virgin Gorda with a population of 654 and Anegada with 276. Since that time, the population on Virgin Gorda has grown steadily with the 2014 estimated population at around 4000 for Virgin Gorda and an estimated 311 for Anegada,” said Wheatley.
He also pointed out the significance of the information presented and what it means for Anegada. “Firstly, without development there will not be population growth, which is essential to providing increased and varied opportunities for current and future generations.”
Mr Wheatley cited how the advent of the constructions of hotels on Virgin Gorda in the 60’s was instrumental in building and shaping the economy of that island. He said he would embrace the opportunity to dialogue with Anegadians about potential development for the island.
Countering the slow season
The Anegada economy depends heavily on the yachting business and when the yachts are gone the economy comes to a screeching halt with months of little to no economic activity. He said resort development would help in filling the void left when the yachting season ends.
An own Rep for Anegada
Based on the population growth and the needs in the district, Mr. Wheatley told his audience that upon being elected to the House of Assembly one of the many things he would work on would be to raise the discussion of increasing the number of seats in the house from 13 to 15. Mr. Wheatley stated that we are in a different day which requires a different approach.
He does not think that Anegadians should have to depend on a representative from Virgin Gorda and they, along with Jost Van Dyke, should have their own representative on the ground addressing their needs and concerns. He is convinced that with a fifteen-member House there would be three members in the House from the sister islands who understand the plight and needs of their constituents and their three votes in the house can carry a lot more weight than a one member representation. Mr Wheatley stated that is the kind of visionary leadership he has for the district.
Tourism
Mr Wheatley spoke of his Tourism Development Initiative (TDI) for the district and how it affects Anegada. He stated that both islands in the district have only begun to scratch the surface of their tourism potential and he has a comprehensive approach to develop the district. He then went on to state that Anegada does not even have one ATM machine on the island.
Mr Wheatley also referred to the airport and the need for a logical approach for its development. He said that you cannot make mention of the airport and not mention airlines and hotel development. Hotel room inventory, he explained, is what drives the demand for airline seats that create interest on the part of air carriers. “My approach is a comprehensive and sensible approach and not just the usual political jargon”.
He believes that the key to shortening the slow season on Anegada lies in more yachts, hotel construction and tourism events like the Anegada Lobster Fest.
His Tourism Development Initiative (TDI) is based on ensuring that every area related to or connected to tourism should be of a high standard and be reflective of a high end tourism centre. Those areas are ports of entry, ferry service, medical facilities, education system, visitor sites and attractions, customer service and quality of life. His development plan also includes the development of “tourism zones’ which are areas designated for commercial activity to allow for more of the visitor dollars to stay in the local economy.
The TDI also provides for Tourist Board offices on both islands to administer to the tourism needs on each island.
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30 Responses to “Albert O. Wheatley proposes 15-member HoA”
which is why he will be the upsetting winner on electiion day.
for the district, all the other are complaining. Albert
is on to something, he got me and my family votes.
which they should, they should vote for this candidate.
He is making lots of sense the more i listen to him. If i was
in your district you had my votes hands down.
How many votes does this voter have for a District? Another NDP trying to sway the voters for that Party.
to become up todate and modern.
The residence of these islands need to start sending their people
to represent their interest and not a party telling them who is good
for them.
I urge them to think this way, this is a new day and i see a great
oppertunity for them.
his plans can or will happen all at once?
Its prioriety is what is needed on the sister islands. If no one
to put it forward, I don't happen. Ask ralph he will tell you.