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Dr Natalio D. Wheatley sworn in as permanent Deputy Premier

- has full backing of VIP Gov't for successful tenure in new role
As first and accurately reported by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) taken up the mantle as the Deputy Premier for the remainder of the Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) led Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government. Photo: Team of Reporters
Hon Andrew A. Fahie in thanking his team for the support given over the past 17 months said Hon Wheatley has a quality of keeping cool,
Hon Andrew A. Fahie in thanking his team for the support given over the past 17 months said Hon Wheatley has a quality of keeping cool, "I know he will do an excellent job because he will get the support of all of us, his colleagues." Photo: GIS/Facebook
Present at the ceremony was the full complement of Ministers and HoA members under the Fahie administration, including Deputy House Speaker, Hon Neville A. Smith along with Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines. Photo: GIS/File
Present at the ceremony was the full complement of Ministers and HoA members under the Fahie administration, including Deputy House Speaker, Hon Neville A. Smith along with Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines. Photo: GIS/File
LONG LOOK, Tortola, VI - As first and accurately reported by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has been appointed Deputy Premier for the remainder of the Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) led Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government.

The official announcement ceremony took place today, Friday, August 7, 2020, just after 5:40 pm at The Stickett in Long Look, following announcements from Premier Fahie that the appointment will be finalised today. 

Years in the making - Hon de Castro 

Junior Minister for Tourism, Hon Sharie B. de Castro was the first of the ministers to offer congratulations, which she said came after many years as community advocacy from Hon Wheatley.

Many political and social pundits had believed that the current Deputy Premier, Hon Carvin Malone (AL), the Minister for Health and Social Development, would have secured the second spot in the Fahie-led VIP Administration after serving the longest in the rotation.

Hon Malone, speaking at the ceremony, offered congratulations and said his cousin, Dr Wheatley, now has a monumental task ahead of him to serve as Deputy Premier and it will require great support and prayers to get the job done.

"It will take a lot of sleepless night, but he has a whole support team standing behind him," Hon Malone said.

Hon Fahie, in thanking his team for the support given over the past 17 months, said Hon Wheatley has a quality of keeping cool, "I know he will do an excellent job because he will get the support of all of us, his colleagues," the Premier said. 

Gratitude expressed to all 

The Deputy Premier, Hon Wheatley, in his maiden speech under the new title, thanked God, his family, colleagues, the community and the Premier for the opportunity and said he is grateful for the support and looks forward to serving with the blessings of the ancestors who paved the way. 

The Premier, at the beginning of his tenure in Government, said he would be taking an unconventional approach to governance with each of his senior ministers serving as Deputy Premier to gain experience on a rotational basis, with a permanent Deputy Premier to be named at the end of the cycle.  

Present at the ceremony was the full complement of Ministers and HoA members under the Fahie administration, including Deputy House Speaker, Hon Neville A. Smith (AL), along with Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6).

30 Responses to “Dr Natalio D. Wheatley sworn in as permanent Deputy Premier ”

  • officer (07/08/2020, 20:51) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow congrats sir
  • Street reporter (07/08/2020, 20:56) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    The one person he cant bully, the one person that question and challenge his policies..The one person when Premier goes on vacation he can rest because he wont be getting calls. The one perso that will run the country bravely in the Premier's absent........Hope he doesnt let the power get to his head and become a change man.....The Premier is a Smart and Clever man, he just need to change his hateful and bully wsys
    • @Street Reporter (08/08/2020, 13:14) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      No one with sense sees the Premier as a bully but rather as a real leader that cares about his people while being fair to others not from the BVI. It is as simple as that.
    • @Street Reporter (08/08/2020, 16:47) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Wheatley can handle it. He is a humble, well educated, well spoken articulate man. I am so happy he was chosen as Deputy Premier/Second in Command.
  • lodger (07/08/2020, 21:36) Like (22) Dislike (18) Reply
    Unless he is Superman he needs to reduce his portfolio. Wearing too many hats.
    • @lodger (08/08/2020, 08:00) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      He can handle whatever is placed before him. I am a housewife and mother, and I wear many hats. If I can do it, he most certainly can. Congrats Deputy
      Premier.
      • @ @ lodger (08/08/2020, 10:04) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
        You’re not responsible for 30,000 people
        • @@ lodger (08/08/2020, 11:58) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          I may not be responsible for 30,000 lives but, I am responsible for four lives including myself. I will stand my ground about wearing many hats as a housewife/homemaker, mother and wife. IE, taking care of home, cooking, cleaning, shopping, bank runs, dentist runs, keeping financial records and many more. Is that not considered wearing many hats? He can handle it.
  • lol (07/08/2020, 22:31) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    The rest ah we look stupid right?
  • States Side (07/08/2020, 22:47) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congratulations to you Minister Wheatley. You will do well and serve your Country well.
  • HODGE (07/08/2020, 22:52) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congratulations Hon. Sowande! I know you will do great!
  • rattie (08/08/2020, 01:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I still maintain it’s the best choice
  • Eagle Eye (08/08/2020, 01:20) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sorry to say but the people is way ahead of the politicians.
  • all (08/08/2020, 05:19) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    When will you people learn to appreciate come on its one of your own lord have mercy Mr Wheatley thust in God he will see you throughout the way my prayer is with u
  • musa (08/08/2020, 05:37) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Not Sure but wish you well.
  • yeah (08/08/2020, 06:21) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    They just trying to free up the other minister’s hands for those big “jobs”....
  • lol (08/08/2020, 07:22) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    "Fire" gon burn down the warehouse and send the horses scattering in different directions.
  • Congrats are in order (08/08/2020, 07:44) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
    Congratulations on this prestigious position Hon. N. Wheatley. I pray that God will order your steps for the best interest of the territory and the people of the Virgin Islands. May God bless you.
  • pat (08/08/2020, 09:12) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    he will do well once the others does not undermined him
    • @pat (08/08/2020, 11:19) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      There will be the haters and the jealous ones who will try to undermine him but that will not deter him from doing what he has to do. I wish him the very best and will continue to support him.
  • simply the best (08/08/2020, 09:20) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would agree, I am elated that Minister Wheatley was appointed to this post.Congrats Minister Wheatley.
  • VIslander, the big (08/08/2020, 09:43) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congratulations Honorable Wheatley. the Premier made a very good choice by appointing you Deputy Premier. You are going to do well and I am rooting for you from across the waters. May God continue to bless you and guide you.
  • Cut deep (08/08/2020, 10:02) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Popcorn already been popped! Waiting to hear how this is all wrong from Cut Deep point of view....
  • Well Sir (08/08/2020, 10:48) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Is this really a prestigious position? Too many Honorable titles and pomp and circumstance for a small Island Nation.
  • Rockville Center, MD (08/08/2020, 11:27) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Minister Wheatley. May God bless
    and guide you. Excellent choice.
  • My girl (08/08/2020, 11:35) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    He deserve it my big ups brother Showada
  • east man (08/08/2020, 13:31) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    the VIP has always been a strong team
  • Well (08/08/2020, 15:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The torch of that burning fire of those many that figth for the integrity rigtheousness and freedom. That torch that once burnt in the late noel lyold that now handed over to u ..let it burnt bright my brother...and never forget that everything that glitters is not gold but that fire u possesses..god be with u ...for it going be rough my brother..
  • guy hill (08/08/2020, 18:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Minister Wheatley. Always continue to do your very best. Be brave.
  • Watchers (08/08/2020, 23:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    U are looking one more BVI great Premier of the future In the BVI. This leader has being personally chosen by god to do the works of the BVI. His blessings will continue to pour down on him. This just a part of it. Who god bless no man can curse.


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