E. Benito Wheatley Out! as VI Ambassador to London/EU
The United States of America President Donald J. Trump (R) fired on March 13, 2018 his own top diplomat, the US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson.
It seems like Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) has followed suite and ousted his own head of the BVI London Office and Representative to the European Union, Mr E. Benito Wheatley.
Mr Wheatley has served in the post for over seven years, and has been praised by local and international agencies for the work he has done on behalf of the British Overseas Territory of the VI.
First rated performance
He gained acclaim when he professionally defended the VI after hurricanes Irma and Maria and explained to the international media (CNN, BBC) the real state on the ground after the two killer storms.
The young Ambassador also joined others like Julian Willock, a former Permanent Secretary, and Lorna G. Smith OBE, the Interim Director of BVI Finance over the past two years, in battling for the Territory against the blistering negative international press over the financial services sector.
Sources close to the National Democratic Party (NDP) told our newsroom that Mr Wheatley had challenges securing a new contract after his tenure ended in September 2017.
It is our understanding that after much discussion and negotiations, it was reported that the young diplomat, who served the role of an Ambassador, got frustrated and decided not to continue.
When contacted by our newsroom on the reports that he had resigned, first made public by commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline on his ZBVI Radio Show Honestly Speaking on Tuesday March 13, 2018, Mr Wheatley used diplomatic language.
I am leaving but will stay until- Wheatley
He said “My contract as Director of the BVI London Office/UK & EU Representative expired in September 2017. I have stayed on to help see the territory through the difficult period that has followed since Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck the BVI.”
When pressed about why he could not secure another contract, Mr Wheatley told us via Email: “The public can rest assured that I will continue to serve the territory faithfully until a successor is appointed in the weeks ahead.”
When asked if a non-national will fill the post he said, “I am highly confident that a BVIslander will be identified for the position, who will continue the important diplomatic work of this office and lead its excellent staff.”
Meanwhile, Director of Communications in the Premier's Office Mrs Arliene T. Penn did not respond to our queries on why Mr Wheatley was not offered a contract renewal.
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29 Responses to “E. Benito Wheatley Out! as VI Ambassador to London/EU”
Mr. Wheatley you did well. I know you can say your hands are clean. Not sure how many can say the same.
IMO, the British Virgin Islands could not have found a better/more capable ambassador. He is a fine young man who represented the BVI well. I'm very proud of him, and I will not be surprised to hear that he moves on to bigger and better things. IMO, his future is quite bright.
Wish you all the best Benito. Job well done.
Personnel resources are the most critical of resources and should be treated with honor, dignity, respect and appreciation. Top performing employees should be recognized and rewarded. Seems like Benito is being undeservedly dissed as Guy Hill, former acting CIO, was. Conversely, under performing employees should be coached and counseled and if no improvement in performance results, ways parted. Benito you are a true North Star so keep your head high. You are talented with a bright future ahead. Stay focus, and keep your eyes on the prize. The Bible says a man receives no honour in his own country and the rejected stone becomes the head stone. Best of luck. Furthermore, we are keeping an eye out to see what unqualified crony will be in the position. One thing for sure he/she will have some big 22 shoes to fill.
You placed your own cousin on the chopping block!
Is it because his Dad's talk show heaps coals of fire weekly at your administration? But events in the country are as such that requires constant scrutiny, talkshows notwithstanding.
What a pistarkle!
When a door close especially if you' re there for a long time and you are still young,man rejoice and say good. It is time . Long overdue . In this day and age people who remain on one job for so long it is laziness. Growth is vital. Expand use what you learn in the past years to expand revitalize and experience be entrepeneural and innovative.
Mr Wheatley, Congratulations. You are going to soar because of your sensible and classy manner. Thanks for the ride.