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‘I am very unhappy with At-Large system’- Doug Wheatley

- said the At Large system has failed to achieve the intended objectives
Retired civil servant and talk show host Doug Wheatley strongly believes the Virgin Islands (UK) has not ‘’benefitted tremendously from having four At-Large’ Representatives. Photo: VINO/File
From left: The current At Large Representatives, all members of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration are Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton, Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn and Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christian. Photo: VINO/File
From left: The current At Large Representatives, all members of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration are Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton, Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn and Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christian. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Host of the 3D radio programme, Doug Wheatley, strongly believes that the Virgin Islands (UK) has not “benefitted tremendously from having four At-Large” Representatives.

During the programme aired on ZBVI 780 AM on Friday, June 2, 2017, Mr Wheatley stated, “We had a legislation of nine and then we asked for four At-Large and so we now have thirteen. My own review as I said the other day, is that I don’t think that we have benefitted tremendously from having four At-Large.”

According to Mr. Wheatley, “The whole idea behind enlarging the legislative council, was so that you would have better debates. Instead of debates being very, very narrow, you would have a broader spectrum of advice and views being put forward on the floor of the House.”

The talk show host emphasised that this has yet to happen and it has not worked out.

“The four At-Large members who, the idea was that they would be able to present independent thoughts on particular issues but what happened, they have become a part of the party structure. When they speak, they speak just like all the other members of the party. They don’t bring any new views or different views to the discussion of topics. The At-Large members are just members of the party and they support the party all the way. That has defeated why we wanted to have a larger council.”

Mr Wheatley observed, based on the constitution, that the At-Large system has failed the VI with regards to executing its responsibilities.

“That was the hope. That was the aspiration when the At-Large membership was brought about. It has not lived up and measured up to that assumption that it would have helped.”

The current At Large Representatives, all members of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration are Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton, Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn and Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christian.

‘I’m not buying that.’

Meanwhile, a caller to the programme mentioned that the problem surrounding the At-Large members can be simply rectified based on the constitution.

“The point of the At-Large members, it seems to me that, that could be easily fixed. It seems from what you read, what it was intended to be, it can be solved by just making sure that those people come from an independent pool of people… So that shouldn’t be hard to change. I’m not buying that.”

In response to the caller’s remarks, the host commented that, “In moving forward, we will know how to chart our course based on the parameters that have been set up by the British government. We will know how to proceed bearing those things in mind.”

He added, “The key to any of this is for the people to come together on these matters and so far we have not been really coming together as a people on these matters. We are scattered like sheep.  We need to spend more time discussing these things and looking out as the way forward for the BVI.”

20 Responses to “‘I am very unhappy with At-Large system’- Doug Wheatley”

  • jim brown (05/06/2017, 12:15) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well they said they did not want to be a 3rd wheel they have turn out to be a disater..i agree with doug
  • Love for My Country (05/06/2017, 12:21) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    The At-Large System was never established correctly from inception. This was a system hastily established by the British Government to damage the party which was in power at the time - H Lavity Stoutt and the Virgin Islands Party. We the people of this Territory did very little to argue about this system and the at it was thrown upon us - good or bad. Nothing has happened since it was hastily established - over twenty years ago. Now we are here crying wolf. The problem with us is that we only complain about things when we see that it would not benefit our own individual self interest. We do not look out for the long tern effect things would have on the country. If we do not like the government in power, we could not care less what happens. With such attitude, we are only harming ourselves for we know what it is to be tomorrow and who will lead. COUNTRY SHOULD ALWAYS BE FIRST.
    • Reply (05/06/2017, 21:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      it was only a plot by the UK to get out the VIP now if it stated wrong it will end wrong
  • time (05/06/2017, 12:23) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    For Change All around!
  • wize up (05/06/2017, 12:25) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    Mr Wheatley are you running: no need to run because you have issues with almost every thing in this territory; get elected and see how best you can alter the system(good luck at the polls)
    • D (05/06/2017, 21:13) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      I don't suppose you have any issues. YOU are just glad to be here.
      • @ D (05/06/2017, 23:11) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        I would ask the same question
        • D (06/06/2017, 02:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          The people are the government, they have a right to express themselves. You can't be the only one with an opinion. If you see something you should say something.
    • doug (05/06/2017, 21:36) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      I am not running for legislative council.

      Has the At Large system worked for you?
      Why don't you call the show so we can discuss it on air. I am critical of the bad because things are not good and people are hurting and feel voiceless, but I will let you have a voice on air if you have something you feel the community should hear. We can disagree but let's not be silent, call in and share your views.
      • kelo (05/06/2017, 23:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Divide and conquer brother, remember the words of Marcus Garvey. His words are now coming to pass.
  • Freedom! (05/06/2017, 12:26) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Good points but....
  • Street reporter (05/06/2017, 13:00) Like (9) Dislike (10) Reply
    Agree...Very bad law....just waste of tax payers money...We need the law change...We only need Two at Large and one of the two must be Premier or deputy...
  • BVI People. (05/06/2017, 18:12) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    We badly need another Noel Lloyd... We are a people now accept every and anything... Then complained after...time to wake up, be courageous and rise up...
  • wize up (06/06/2017, 05:00) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    The country is at a serious cross road and need a few good men so put your money where you mouth is or try to establish a new party....
    • dude (06/06/2017, 08:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      we don't vote directly for our premier or deputy, our complaints commish, attorney general, financial secretary or deputy governor so to only care about an elected rep and not the whole system won't work

      Many people want to run but can they do the job?
      • wize up (06/06/2017, 10:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ dude: I will love to see 2 things; 1. A definite date/day for general elections. 2. We need to vote for the premier
  • Political Observer (PO) (06/06/2017, 11:49) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    The political system requires both district representatives and at-large reps. District reps are local while at-large are more global, i.e., representing a larger group in the HOA. The at-large system can work but its effectiveness is a function of the electorate engagement. We must divest ourselves of the practice of electing people and then going in hibernation. We must keep elected members either district or at-large feet to the fire. Under the West Minister system there is government and opposition; opposition can be either a party or independent members. A cow feed where it is tied. If a member runs with a party, he/she will for the most part will support the party platform. Coalition government works better; lopsided governments are horrible. The more productive, accountable and transparent governments are those with a narrow seat margin or those with independent members as part of government. If the electorate are engaged they will get the outcome they desire. If a member is under performing kick him or her to the curb at the polls or recall them.

    Moreover, the BVI has too many elected reps. for such a small population. With a population of 30000-40000(2010 Census was a disaster and embarrassment), there are 13 reps. Rediculous! Inspite of a growing population, communications and transportation improvements lessen the need for less reps, not more. At 30000, it is 1 rep to 2308 souls; at 40000, 3077. Why is East End and Long Look a seperate district? There are other districts that can easily be merged and represented by 1 member. The US has a population of 315M and a 100 senators and 435 House of Rep members.
  • JYD (07/06/2017, 08:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    All i can say it to have all the at large seats be back benchers and NOT to hold any Ministries, if you want a ministry you should be one of who run for the 9 Districts, because if the Government changes and these at large people still wins them seat then no at large will have a chance to hold a Ministry so start at the top take way the at large power,And a matter of fact the Prime Minster should NEVER be an at large candidate that the problem that why you cant say he doesn't help his district SMART fellow.
    .


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