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Natalio D. Wheatley joins VIP!

- said VIP is the best alternative to NDP
November 21st, 2016 | Tags: Natalio D. Wheatley Virgin Islands Party VIP resign PEP
Talk show host and political activist Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru has joined the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). Photo: VINO/Twitter
Mr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru last ran for political office with the People's Empowerment Party (PEP). Photo: VINO/File
Mr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru last ran for political office with the People's Empowerment Party (PEP). Photo: VINO/File
PPA members prior to the 2011 general elections in the Virgin Islands. From Left: Khoy Smith, Shania M. Smith, Elton Callwood and Natalio D. Wheatley, who has since joined the People's Empowerment Party (PEP) and now the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). Photo: VINO/File
PPA members prior to the 2011 general elections in the Virgin Islands. From Left: Khoy Smith, Shania M. Smith, Elton Callwood and Natalio D. Wheatley, who has since joined the People's Empowerment Party (PEP) and now the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- With just over a week before the elections of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), there comes the news that talk show host, college lecturer and former People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) President, Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru has left that party to join the VIP.

Mr Wheatley ran unsuccessfully for public office in 2011 with the People’s Patriotic Alliance (PPA) and in 2015 with the People’s Empowerment Party (PPA) as an At Large Candidate.

The outspoken Mr Wheatley made the announcement of his leaving the PEP and joining the VIP via a press release today, November 21, 2016, stating that the Virgin Islands Party presents the most viable alternative to the governance of the National Democratic Party.

It is no clear at this time whether Mr Wheatley will vie for any position in the November 30, 2016 elections of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

The big showdown will be between Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) and Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

See statement by Mr Natalio D.  Wheatley in its entirety below

This statement is confirmation that I, Dr Natalio Wheatley, have resigned as President and member of the People’s Empowerment Party (PEP). I am proud of the effort that PEP made over the past few years in presenting an alternative choice to the voters of the Virgin Islands.  I am also proud of the campaign we ran in the 2015 election, which was based on ideas.  We addressed many of the concerns that have now become obvious to the people of the Virgin Islands.

I would like to publicly thank the Chairman of the People’s Empowerment Party, J. Alvin Christopher for his mentorship and leadership; the executive committee and membership of PEP for their hard work, dedication, and support; and the hundreds of voters that cast a ballot for the PEP.  Your commitment to good governance and principled leadership is to be continually applauded.

I would also like to announce publicly that I have become a member of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). I have become increasingly concerned about the state of the Virgin Islands under the leadership of the ruling party.  Our finances are not being managed well; our districts are suffering; our local people are being passed over for opportunities; crime is threatening our peace, livelihood, and economy; and our cost of living is beyond the reach of ordinary residents and citizens.

The Virgin Islands Party presents the most viable alternative to the governance of the National Democratic Party. The VIP has the organisational infrastructure, the committed membership, and the constitutional framework that can serve as the foundation for the continued success of the longest serving and most recognisable party in the Virgin Islands. I would like to be a part of rebuilding and rebranding the VIP for the benefit of this and future generations of Virgin Islanders!

Forward Ever!

Backwards Never!

Natalio D. Wheatley, Ph.D

30 Responses to “Natalio D. Wheatley joins VIP!”

  • the bible (21/11/2016, 16:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    "many are called but only a few are chosen"
    • the rock (21/11/2016, 23:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Natalio, your move is a bit too soon, u should of waited a little longer, Andrew has to win the chairmanship for the party to survive and I don't think that is going to happen!
  • good move (21/11/2016, 16:34) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    will he be going up against the cuban in the 7th or the money hound in the 8th?
  • stronger together (21/11/2016, 16:35) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Forward ever backwards never!
  • breath of fresh air (21/11/2016, 16:38) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    We need a new president. Carvin has got to go.
  • street reporter. (21/11/2016, 16:40) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    PEP was a dead Horse. VIP is in Revere. Why VIP? Maybe he can help put it in forward gear. Which you luck by brother.
  • all aboard (21/11/2016, 16:43) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    All hands on deck because we got to get rid of the NDP.
  • lt (21/11/2016, 16:43) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    NOW IT DONE
  • musa (21/11/2016, 17:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    this kid was always a vip and that is bad news for frazer
    • i refused to call you ungrateful (21/11/2016, 18:46) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Wasn't fraser the one who promoted you to a supervisor at PWD? Wasn't it he that also gave you your taxi license?
      • == (23/11/2016, 11:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        so? Does that mean he can't go into politics against a former boss? Especially if he thinks he can contribute to the
        territory?
  • chad (21/11/2016, 18:44) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    he finally woke up and smelled the coffee
  • vip (21/11/2016, 18:52) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Elford come quick mehson...There is a slot in the 2nd district to be filled...Hurry come speeding! We want all hands on deck!
    • Elford Parsout (23/11/2016, 09:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hold that slot for me brudda, I comin! Stay there till I reach......
  • go for it (21/11/2016, 18:58) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    You got my vote and my family vote.
  • come back (21/11/2016, 19:53) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come back Alvin
  • surprise (21/11/2016, 20:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    More surprises to come.
  • Blank shot (21/11/2016, 21:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pep had some good guys want see if any one esle coming
  • Wasted. (21/11/2016, 23:24) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    Waste, total waste. We are too Naive. VIP with Frazer as leader will always lose.. Always. A new party will win next election.. We need something new..
    • yes (22/11/2016, 03:22) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      But It's Not Fahie.
    • @wasted. A new way (22/11/2016, 06:15) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ Wasted. I hate to agree with you but I have to. Mr Frazer your fight is legit, your intentions are good. So sad their are not enough indegenous BVIslanders to vote for you to take VIP to Victory at the poles. Things and times have changed. Inclusiveness is the new way. .
    • to wasted (22/11/2016, 12:49) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is an opportunity to get new people! why is it a waste? Only if Frazer and Fahie fighting will there still be a problem.
      Let's hope someone puts country first over ego like Natalio.
  • Billfargo (22/11/2016, 00:05) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply





    Well it is about time! I was wondering if I had to come to Tortola and drag you by your head, but thanks for a belly full of food, and a pleasant dream, and you did what needed to be done long time ago you woke up!
  • Sad and Painful Warning.. (22/11/2016, 06:03) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope VIP got the winning courage and can face reality.. The Head is the Bad part of the body. The body is poison from the head down.. Get Rid of the Head and save the body.. I think VIP leader is a good man with great intentions.. Reality... Don't wait for it to happen again..Stepping down from leadership is a bold and unselfish move.. Save the in-flight, save another embarrassment as the polls. NDP only change is if VIP maintain their present leadership.. U were warned.
  • street reporter. (22/11/2016, 06:20) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    How does one join a party. What the process. Can someone please explain.. This move can be a bad one and it can be a good one depends on his influence to effect change from with--in
  • NBA (22/11/2016, 14:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    VIP picked up a big free agent (Power Forward)...
  • tretretrete (22/11/2016, 22:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You all voted in the Ndp and look what's going on
    Well sir. Next time I'm voting VIP all the way
    Look how ndp got the country brokes and in bad condition need a lot of prayers


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