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NDP & UK Gov'ts acting in isolation on future of VI- Doug Wheatley

- said Locals being snubbed from decision making process
Radio personality Doug Wheatley has slammed the National Democratic Party (NDP) government as being undemocratic. Photo: VINO/File
Wheatley said the Tortola Pier Park (left) and the Airport Runway Extension Project (right) are examples where major projects were done without the public getting a full say in the decision making process. Photo: VINO/File
Wheatley said the Tortola Pier Park (left) and the Airport Runway Extension Project (right) are examples where major projects were done without the public getting a full say in the decision making process. Photo: VINO/File
The National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme is also another example where the National Democratic Party (NDP) government has refused to listen to the people. Photo: VINO/File
The National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme is also another example where the National Democratic Party (NDP) government has refused to listen to the people. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Radio Talk show personality, Doug Wheatley has spoken out against what he said is the notable exclusion of locals in the decision-making process in the territory.

Wheatley used his weekly radio programme, Speak out BVI, aired on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday July 19, 2016, to point out that time and time again, the United Kingdom and the Virgin Islands governments liaise on key decisions and the public is not being involved.

As a consequence, Wheatley said, there is no transparency and accountability and remarked that this is not the way a democracy operates.

“When certain matters are questioned, what the government says, and the governor says it as well, is that these things were all part of the medium-term plan and London is behind that plan. So you don’t have to worry,” he said. “So what does that tell us? It tells us that the government of the Virgin Islands is being run with its partner the United Kingdom Government, and together the two of them are deciding on the future of the Virgin Islands.”

The outspoken host said as far as he can recall there are people living in the territory “and they must count for something!” He continued, “So it is not enough for the local government, the government that we elected to say, well we know what is best for the Virgin Islands and we will deal with our partners in England, and once they accept it and agree to it, then that’s all that we need. But in a democracy, that is not the way it works!”

He is of the view that the electorate voted for a government to serve them and interaction and inclusion in any decision are crucial.

He mentioned the National Health Insurance (NHI), the Tortola Pier Park (TPP), and the airport expansion project as some such examples of the present government and the UK Government working in isolation.

11 Responses to “NDP & UK Gov'ts acting in isolation on future of VI- Doug Wheatley”

  • The Nerve (20/07/2016, 08:26) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    but we all know they do not care about the people only close to elections
  • voter (20/07/2016, 10:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok then lets vote them out
  • who looking out 4 v (20/07/2016, 10:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Doc say we ain't ready and myrun say he cant protect us
  • Stupid BVI (20/07/2016, 12:22) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dougie knows more about politics and running the country than those elected idiots.
    Will he ever be an acting DG or a PS here, no he won't because we like sharply dressed idiots.
    BVI people are stupid and the expats come and see what we do and laugh and they don't understand why we have capable citizens who are marginalized so they laugh at the lack of status of the educated functional citizens while incompetence is rewarded and promoted here
  • policeman (20/07/2016, 13:13) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    Doggie MVW say you can't win an election and unelectable so go sit down
    • I know who you are (20/07/2016, 14:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Election is a popularity contest. Your job in the police if were based on public opinion, would you still have it?
      Doug knows what he is saying because it is what his life is about. Is he being paid to know these things or have these opinions? No. But MVW is being paid and was voted in. Does he know what he's doing? No

      Doug studied politics. MVW studied food & beverages then law. The Premier studied medicine.

      Stupid BVI is right
    • wize up (21/07/2016, 02:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ policeman....true statement people like Wheatley are Monday Morning Quarterbacks.....all the talk is just killing me; year after year show after show ....I wonder if homeboy realize how long he just sitting talking and talking while the territory gone down.....after all the talk we now have shootings in broad daylight in this BVI; after all the weekly talking we have issues in the school system ....poor fellow cant get 10 votes to save his life
      • Be not wise in your own eyes (21/07/2016, 11:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        And is that the talk show host's fault? So you're blaming the "Commentors" who's job is to talk about the issues so that the community can have open dialog but not the legislators who's job is to run the place.
        LOL and you think you're saying something productive.
        BVI is the most backward place int he world and blame everybody else except who should be blamed. and the reasonis that you get fromthem so you can't offend them LOL
        Then have the nerve to even mention independence you no book reading no library having set of ignorant fools
  • wize up (20/07/2016, 21:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr Wheatley: stop the talk and throw your hat in the ring....find another 6 persons and form a political party: let the people see you make a difference other this talk show that goes no where!!! Be that change
  • Bronco (20/07/2016, 22:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Doug go ahead and remove our Gv because they don't consult with you. Maybe they were voted in because their judgement is trusted so no need to vote or dicuss every issue.
    It would be a wakeup call to us all to have yo and several other wannabees buzzing around as our new installed Gov. VI needs a dose of reality. Go ahead Dougie.
  • Lack of Knowledge (22/07/2016, 10:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    People get distroyed because we lack knowledge. Ninety percent of the time when this man speak he educates us on the real issues that are affecting us. He is a man who takes time to read and find out the facts on the issues. You call in on his show and if he is not aware of that issue he seeks to get the right information to tell the public then he comes back and report. Unlike some of our elected officials who can do a lot better with telling the public the truth. This man is transparent so stop trying pßto bash him this is a man to his word. He is doing a good job at it. This is his thing if you don't want to here him trunk your radio on off or to another station.

    Everyone plays a key role in society. Maybe we should ask our selves what role do we play in society? Wisdom is the principle thing. He don't have to be in politics to contributed to the territory. The territory have issues and we all need to play our part in helping. The Government don't have all the answers to the territory issues.


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