Political dynasty? From Dr Willard Wheatley to Dr Natalio D. Wheatley
He is credited for taking the Territory out of ‘grant-in-aid’ status and became the first Minister of Finance.
He served as Chief Minister at the head of two different coalition governments. One as de facto leader of the United Party (UP), and the other the VI Democratic Party (VIDP).
Both parties are now defunct.
The late Chief Minister served in the Legislative branch from 1971, when he was first elected until 1983—some 12 years.
It was then the 6th and then 8th district, but it was the eastern end of Tortola.
Once Chief Minister Wheatley, a former educator retired from politics, one of his sons Douglas Wheatley attempted a bid in 2007, as an Independent Candidate, but was unsuccessful.
His grandson did it
His grandson however, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), has now followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and was elected in 2019.
Before that the man now with the second biggest portfolio in government first ran in 2011 with the People's Patriotic Alliance (PPA).
He was unsuccessful in that bid and in 2015, he came back again with another new group headed by J. Alvin Christopher, a former legislator named People's Empowerment Party (PEP).
Hon Wheatley aka ‘Showande Uhuru’ was again unsuccessful, however, he never gave up.
He joined the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) in 2016 and became the President.
This year, he ran with the now ruling VIP and was successful—some 36 years after his grandfather, the late Chief Minister, left public office.
Recently
There are not much examples of where children or grandchildren of politicians have won seats in the VI, notwithstanding, there are other examples of family members.
So maybe the Wheatley’s may be a rare dynasty.
The last Member in the House of Assembly (HoA) where his father was an elected official was former Legislator, Hubert R. O’Neal. His father was Robinson O’Neal both of Virgin Gorda.
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13 Responses to “Political dynasty? From Dr Willard Wheatley to Dr Natalio D. Wheatley ”
Premier please do not change him. If the rest vex let them put a smoke in their pipe. This is about country not self.
Moreover, Dr. N. Wheatley has one the larger ministries, ie, education, culture, sports, youth affairs, fisheries and agriculture. With this hefty portfolio, he needs a Junior Minister, if we want success from some of these services. IMO, Fisheries and Agriculture are misplaced in the MEC; these two functions should be grouped with natural resources and the environmental resources.