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Premier Smith off on wrong foot regarding self-determination- Doug Wheatley

- political system being manipulated- caller
From left: Talk show host Doug Wheatley (right) believes Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (left) should hold no discussions about self-determination for the Virgin Islands while in the United Kingdom until the people are properly consulted. Photo: VINO/File
Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (centre) is currently leading a delegation in the Asia Pacific Region on a trade mission. Photo: GIS
Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (centre) is currently leading a delegation in the Asia Pacific Region on a trade mission. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Host of the Speak out BVI show on ZBVI 780 AM, Doug Wheatley is of the view that Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith’s announcement to a local media house back in early August, that talks of independence will be placed at the forefront of discussions with the British Government is not the way to go.

Presently the Premier has been leading a delegation in the Asia Pacific Region on a trade mission, from October 17-29, 2016 and immediately after he is expected to proceed to the United Kingdom, from October 29 to November 5, 2016 where he will attend the annual Joint Ministerial Council Meeting (JMC) and hold other discussions, including on independence.

He is slated to return to the Virgin Islands on November 6, 2016. In his absence, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) has been named Acting Premier.

However, using his 60-minute programme on October 18, 2016, Wheatley said the UK has nothing to do with the territory’s self-determination at this point.

“If the Premier wants to talk about self -determination he needs to do that with the people of the Virgin Islands,” he insisted. “Self-determination is something that will come from the people of these islands not from the leaders of this territory, not from the UK. So the first thing that the Premier needs to do would be to have discussions with his people and find out exactly how his people feel about self-determination. But I think to start off by going to London and have a discussion on self-determination is starting off on the wrong foot.”

Caller agrees

Meantime, a caller to the programme was in agreement stating that “our people need to really realise that the status that we are right now with the UK, and with our islands going independent, we need to, as BV Islanders, acknowledge this...”

The male caller said he felt that way since he believes the political system in the VI is being manipulated and it is hard to say for sure where the territory stands because of the modus operandi of this present administration.

“We deserve to know and we should know because we are the ones to stand up for what we have here. We cannot sit down and expect that those that we have now to lead us are going to lead us in the right way.”

7 Responses to “Premier Smith off on wrong foot regarding self-determination- Doug Wheatley”

  • shark (19/10/2016, 08:16) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    NO INDEPENDENCE UNDER NDP BOTTOM LINE
  • voter (19/10/2016, 10:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can we start a petition to the Queen to stop this NDP government with this independence foolishness?
  • Risk/Reward (19/10/2016, 11:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    All this talk of independence I have yet to hear a dialogue which would address the process and the risk and benefit.

    People should never make an un-inform decision!!

    What would concern me most are 2 things 1.How will independence affect the Nation 2. What political system best serve the people and limit the power of those elected.
  • John (19/10/2016, 17:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    These "leaders" are not going to discuss any of the issues. It will be just like the election last year. Not a single word on their accomplishments, just a call to vote. Why do they think independence is better? How is the VI going to be run with independence? Where is the money going to come from for all the new requirements? Will government be more transparent or less transpatent and will they even feel obliged to report to the people at all? They are not enforcing some laws now, why should we believe they will with independence? This cannot be viewed as just another political trick on the people. Those ministers who are ranting and raving about independence now, have not made the case for it. Minister Vanterpool's claim that the UK is going to impose direct rule is totally unfounded. It is only his fear of being investigated that is motivating him. Before independence there must be an investigation on these massive cost overruns and misappropriation of funds.
  • Yes (19/10/2016, 18:22) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Parasitic Political Oligarchy wishes to transform into full on authoritarian despotism. This cannot be done under British Rule hence the "need" for independence. They will never have a referendum or any cogent discussion on the matter. What we actually need is a series of COIs to put them where they belong.....behind bars. Yo Guv! you're up man!
  • charlie (19/10/2016, 20:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The citizens of this or any country must be the ones to decide whether or not independence should be a discussion topic before going to the U.K. government with this. Check out who and how many of them are off to Asia jet setting at $25000. A seat and you say this country has no money!
  • wize up (20/10/2016, 07:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope some of us on here blogging this fancy talk will be accounted for when the actual fight starts: I know talk is cheap and when time comes for all hands on deck half of us blogging will be no where to be found...I recall the 70s when some of us stood up for our right back then we had no talk show host and blogs we simply put our hands to the plough and created a wonderful BVI; all we have in the 20s is a set of talk talk and more talk!!!!



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