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The time to talk about the future of the VI is now- Doug Wheatley

- said he not know whether there is any substance to talks of direct rule being threatened by UK
Talk show host Doug Wheatley has called on all political parties to engage the people in a meaningful discourse on the future of the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Premier of the Virgin Islands (UK) Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) has rubbished reports that the United Kingdom has called for the VI to hold elections in August or face intervention. Photo: VINO/File
Premier of the Virgin Islands (UK) Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) has rubbished reports that the United Kingdom has called for the VI to hold elections in August or face intervention. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While placing on record that he does not know whether there is any substance to talks that the United Kingdom has threatened intervention in the governing of the territory if elections are not held by August 2017, talk show host Doug Wheatley has called on all political parties to engage the people in a meaningful discourse on the future of the Virgin Islands.

Speaking on Tuesday April 4, 2017 on the radio programme Speak out BVI on ZBVI 780 AM, Wheatley’s remarks came following the Premier of the Virgin Islands (UK) Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) shooting down the claims, which he said are far from the truth.

VI at a serious crossroad

According to Mr Wheatley, it is important that the parties come forward and begin to talk to the people about the future of the Virgin Islands. “Because we are at a serious crossroad now and I think if we ever needed to talk, the time is now,” he said.

“So I hope that in the next couple of weeks we will hear the good news that VIP is having- Let’s talk, the NDP will continue with their Monday evening programmes and of course Conrad Maduro calls in on various programmes and makes his point of view known.”

Mr Wheatley added that, “In terms of the rumour, I don’t know if there is any substance to it, but I am a very patient person myself, and following what happened the last several days in terms of the Governor’s actions I will just wait and see where it leads to and what happens next. I won’t get over-anxious about anything, I will just bide my time and see how this matter unfolds as time goes by.”

VI doesn’t need rescuing- Premier Smith

The Premier, following a nudge from Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) said on the radio programme NDP Radio on ZBVI 780 AM on April 3, 2017 that the VI is not in need of rescuing and pointed out that it was rescued when his administration took the reins from the Virgin Islands Party in 2011.

According to Premier Smith, there has been “something going around” on WhatsApp that some senior person in the British government is asking the Governor His Excellency John S. Duncan OBE to tell the premier of the VI that they must call elections in August or else they will have to intervene.

“But let me say right now, that is absolute rubbish. There is no such thing, this government, and this country is progressing well.”

He surmised that the “rumours” are attempts to undermine the electorate’s confidence in them.

“Since we got into office in November 2011 I think we have been making good progress based on all the comments we’ve had over the years. There have been others who would like to see the government that is now in office not do well, and not even continue in office,” Premier Smith stated.

21 Responses to “The time to talk about the future of the VI is now- Doug Wheatley”

  • Curious (08/04/2017, 11:38) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    is this man campaigning on behalf of his son?
  • wize up (08/04/2017, 12:02) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    something(s) went wrong because under the guidance of Hon Willard Wheatley this territory moved away from granting aid during the early 70s: my goodness; by 2007 this territory was right back in the hands of the UK(given the protocols for effective financial management): money and bad leadership have distorted the very frabic of our society and we have no one to blame for our demise but bad leaders: bad decisions and greed(this thing call money)..i will assume those we vote for have good intentions however once in political office that thing call money gets the best of them: the main factor in the demise of the BVI is money: some of us might recall when we had no money BUT a wonderful society(things were so fabulous we called our country Nature's Little Secret)
  • UK (08/04/2017, 12:21) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The ndp gots to go
  • Jack B nimble (08/04/2017, 13:48) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why did Doc need a nod from Ronnie to wake up and speak up.. Seems like Doc got no idea of the gravity of our problem. Wonder why Ronnie is trying to sink Doc and these islands deeper...
    • Jack ... (13/04/2017, 15:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Jack B nimble, you are so irrational, on the one hand you are suggesting that Ronnie is waking up Doc from his slumber, which would seem like a good thing, but on the other hand, you're saying Ronnie is trying to sink Doc. Is Ronnie trying to sink dock by waking him up? Read your comments before you submit them.
  • Street reporter (08/04/2017, 14:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is sad ..So long people been calling for a switched up of ministries, then they will see that Doc is trying to do something to improve the situation... Don't have the same people doing the same thing and expect a different result.
    • @Street reporter... Wisdom.. (09/04/2017, 05:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Street reporter..Wisdom,.. don't have the she same people doing the same thing and expect a different result.. Hope North Western at RTW reading your wisdom... They seem to be guided by the same people / managers who are sinking the company.. They suppose to be smart his people, will watch and wait ..Not surprise if England take over these islands.. We are sinking daily, need a quick turn around before it's too late.
    • Political Observer (PO) (09/04/2017, 17:41) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Street Reporter, you are advocating for a ministerial reshuffling but who would put where? Currently, there are five ministries:
      1. Premier D. Orlando Smith MoF. 6. Marlon Penn JM Trade
      2. DP Kedrick Pickering MNRL. 7. Archibald Christian JM Tourism
      3. Ronnie Skelton MHSS
      4. Mark Vanterpool MCW
      5. Myron Walwyn MEC

      Backbenchers: M. Turnbull, Delores Christopher, Alvera Maduro-Caines, Hubert O'Neal.

      If the Premier were to reshuffle the cabinet, who would go where? Here is my team:
      1. D. Orlando Smith MoF (Only because he cannot give it up finance now) [If Mark is MNRL, Marlon JM (Trade)]
      2. Ronnie Skelton MCW (only engineer in the caucus; brother Jeffrey may have to move from PWD)
      3. Kedrick Pickering MHSS (remain Deputy Premier)
      4. Marlon Penn or Mark Vanterpool at MNRL
      5. Myron Walwyn ( But Big ? mark)

      ***Delores Christopher JM MEC (culture, need diversity, training opportunity)
      ***Archibald Christian JM MoF (Tourism)
      ***Alvera Maduro-Caines (unofficial JM MNRL, training opportunity)


  • Pumpkin Eater (08/04/2017, 19:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ahhh Dougie, your stirring the pot with your son is creating a callaloo without fungi and that is not good.
  • E. Leonard (08/04/2017, 21:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VI is indeed at a crossroad (yes crossroad is over used word but in this instance there is realism) and the electorate must be actively engaged in a sober conversation about its future. In fact the electorate should demand a conversation about the future of the Virgin Islands; it should not wait. The truth or rumour about the UK dictating that the VI hold a general election by Sugust 2017 or else it will impose direct rule can be cleared up quickly by Governor John Duncan. Perhaps, the Governor should be queried about the rumour.
    • wize up (09/04/2017, 09:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ E Leonard: it is shocking to realize the same UK that left the inhabitants of these islands for dead way back when; anticipates coming back to the BVI now we have amassed few dollars: to the best of my knowledge the UK do not offer any financial aid to this territory: it is all about the money!!!!(the one reported from the UK was highly mortified because of the value of our little hospital)...I personally think stick regulations must be in place in relation to spend tax payers money especially on capital projects: I also think the people must vote on certain projects(five ministers sitting in room should not dictate for the rest of us without our input)
      • E. Leonard (09/04/2017, 14:45) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ Wize Up, your comment "I personally think stick regulations must be in place in relation to spend tax payers money especially on capital projects: I also think the people must vote on certain projects(five ministers sitting in room should not dictate for the rest of us without our input)" merits further discussion. In other locales, i.e., the US........etc capital projects are bundled as a bond and taken to voters for an up or down vote on discrete projects. On bond packages, the funding source is identified up front, e.g., revenue bonds, general obligation (GO)bonds, property taxes.........etc.

        Something similiar can occur in the VI, engaging voters and giving a greater say in how, when, where, on what and why money will be spent on capital projects. At least, a plurality of voters will decide what capital projects get done and how they will be paid for.
        • wize up (09/04/2017, 16:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ E Leonard: It Will be an awesome day in the territory when those we continue to vote for change those 1960s regulations: I am no authority or do I have a great understanding as to legislation out of BVI: the 13 folks we vote for have to me be more respectful of our desires as It relates to the movement of the territory: laws are being passed in this territory and most of voters have no cluse because we were not tuned into TV or Radio during the sittings at house of assembly and that is wrong: this will always be my pet peeve; just before the election day the 13 blind mice in and out of your community by day and by night however 24 hours after an election the voting public will never see those 13 people until just before the next election and that wrong: when it come to certain developments let's all go to our district polling stations and vote; do the count and the majority votes in favour then move ahead with the project: this territory don't print money and we have limited funding so let's spend wizely:we need better regulations to govern the activities of our leaders
      • RealPol (09/04/2017, 18:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Wize Up, did Britain actually saw the VI as such a desolate place and bolted leaving it as fit for only as a bird sanctuary or it is an urban legend? That aside, our foreparents were a rugged and determined people who toiled hard to eek out a living. They past the baton with a great start. Where did we go wrong? Was it the prevalence of television or the insatiable drive for materialism or the adoption of the fast food mentality or the lost of the village?

        The late former Chief Minister Williard Wheatley took us somewhat off of the UK's breast by making us self supporting financially since the 70s. Did the negotiators in the last constitutional review drop the ball by signing on to a deal that made the Governor the de facto Premier, and the big hefe, giving him veto power over all things? Wat ah ting! The Guv pimp slapped we government, though we agree to give him the power to pimp slap us.
        • wize up (09/04/2017, 19:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ RealPol: great blog: my assumption thus my response to your question(MONEY) and far more important(we no longer put God FIRST): I can recall those good old days going to church with Ning and had to be in church: we have a few dollars now so our Heavenly Father have been placed on the back burner: I agree with you because quest for material stuff have taken our eyes of the prize BUT what can you do; the scriptures speaks about these days and the Good Book must be fulfilled...although it's discomforting at times we all must keep the faith because Good will always overcome Evil(God is still on the Throne)
  • Yes (08/04/2017, 23:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    NDP on drips in Peebles ER. CPR needed Stat!
    • Reply (09/04/2017, 20:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The bottom line is that many approaches will be needed to make health care more broadly affordable.
  • Belonger With A Broader Perspective (09/04/2017, 01:22) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Doc Shape up or ship out
  • ? (09/04/2017, 07:16) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Maybe the time to prepare for it was years ago.
  • voter (09/04/2017, 21:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Keep your eye on the ball.


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