Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, seen here with Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1), said that he stands ready to carry the heavy responsibilities that come with being a Minister, District Representative and now, the new Deputy Premier. Photo: VINO/File

Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said he remains humbled by the appointment of permanent Deputy Premier of the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, was announced as the permanent Deputy Premier of the Virgin Islands at The Stickett in Long Look on August 7, 2020. Photo: Team of Reporters

"I want to let the persons of the 7th District know that this position that I receive will not make me work any less hard, for your interest," Hon Wheatley said at the Friday's, August 7, 2020, official informing of the Deputy Premier at The Stickett in Long Look.

"Because all of the titles don't mean anything if your people are suffering," Hon Whiteley reiterated during his maiden public speech as the new Deputy Premier.

While Hon Wheatley did not specify what 'suffering' he was referring to, he said titles are not for leaders to exalt themselves over others, rather, to take on heavy responsibilities to be able to serve the people, especially during tough times.

Empowering VI 

"That's what leadership is about, it's about serving others, it's not necessarily about just giving persons things. It's about empowering persons to be their best selves, empowering communities to be the best that they can be."

He said further empowerment in the education system, good healthcare and ensuring Virgin Islanders learn their local culture are all part of leadership.

"These are heavy responsibilities and the post of Deputy Premier is one I take very seriously and it means that I have to work even harder to be able to serve the people of the entire Territory." 

Dr Wheatley said he remains humbled by the appointment and reminded the territory of the resilience of its people during slavery, through the cholera disease outbreak, UK neglect, economic depression and the 2017 storms.

He said that same resilience will help get the VI through the COVID-19 pandemic and also the threats to the local financial sector.