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VIP rebuilding 'almost from scratch'- Natalio D. Wheatley

- said VIP Chairman Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) is the only confirmed VIP candidate for the next general elections
President of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru, right, has said the VIP is rebuilding from scratch. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru was a guest of the online radio show, Fresh Radio Vybz with Paul A. Peart aka 'Gadiethz' on November 28, 2017. Photo: Provided
Mr Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru was a guest of the online radio show, Fresh Radio Vybz with Paul A. Peart aka 'Gadiethz' on November 28, 2017. Photo: Provided
The rift between Hons Julian Fraser RA (R3), left, and Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, included a nasty public battle for the Leader of the Opposition post which many felt has done damage to the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). Photo: VINO/File
The rift between Hons Julian Fraser RA (R3), left, and Andrew A. Fahie (R1), right, included a nasty public battle for the Leader of the Opposition post which many felt has done damage to the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The question as to the part former Chairman Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) is to play in the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) is still uncertain, since he was replaced as Chairman of the party a year ago, and subsequently on February 6, 2017 replaced as the Opposition Leader.

Current President of the VIP, Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru stated that Mr Fraser is still a member of the party but no confirmation on whether he will be running in the next election with the party. Mr Wheatley was at the time a guest on the Fresh Radio Vybz show of Tuesday November 28, 2017, now streaming on the internet and hosted by Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’.

While on the then television show, Honestly Speaking, back in July of this year, Hon Fraser confirmed that he was still a member of the party, but was unhappy with the message the party was sending at the time. Not being one to go public with his problems he also added “As far as I’m concerned there is nothing between us. I do what I have to do and you do what you have to do. There is nothing between us,” Hon Fraser said on the same show.

Hon Fahie the only confirmed VIP member in upcoming elections

When asked about the position of the party right now by the host, President Wheatley responded that “The Virgin Islands Party is rebuilding, its rebuilding on a firm foundation right now.” The leadership style demonstrated by the Opposition Leader is the style the VIP will bring to the people. Where community involvement will be key.

“The party is almost starting from scratch, the only confirmed person who is going to be running right now is Hon Andrew A. Fahie [R1]. We are looking for candidates. We need a new generation of leaders who are willing to step forward and we need to older persons to be able to mentor and pass the baton.”

The VIP president added that persons in the VI generally like to ‘hold on to power for as long as possible’ instead of looking to train future leadership.

Mr Wheatley is calling on all those young persons to take an interest in leadership and serve their country. “It’s our time now to be able to shine, young people, it’s our time to be able to take up the baton but we need the experienced ones to bring us along, to share the knowledge that they have, don’t just try to hoard power for themselves.”

The Virgin Islands Party has been quiet since the changes to its leadership was done late last year and early this year. The tension between party members was a cause for concern to residents. They now anxiously await announcement as to who will be running with the party in the next elections, constitutionally due in two years.

The rift

The rift between Hons Fraser and Fahie included a nasty public battle for the Leader of the Opposition post which many felt has done damage to the VIP. This came even after Hon Fahie had publicly stated he wasn’t interested in the Opposition Leader post after taking over the Chairmanship of the VIP from Hon Fraser.

One caller to the Speak Out BVI show on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday February 7, 2017 had summed it up for many when he said the entire matter was heartbreaking since Hon Fraser should have been allowed to serve his full term as leader.

In his opinion, Hon Fraser did a good job.

“Opposition Fraser was the leader for a while and he played a good role and how they make it is like he didn’t do a good job! How can I as a person, you throw me under the bus, I come and sit down and speak to you and you make the public feel I didn’t do a good job, that’s my view.  It is bitter when you make me feel that I didn’t do a good job, I am not a good Opposition Leader!

He continued, “They could have written to that in the next election, I would have to feel bad if I was Honourable Fraser because Fraser is an experienced guy and he is a serious person. I am not a supporter of him but the guy is very serious.”

Host of the show Doug Wheatley had said it is his hope that there will not be a breakup of the VIP but that they will move forward together.

“Leave what is past, past, leave what is past, behind him and look forward. Don’t look at the land you left behind, but look at the one you are moving to in the future. The way I see it is that a decision has been made and I think instead of having bitterness about the decision that was made we ought to move shoulder to shoulder and move forward, move forward to a brighter and happier day.”

See links below to radio show, Fresh Radio Vybz with Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’:

https://tunein.com/radio/ Freshradiovybz-s297104/ and http://rdo.to/FRV2

15 Responses to “VIP rebuilding 'almost from scratch'- Natalio D. Wheatley”

  • voter (30/11/2017, 09:12) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
    disappointed so we got a one man party smh
  • Garbage News (30/11/2017, 10:03) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Give this thing a rest. VIP is well and alive. The candidates will announce when they ready.
  • wow (30/11/2017, 10:43) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    Y’all still won’t get elected because if y’all can’t get y’all act together as a party what makes you think you are fit to run a WHOLE country

    DON’T DEBATE ME! This is just my opinion as a young person who was born in the BVI
  • Xxx (30/11/2017, 11:46) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    One thing for sure ndp will go
    • @xxx (30/11/2017, 12:49) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      I second that. All of them going. Birds of a feather flock together. Don't be fooled by they pity cry. They desperate for work and will tell all we anything to stay in power. GTF out of here!
      • Cable TV (30/11/2017, 14:35) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
        What's going on with Cable TV. Somebody please tell us... Lord, Please what's going on with our Cable TV. Mr. Minister. Mr Premier just say something.. This is why people are calling for Frazer..People need strong leadership
        • wize up (30/11/2017, 17:03) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ Cable TV: cable tv is now owned by a telecom provider: maybe the investor's club could shed some light!!!!!
  • one thing (30/11/2017, 13:35) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    for sure, the voting populace, the majority of them, are neither dumb, deaf, blind nor politically illiterate.

    Show them a better ship and they will sail it.

    Show them political, economic and governance uncertainty, and they will chose stability next cycle.

    Old talk and hatred do not govern, sound intellect does.
  • R Street Reporter (30/11/2017, 14:31) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    Fahie was, Since the Hurricane, Frazer is. Things have changed. We now see the need for strong no strings attached to rich and big businesses leadership.. Fahie is not the leader for the future let's be honest.. Fahie is a good and Nice guy but rite now we don't need no good and nice guy as leader. We need a strong and fearless leader. Big business and rich people are taking advantage of us.We have been sold..
    • @R Street Reporter (30/11/2017, 19:53) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      Please. Before the hurricane Fahie was. After the hurricane Fahie is and will always be. If it is one elected person that showed that he can lead during a crisis is Andrew Fahie so please go sit down from talking foolishness about Fraser. He had the people in the third starving for most of the time. Fahie is a fearless leader but he knows when to be friendly and when to be tough. Frazer is a fake and he truly does not love people.
  • wize up (30/11/2017, 14:40) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    It will be good to know who running or will this be revealed a few hours before an election(it's just a question so don't chew me out).....
  • Ms P (30/11/2017, 15:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What's the rush? Who is the NDP leader?
  • Prof fox (30/11/2017, 16:57) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    After the dust settled we will have a fahie administration
  • wize up (30/11/2017, 17:04) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    you got jokes!!!!
  • Socrates (05/12/2017, 20:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did the iconic former Chief Minister(1st Chief Minister) Hamilton Lavity Stoutt unexpected passing leave the VIP in good shape? Did Ralph Tilford O’Neal (last Chief Minister and 1st Premier) leave the VIP in good shape? Did the VIP have an effective succession plan? Did the VIP have a good generational mix in its ranks? The VIP has been in shambles for years, has it not? If so what is the hold up in the rebuilding process? Will the VIP wait until the next election is called to start flinging a team together? What is the VIP plan of action for moving the country from being stucked at top dead center? The territory is at a crossroad and needs rock solid leadership and strong management to build, grow and sustain its economy and rebuild its quality of life and standard of living.


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