VIP rebuilding 'almost from scratch'- Natalio D. Wheatley
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”
DON’T DEBATE ME! This is just my opinion as a young person who was born in the BVI
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.