According to Mr Wheatley, “We are in a time where some of us, still have not come to terms with the level of loss we have endured. We are being told that it’s fine, everything is okay while we're still in a state of despair and pessimistic uncertainty.” Photo: Facebook

Virgin Islands Party (VIP) candidate for the ninth electoral district Mr Vincent O. Wheatley, is putting home and land ownership into focus as he launched his campaign for the 2019 General Elections in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Facebook

With a host of promises to push the both Virgin Gorda (VG), Anegada forward, Mr Wheatley’s official elections campaign began last evening Sunday, February 10, 2019, to a large crowd of VIP supporters and well-wishers. Photo: Facebook

With a host of promises to push both Virgin Gorda (VG) and Anegada forward, Mr Wheatley’s official elections campaign began last evening Sunday, February 10, 2019, to a large crowd of VIP supporters and well-wishers.

Gratitude

“Tonight is the official launch of my campaign, although I have been blazing the campaign trail for many months now. I must thank all those who have encouraged me, gave me sound advice and guidance, listened to my thoughts and ideas, prayed for me, and shared their thoughts and ideas with me,” he told those gathered.

According to Mr Wheatley, “We are in a time where some of us, still have not come to terms with the level of loss we have endured. We are being told that it’s fine, everything is okay while we're still in a state of despair and pessimistic uncertainty.”

“After the storms, while we were cut off from central government, and indeed the rest of the world, we were able to come together as a community to support and aid one another in a time of great suffering,” he said in championing the community spirit.

He reminded the audience that the VI still has domestic issues that needs to be addressed with Brexit and the Venezuela situation hanging and that the territory needs people who understand regional and geopolitics. 

Land Ownership

“We have to take back control of our lands. Some of us cannot own land in our own country and when they do offer you a piece, they put the price so high that you can’t afford to buy it, and that is wrong,” he said. 

According to Mr Wheatley, “The issue of land ownership and home ownership must be addressed as an urgent matter, and is one of my top priorities.” He says he does not have all the answers, “but I do know that working together, we will sort it out because where there is a will, there is a way.”

Mr Wheatley further promised, “What we are proposing to do, is set up a special development fund, so that Government, businesses and landowners can pay into it, for the development of this community.” 

Along with that, the VIP D9 hopeful is promising senior care initiatives, to look into waste management, water woes and several other major issues facing the community.

Working Together

“We have to get Anegada better connected to Virgin Gorda, working together these two islands will rise together as one District, moving in one direction, forward,” he said to loud applause.

“I know there are those who don't believe I can do all these things… That is why this campaign cannot only be about me. It must be about you, it must be about us, it must be about what we can do together,” he said in reaffirming his commitment to the people of the district.