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Anyone dishonest in public office will be ‘under the gun’- Premier Wheatley

-New Premier wants full accountability when CoI audits & investigations commence
New Premier, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) having already committed to implementing the CoI Report recommendations under a democratic system of governance, says anyone found to be dishonest in public office will be 'under the gun.' Photo: VINO/File
On Friday, April 29, 2022, Governor John J. Governor Rankin in announcing the finding of the CoI said while the report recommended UK direct rule and suspension of the Constitution, it also called for a series of audits into projects, which may lead to criminal investigations. Photo: GIS/Facebook
On Friday, April 29, 2022, Governor John J. Governor Rankin in announcing the finding of the CoI said while the report recommended UK direct rule and suspension of the Constitution, it also called for a series of audits into projects, which may lead to criminal investigations. Photo: GIS/Facebook
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI - New Premier, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) having already committed to implementing the CoI Report recommendations under a democratic system of governance, says anyone found to be dishonest in public office will be "under the gun.”

The Premier made the statements on May 6, 2022, in response to questioning from Tola Radio 100.5 FM moderator Julio S. Henry on whether he intends to hold anyone ‘under the gun’ for dishonesty in public office as flagged in the CoI report.

On Friday, April 29, 2022, Governor John J. Governor Rankin in announcing the finding of the CoI said while the report recommended UK direct rule and suspension of the Constitution, it also called for a series of audits into projects, which may lead to criminal investigations.

Dr Wheatley in response to the topic said, “I would say anyone who is dishonest in public life, they will be under the gun. Any person who is doing anything that they're not supposed to do, corruption, maladministration, they're under the gun.”

He added, “But what we actually really want to do is to strengthen our institutions so that institutions can pick up on persons who are not doing the right thing.” 

Dr Wheatley said the HoA has already started passing some legislation relating to good governance, but they have to ensure that those legislations are fit for purpose considering the territory’s current situation.

Legislation will have to be passed & implemented - Dr Wheatley 

Meanwhile, the Premier said Legislators in the HoA, therefore, have to ensure that legislation is not only passed but is implemented in the territory, and that said some key offices will have to be strengthened on the way forward.

“We have to strengthen offices like the Auditor General's Office who's under capacity. I have pledged financial resources to be able to strengthen offices like the Auditor General,” he added.

Dr the Hon Wheatley said to do that, the VI will also utilize technical expertise from the UK Government as well as from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), given the OECS has already pledged its support to assist the territory on the way forward under a democratic system.  

The Premier said he fully supports the CoI recommendations that call for investigations and audits, and that he will allow them to take their course.

 

47 Responses to “Anyone dishonest in public office will be ‘under the gun’- Premier Wheatley”

  • my 2 cents (07/05/2022, 17:28) Like (74) Dislike (16) Reply
    The uk going still imposed direct rule so stop kissing up
    • Direct Rule needed just for 1 yr. (07/05/2022, 19:58) Like (31) Dislike (15) Reply
      The unity government is a good idea, a great start, I don't think they have balls and courage to touch certain people, the most corrupt, I want Britain to take the lead for a year, clean things up, keep the unity government in place to run things. Britain main function is to clean up and restructure...
    • Pharte (07/05/2022, 23:39) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
      He is the problem. He will do nothing.
    • Madussa (08/05/2022, 10:44) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
      Just make sure you are clean and dont need investigating so all will be well. Good luck in your new position, it wont be easy for you after Fahies betrayal.
    • Let’s be Clear (08/05/2022, 11:49) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
      People should realize was not Natalio’s decision to request the resignation of Speaker and the other two Ministers but the expectations coming out of Government’s meetings with the UK Rep and Governor, which is understandable.

      Nonetheless, we expect similar discussions regarding rogue officer Najan Christopher.
  • Rubber Duck (07/05/2022, 17:29) Like (54) Dislike (1) Reply
    Really? Any one being fired from the statutory boards? From customs?

    No? Thought not.
    • Read (07/05/2022, 21:51) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
      yes all the statutory boards and are being disbanded and all of customs are being interviewed for thier jobs to see the standard of living they have compared to the salary they make anyone who stands out will be out and maybe in jail
      • Really? (07/05/2022, 23:31) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
        Dream on. Queen Patsy and Beavis and Buthead will be at the trough forever unles we ( and the UK ) boot them out.
    • elite (07/05/2022, 23:38) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
      No action against the woman who sent the Fahie letter. One of the untouchable ruling elite.
  • Will say (07/05/2022, 17:33) Like (51) Dislike (4) Reply
    And a whole lot of them is about to go under the gun. They know who they are. No more nonsense, no more favoritism, no more nothing, time to clean house from top to bottom. Who need to be send home, send them home, who need to be demoted, demote them, who need to be punished, punish them, no more if I don’t like you job applications is being deep six, no more if I make a complaint and the same people in the office is calling the person that the complaint is made against informing them. All of you all is going down.
    • Rubber Duck (07/05/2022, 23:33) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
      Dream on. The rats are running around the cheese factory promising not to eat any of it.

      Like they have before.
  • Mr. Premier Sir (07/05/2022, 17:38) Like (35) Dislike (2) Reply
    Flush all the ones in Government agencies that is dishonest and has been dishonest down to the janitors needs to be flushed out and placed under the gun.
  • The Reaper (07/05/2022, 17:49) Like (50) Dislike (8) Reply
    All of you was dishonest….Whistle blower..Now he lock up..u can talk. England need too put all of you Down. U is a disgrace and everyone too
    • NHi. (07/05/2022, 20:12) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
      That's the BVI treasury biggest soar, that's what making all the private Doctors millionaires with
      increase prices and very poor care...No one seems to have the courage to reform this failure...I will suggest a two tier system,. Where we have a choice, you can pay a small amount for local public care only, or you can pay an increase amount for local option private or public, then you can pan a higher rate that give you option to any internal or external care...To me that will create a balance and ensure all get medical care that they paid for...Renegotiate with private care givers for lower rates and better care..
      • Crazy joe (08/05/2022, 08:34) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        One thing the British could do is set the rate for care under the NHI. They do have a lot of experience of running health systems.
      • @ NHI. Agree. Long over Due. (08/05/2022, 08:54) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        This really need addressing..This was introduce so the NDP Doctors their friends and Families can get rich quick. Here is a suggestion .Get different NHI colour cards to represent the treatment paid for and needed,./ "Red Card" Local Public Care only. (Children, elderly, Minimum payment)..Improve staffing at our district Clinics to improve and easy access to Public health Care..2/ "Yellow Card" for any available care locally those will be who contributed a certain AMT higher that the Red Card,...3/ "Green Card" Those can access health care inside and out side the BVI. Those persons will contribute more than the yellow card....Every single person has the option to chose what care card they want and will pay for..Of course I agree negotiate a better price for all private health care home and abroad.. Then and only then NHI will become sustainable and maybe profitable ..,In any case something need to be done quickly.
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (07/05/2022, 19:19) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    According to justice principles, when items, and other goods, finance included are unjustly taken, finances included, and evidence proved that those that took the items, finances included, still have all or a portion of all in their procession, or have invested in businesses, and profit made by those unjust robberies, they should be made to restored to those that they have robbed unjustly. Why do not the principle applies to politicians, as applied to othe? Why do they allowed to keep or hold on to the things that have wrongly taken? Is this justice? Is restitution not a principle of good governance?
    In my honest view, if after all these investigations by the CoI is concluded, and no dishonest political received imprisonment, and made to give back to us good, and other items finances included, and the profit made unjustly against them to us, then this while Col thing has failed us misurable failed us, the system called democracy is a very, very, very evil anti poor people system. devised by crooked minded people.
    If what we called justice is just, then all politicians should be made to restored to the public speedily what were unjustly taken from them, speedily without delay.
    True justice is true repentance, nothing less.




  • Notice!! (07/05/2022, 19:21) Like (16) Dislike (45) Reply
    Start with sending home all those undocumented down Island people and white people!!!!
    • hmmm (07/05/2022, 20:05) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
      We will.pray for you and you bad mind.
    • Crazy joe (07/05/2022, 23:34) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      And the mentality Ill such as yourself.
    • Hey notice!! (08/05/2022, 07:24) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Undocumented people by definition are not government employees. Sending them away has no bearing on CoI findings/recommendations. That was all the work of officials (from here) voted in by people from here.
    • Wanna know (10/05/2022, 11:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      U R an obvious hatemonger. What is your benefit to the territory? Are you a producer of critical things? Are you paying proportional taxes? What is your plan for the next 6 months? What don't you like about your currant status? What is your travel plan for the next 5 years? What's your origin? What's your plan for the Virgin Islands?
  • Ohhh (07/05/2022, 19:41) Like (41) Dislike (6) Reply
    Natalio's comments here makes me want to puke. We all know because the COI hearings clearly showed up the dishonesty in this Government and in the Public Service. The elephant in the room is Najan Christopher, daughter of Deloras Christopher. When is she going to be dealt with for sending that rubbish out as if she could grant Diplomatic Immunity to the big fat crook in Miami???? I am waiting to hear what is being done with her. BVI News did not even publish the story about Najan Christopher sending off that letter. Losing trust in that News website. Why they picking and choosing which stories to tell?? Why they protecting Najan Christopher??? Why Natalio and the Governor proctecting Najan? Dishonesty, is all over the place in the BVI at every level.
    • Privileged Royalty (07/05/2022, 23:36) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Won’t be touched. Same as the ones who steal the tax, social security and NHI contributions of their employees. Untouchable because they are the ruling elite.
  • @wheatley (07/05/2022, 19:45) Like (36) Dislike (4) Reply
    I’m sorry but not just the dishonest ones loosing their jobs but also the ones that can’t run a department. I’m nearly 20 years here and the Labour department has always been a mess, why? What reason can you give to justify this? I just don’t understand how no one has figured this stuff out, Cayman has it sorted, why can’t someone just look at their model? It’s just not hard. Just needs someone with a bit of initiative.
    • lol (07/05/2022, 20:05) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
      Labour Department is a mess by design, they enjoy torturing down island people, white people, and everyone looking to work in the BVI, who need permission to do so.
  • I believe you.. (07/05/2022, 19:53) Like (46) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is a small community with close family, friends and cronies tie, So, as good as your intentions are Mr. Premier you need Britain who has no strings, no attachment to come in to assist you, that's the only way the Corruption will stop, Britain must play a role...
    • @ I believe you (08/05/2022, 07:01) Like (9) Dislike (15) Reply
      u are such an idiot….

      The same set of people; the british who once had your ancestors in slavery for so many years

      dont be a Penny wise and a pound foolish open your mind; england is full of corruption as well

      i am sure where you hails from have far more corruption

      once england shows up racism will follow, the black folks in the united kingdom are treated like trash(check your history

      I understand the concern-send those to jail who violate the laws

      Some of you think you will not suffer under the hand of the british white folks; keep dreaming




  • Concerned (07/05/2022, 20:27) Like (38) Dislike (4) Reply
    Wasn't this the same person that was hands and feet being the premier's retarded echo. I'm sick of hearing from this hypocrite now. He needs to be fired. He can only speak in Andrew's absence, coward. He was bawling about who's racist and independence but now he's being a kiss *****. Man they need to come get us quickly. I'm sick to my stomach of his hypocrisy. Why wasn't he speaking out against injustice and corruption all the time. He was so disrespectful to Marlon now it's all kissy and nicey. Please, England, he's guilty too.
  • o (07/05/2022, 21:00) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    After all you let slip. You all are a bunch of fakes
  • chicken (07/05/2022, 21:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ain’t guns illegal except for chicken n guns.!? Yeah yeah let’s celebrate. I mean peeps gots to eat.
  • reform (07/05/2022, 21:39) Like (8) Dislike (22) Reply
    1) Retire all civil servants over the age of 30 NOW
    2) The remaining civil servants must submit to a DNA test or be fired.
    3) Analyze the DNA of each 20 something year old civil servant then limit the employment in the civil service to only 1 member from each family until that person retires after 20 years of service.
    4) Hire down islanders and ex-pats to fill all the empty civil servant positions with the same DNA test to insure they are not related as well.
    5) Pay the reformed civil servants according to the pay grade each person is qualified to hold. No more increments. The more the experience and education than the higher the pay grade.
    6)Abolish the Permanent Secretary in all ministries and departments.
    7)Any civil servant with a relative who is voted into the HOA must be suspended before that relative is sworn in.
    • Citizen (07/05/2022, 22:56) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are crazy to post this and even crazier to think he would actually do this and lose the next election or worse be strung up from a lamp post
    • ok (08/05/2022, 07:09) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Get on the next Inter Caribbean flight back home!
    • @Reform (09/05/2022, 08:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes, reform is needed, but please come with something practical and implementable. Some of your recommendations are illegal, some are undesirable, and some are downright impossible.
  • nat (07/05/2022, 23:19) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    everybody know Nat head ain good
  • life (08/05/2022, 06:46) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    You sound so stupid
  • Oh Boy. I forgive you. Mr Premier. (08/05/2022, 06:46) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    I forgive you Mr. Premier but you all are. Still complicit and a major part of the corruption..You all Voted in HOA to give you all self increases and special benefits including one term pension benefit( Bad Governance ). U all giving you all all kind of unnecessary allowances and unnecessary trips from our treasury. ( Irresponsible Governance ). You all voting for these board members and the top positions (Take responsibility for their failures) Have you Mr. Premier and your Government ask for forgiveness.? U all are complicit or and If not part of the corruption. Have you all apologise and ask for healing and repentance start with acceptance, apology and the seeking of forgiveness. Was that done.? We will forgive you all but you all need to ask for it...We willing to give this new set up a chance but we haven't seen any remorse for all the wrong things you all Voted for.. Ur hands are not cleaning....As a Matter afact over a year ago my mind was made up to vote for Shareen Flax only for VIP at large because she was the only one showing some courage and standing up against certain wrong. Not you Sowande. Shareen. Shareen out shined you..
  • Just sayin… (08/05/2022, 07:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Gonna need lotsa guns….
  • Teremoto (08/05/2022, 09:36) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Earth shaking this Sunday morning. Clean up the BVI civil service or there will be a lot more earth shaking in the BVI!
  • judgement day is coming (08/05/2022, 10:02) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply

    This id*** should enjoy his five minutes of fame because the UK is going to clean house of all of the rate and crooks

  • TSOTS (08/05/2022, 17:33) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Read my lips Andrew Fahie is traditionally a true son of the soil.
  • Local (08/05/2022, 19:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Real Talk sends home the Police HR.
  • guy hill (08/05/2022, 19:37) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    The VI need to develop a culture where the corrupt fears the incorruptible and not the other way around. Be Brave.
  • All of them (08/05/2022, 21:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nearly All of them are crooked. The ministers, the PS, the people in the departments and ministry. Pretty much all earn something for helping out others in some way.
  • DMV (09/05/2022, 09:23) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

    Investigate the DMV, that y**** testing instructor **** that fails every person the first time on the cone and road test, he is a cheat (he moves the cones in the middle of the test), he is also very rude, aggressive and disrespectful. He needs to be fired. Maybe DMV should put a dash camera in the vehicle to see his nasty behavior. OR learners should secretly record him and put him on blast....The staff at the DMV counter also lazy and slow, busy sharing snacks and on their phones....the entire system is old and needs restructuring. They behave like we begging, it's a paid service that sucks!! Why should we have to spend 2 hours to register and license a vehicle?

    • Plague (09/05/2022, 13:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is one Government Department I avoid like a plague. How can so many hostile persons work in this one division of the Public Service that is so heavily customer-focused? In my humble opinion the DMV needs a complete restructuring from the top to the bottom. We deserve better!


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