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‘At no time did Gov’t take a position for mandatory vaccination’- Dr Wheatley

- Media workers told to verify COVID-19 reporting before publishing
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has moved to further clear the air, that at no time did the Government of Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) make a decision on mandatory vaccination in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: VINO/File
Dr Natalio D. Wheatley was at the time speaking during an Friday, June 11, 2021, interview with 284 Media to clear up misconceptions after an article from that media house had incorrectly reported that the Government will implement a mandatory vaccination policy for teachers in the territory. Photo: Facebook
Dr Natalio D. Wheatley was at the time speaking during an Friday, June 11, 2021, interview with 284 Media to clear up misconceptions after an article from that media house had incorrectly reported that the Government will implement a mandatory vaccination policy for teachers in the territory. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has moved to further clear the air, that at no time did the Government of Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) make a decision on mandatory vaccination in the Virgin Islands (VI).

Dr Wheatley was at the time speaking during an Friday, June 11, 2021, interview with 284 Media to clear up misconceptions after an article from that media house had incorrectly reported that the Government will implement a mandatory vaccination policy for teachers in the territory.

Gov't will never mandate vaccination - Dr Wheately assures 

According to Dr Wheatley, “At no time throughout our tenure as leaders in this territory during this COVID-19 pandemic, have we taken the position that vaccines should be mandatory, and that remains the case,” he said. 

“As long as COVID-19 is going on, we will not mandate vaccines for anyone because it’s your body and you should be able to choose what goes in your body,” the Deputy Premer went on to say.

Dr Wheatley said that while vaccine education will be pushed and the taking of vaccine incentivized, he said the Government has outright refused to have vaccination be mandatory.

New testing regime being explored 

Hon Wheatley further revealed that the Government is now is exploring a testing regime for unvaccinated frontline workers in the territory, however, teachers will not be a part of the new regime. 

“Frontline workers do not include teachers, and this is a cabinet decision that came with a policy paper. If you examine the policy paper you will certainly not see teachers in that policy paper, so that certainly is a misunderstanding before any public announcement is made,” he said.

Hon Wheatley said the testing regime will use COVID-19 rapid tests for unvaccinated frontline workers, to ensure unvaccinated persons especially in the hospitality sector do not have COVID-19 and pose a risk to guests.  

13 Responses to “‘At no time did Gov’t take a position for mandatory vaccination’- Dr Wheatley”

  • wow (12/06/2021, 12:49) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
    they not gonna force vaccine but they gonna insist workers do the 2week testing... really now... whats the difference? if u do research and kno the danger with the PCR testing ......
    • Etheline oxide (poison) (12/06/2021, 13:24) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
      @Smh Correct nasal swabs are dipped in ^^^ A lil research doesn't hurt

      https://www.bitchute.com/video/7bAui1LKEURe/
    • not so (12/06/2021, 14:52) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
      YOu are dumb
    • @SMH (12/06/2021, 22:59) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      Oh GOOD LORD! Now you’re talking “the danger with the PCR test?!
      What kind of “research” are you doing, anyway? Looking up Conspiracy Theories on the internet?
      Is THAT what you mean by “research”?
  • Agenda (12/06/2021, 14:31) Like (6) Dislike (14) Reply
    Who’s supporting C***y personal agenda today ? She’s using act social affairs as a front, but it’s about “her” it’s a personal issue. If she cared for the community she would have came with solutions. She need to humble herself and find God!!
  • My girl (12/06/2021, 14:34) Like (8) Dislike (15) Reply
    284 Media and Cut deep is the same kettle of fish, just out to make the government look bad.
    • That’s Why (12/06/2021, 16:10) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
      Reasons why I don’t mess with any employees at 284 joke one sided media! We all know them is NDP!! It’s politics.
  • Hmm (12/06/2021, 14:56) Like (25) Dislike (5) Reply
    Natalio tell the truth for once. It was discussed at our meeting.
  • ANGRY FARMER/FISHER (12/06/2021, 19:24) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon. Wheatley, where is the 2nd stimulus your promise at the farmers and fishers meeting for those who did not received. I am really upset that this meeting what was held at the Elmore Stoutt High School was a set of lies. If you was not serious why put it out there, then same Agriculture took down information and still nothing. Please tell me in 2023 what route should i take, because you can do you investigations and believe alot of them need to give back government there money, who never drop a fishing line in the sea waters or did any farming, besides having pots on their porch, set of crooks got stimulus and the real farmers and fishers was cut.
    • ...... (13/06/2021, 00:06) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Just because you got overlooked doesn’t mean it’s ok to throw shade at other persons. Had you been included as you want then you would be in the same bunch. Real people showed up to the meet and you know that, no need to be controversial. Reach out to them again respectfully or something constructive.
  • Reporter (12/06/2021, 20:22) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Play the tape! Play the tape! I’m sure the Secretary would have the recordings of this meeting.
  • bazz (12/06/2021, 23:38) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    1 term


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