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Dr Natalio D. Wheatley to the rescue with working AC @ Sports Complex

- Sports Minister makes arrangement for AC to be turned on throughout tournament
Deputy Premier and Minister for Sports, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), inset, has ensured the remainder of the games in the BVIBF District League will be played in an air conditioned Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Photo: VINO/File
The BVIBF had pleaded with the public to assist in raising $10,000 to have the remaining District League games played in an air conditioned Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Photo: Facebook
The BVIBF had pleaded with the public to assist in raising $10,000 to have the remaining District League games played in an air conditioned Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Photo: Facebook
The move by Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) was hailed by basketball players, coaches, managers of teams, along with fans and vendors. Photo: Facebook
The move by Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) was hailed by basketball players, coaches, managers of teams, along with fans and vendors. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF) 2021 National ‘District League’ Basketball tournament resumed on Friday, September 3, 2021, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Tortola, following a 2-month pause due to a COVID-19 spike in the Virgin Islands.

The league, which had stopped in June of this year, is expected to wrap up by October 2021, according to a BVIBF spokesperson

One of the criticisms was players and fans alike had to endure much heat as the Air Conditioning system (AC) at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex was not working.

During the COVID-19 spike; however, the Ministry of Health and Social Development used the Sports Complex as a makeshift hospital in case the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital became overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases.

An AC system was set up; however, the makeshift medical area never had to be used.

On the resumption of the ‘District League’, there was some controversy as BVIBF Members were reportedly told that the AC could not be turned on since it was only for the purpose of the makeshift hospital.

Sowande to the rescue!

However,  the Deputy Premier and Minister for  Sports Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) aka ‘Sowande’ stepped in and was able to work out arrangements for the AC to be used for the basketball league, which is expected to conclude in mid-October 2021.

The BVIBF had circulated a flyer trying to raise funds to pay for the AC, but the Sports Minister’s intervention addressed the issue.

The move by Dr Wheatley was hailed by basketball players, coaches, managers of teams, along with fans and vendors.

Writing on his Facebook Page yesterday September 4, 2021, Dr Wheatley stated that “the AC will be turned on for the remainder of the basketball season” 

He noted that there is more to do but “we will continue to work with you”.

3 games today

Meanwhile, the League continues today, September 5, 2021, at 4:30 pm with 3 games.

Da 3RD and Filipinas will take to the court from 5:00 pm while Hawks and Guns will clash from 7:00 pm.

The final game of the night will be between A’s and Z6ne from 9:00 pm.

20 Responses to “Dr Natalio D. Wheatley to the rescue with working AC @ Sports Complex”

  • Fan (05/09/2021, 13:24) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
    Good job dr
    • Wow! (05/09/2021, 17:04) Like (44) Dislike (2) Reply
      amazing how little we expect in this country. So a building has ac. and we are all supposed to think that’s really something. Pitiful.
  • indee (05/09/2021, 14:29) Like (37) Dislike (2) Reply
    I thought those things were politicians duties. To the rescue what
    • long look me come from (05/09/2021, 17:05) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
      Well he good we going surprise everyone and vote him
      Back
    • Maintenance worker (05/09/2021, 17:27) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
      Tell him to fix the school maintanance workers befor he concrete on bs
  • I (05/09/2021, 17:28) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Good job
  • ndp (05/09/2021, 18:25) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
    Some of ayo so jealous Showda will best Kedrick Shaq and Brodick
  • Local (05/09/2021, 19:45) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    So had not for the Field Hospital as mentioned there would be no AC. Is that what I am reading
  • Basketball moms (05/09/2021, 20:18) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thank you minister good job well done
  • idea (05/09/2021, 20:22) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Perhaps House of Assembly meetings can be held here and the money saved be applied to improving our schools, roads, etc.
  • frustrated parent (05/09/2021, 22:06) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Putting ac in building yet the school in his district won’t be able to open due to mole. It’s one day before the opening of school and my child hasn’t had her orientation and then to find out they will be going to school downstairs of a church. They had months to fix this but they drag their foot on everything and fix things that isn’t a necessity. Smh get your priorities in order Hon Wheatley!
  • lol (06/09/2021, 02:19) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Thanks doc for flipping the switch
    • trevor (06/09/2021, 07:25) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
      He is NOT a doctor!
      He holds a doctorate degree, major difference!
  • old days (06/09/2021, 09:08) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Outdoor games at night under the lights were more eco-friendly than air conditioned indoor games.
  • long rope (06/09/2021, 11:00) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    I heard Showada on the morning Braff show he was extra good he has done a lot for the people
  • Hmm (06/09/2021, 15:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If it wasn't for the make shift COVID beds in there we wouldn't get no AC. All the time we in there in burning heat, passing out and now he coming looking praise......Screwpppsssss
  • Bout Time (06/09/2021, 16:28) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    I see you can't please people in these islands no matter what. When the A/C Was out it was a problem, he fix it and it still a problem. Must be nice to for people to always have something bad to say regardless the situation. Crab in a barrel vibes.


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