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Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley is an 'accidental Premier'- Allen O'Neal

- Premier Wheatley fires back @ Mr O’Neal over 'judgmental' comments
Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), left, has fired back at National Democratic Party (NDP) At Large Candidate Mr Allen O’Neal, right, for referring to him as an 'accidental Premier'. Photo: Facebook/File
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), 2nd from right, only became a Cabinet Minister when the coalition government was formed after the events of April 28 and the Commission of Inquiry Recommendation to suspend the Virgin Islands Consitution. Before then, Hon Penn was only a Member of the Opposition. Photo: GIS
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), 2nd from right, only became a Cabinet Minister when the coalition government was formed after the events of April 28 and the Commission of Inquiry Recommendation to suspend the Virgin Islands Consitution. Before then, Hon Penn was only a Member of the Opposition. Photo: GIS
Mr Myron V. Walwyn, who is now contesting for a Sixth District seat with the NDP, was arrested and charged for Breach of Trust by a Public Officer late last year. Photo: Facebook
Mr Myron V. Walwyn, who is now contesting for a Sixth District seat with the NDP, was arrested and charged for Breach of Trust by a Public Officer late last year. Photo: Facebook
EAST END, Tortola, VI- Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has fired back at National Democratic Party (NDP) At Large Candidate Mr Allen O’Neal for referring to him as an “accidental Premier”.

Mr O’Neal was at the time speaking at the National Democratic Party (NDP) launch of its political candidates at Sir Olva Georges Plaza on March 18, 2023, when he claimed that the VIP did nothing with the East End/Long Look sewerage problem but suddenly the “accidental Premier” has made a vow for something to be done.

'Accidental Premier'

He also alluded to the arrest of former Premier Andrew A. Fahie on April 28, 2022, which resulted in Dr Wheatley, who was then Deputy Premier, becoming Acting Premier. Dr Wheatley would then be named Premier after a coalition government was formed with elected members of the VIP, NDP and Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM).

“They want us to forget that they did nothing with the East End/Long Look sewer situation. All of a sudden, something is going to be done, according to the vow of our Premier- our accidental Premier. I call him an accidental Premier because his boss was out at an excursion in Miami and ‘buddup’ he had an accident, hence the accidental Premier,” Mr O’Neal said.

'Most High God don’t make accidents'- Premier Wheatley

Speaking at the VIP’s District 8 official launch campaign on March 23, 2023, Dr Wheatley responded that he who is without sin should cast the first stone.

“I want to say to you, it’s not what people call you, it is what you answer to and by the grace of God, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And I want to say to you that the Most High God don’t make no accidents…and he knows the plans that he has for you. He knows the plans that he has for you Allen. You are not a accident, I am not a accident. And when the crisis came, when the COI came, when April 28 came, he knew it before it happened. And he made sure that he had people in place who were capable”, Dr Wheatley fired back.

Dr Wheatley further accused Mr O’Neal of speaking "ugly words" and being judgmental by referring to the Miami incident, as he claimed that Mr O’Neal was sharing the stage with people who have their own challenges.

“You up there on the stage judging others and sitting with people who have their own challenges. So be careful when you wish bad on others…” Dr Wheatley stated.

While the Premier did not call any names, he might have been referring to Myron V. Walwyn, who is the subject of an ongoing court matter into alleged corruption with the Elmore Stoutt High School Wall Project. Mr Walwyn, who is contesting for a Sixth District seat, was arrested and charged for Breach of Trust by a Public Officer.

Hon Penn is an 'accidental' Minister & NDP Chairman?

It is unclear why Mr O'Neal chose the path of calling Dr Wheatley an accidental Premier, as his boss and Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) only became a Cabinet Minister when the coalition government was formed after the events of April 28 and the Commission of Inquiry Recommendation to suspend the Virgin Islands Consitution.

Before then, Hon Penn was only a Member of the Opposition.

Additionally, Hon Penn can also be considered an "accidental" Chairman of the NDP, as he is only in the position after Myron V. Walwyn resigned and Hon Penn filled the post by default, being the Deputy Chairman.

There is no indication that an election was held to vote Hon Penn in as NDP Chairman.

Dr Wheatley points out hypocrisy of O'Neal

Dr Wheatley then appeared to take a jab at Hon Penn, former Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources Kedrick D. Pickering, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) and Myron V. Walwyn, who were all part of the NDP when what was considered an illegal transfer of money to the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park took place.

The Premier cited hypocrisy as it relates to the mockery of ongoing works at the East End Sewerage Project where the funds were reportedly taken from.

“He was mocking some of the work going on on sewage, and he was sitting with three people on the stage… who moved about eight million to the Pier Park, and he is mocking work that we are doing on sewage,” Dr Wheatley contended.

37 Responses to “Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley is an 'accidental Premier'- Allen O'Neal”

  • Real (30/03/2023, 17:15) Like (51) Dislike (9) Reply
    Nothing is ever accidental, all things are ordered by the CREATOR. Please stick to the ISSUES. What are your plans to stimulate this economy and create economic opportunities for the citizens and residents of the COUNTRY? Please let us start showing the UK that we are capable of governing ourselves before it is too late!
    • voter (31/03/2023, 12:30) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Tell them again. They sit and nominate the man and now it is accidental. Why some people don't shut up Please.
  • Hmm (30/03/2023, 17:20) Like (30) Dislike (20) Reply
    But who is this Allen O’Neal man ??
    • @hmmm (31/03/2023, 05:40) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
      I will like to know who is Allen myself...I guess he,was the manager over the wrecked Prospect Reef dump!
  • Lol!! (30/03/2023, 17:40) Like (8) Dislike (14) Reply
    I know other Caribbean islands is not a real place but BVI is becoming not a real place too????????????
  • bvi (30/03/2023, 17:49) Like (33) Dislike (19) Reply
    He isnt going to be successful at the Polls so he dont have to be worried about becoming an accidental member of the HOA. Allen, you and the NDP are all very childish
  • It’s the Truth Though (30/03/2023, 18:06) Like (19) Dislike (6) Reply
    Not a lie told
  • agreed (30/03/2023, 18:09) Like (29) Dislike (24) Reply
    Premier Wheatley IS an Accidental premier. I approve this message 1000 %
    Wheatley needs to go... All wheatley have under his belt is "play to the tape"
    He has nothing to offer......He betrayed us....the one who stood with us, walked down the street of Road Town, fighting for us, is no longer one of us....it's all about power. money, greed.
    • Change is needed. (31/03/2023, 04:16) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Who ever wins 5 district seats will definitely win two at large thats , Automatic...VIP has the momentum right now,, PVIP my favourit Party has fallen off badly, seems like their leader has lost his passion and no longer interested in leading, .NDP is picking up Momentum...I see NDP winning 3 seats, PVIM 2 seats, VIP 6 seats...2 no affiliations.. Those two none affiliated candidates will decide the govt...Thk U!.
  • Political analyst (30/03/2023, 18:19) Like (20) Dislike (18) Reply
    Fam, common on man or meh son, how is Dr. Hon Premier Natalio Wheatley an accidental premier? Dr. Wheatley went through the same process for being appointed Premier as former Premiers the late Ralph T. O’Neal, Dr. D. Orlando Smith and Andrew A. Fahie. He was supported by at least 6 other elected members of the HoA consistent with the constitution of 2007. In case Mr. O’Neal has forgotten, that is the process for bring appointed as Premier, for the electorate don’t vote direct for Premier. They do in an indirect way, ie, the chairperson of a party if he/she wins a seat and the party wins at least 7 seats is normally supported by their colleagues to become Premier. Moreover, the electorate should have the opportunity to vote directly for Premier. This should be one of the changes the Constitutional Review Committee recommends and is pursued in the negotiations with the UK. True, the current Westminister system would have to be shaken up, under go a much needed paradigm shift, to make this happen. However, a constitution should reflect the desire(s) of a majority of the people, not that desired by the Administering Power zeal for conformance to its system. Further, I have no dog(s) in this fight but whether Dr. Wheatley is an accidental Premier as Mr. Allen O’Neal choose to label him, in the annals of Virgin Islands political history, he will be listed as the fourth Premier of the VI. The history book definitely will list him as Premier Natalio Wheatley, not Accidental Premier Natalio Wheatley.

    This is injecting a red herring in the process. The VI is in crisis and is undergoing an existential battle to right the ship. There are a myriad of critical issues, ie, economic diversification, education, health, physical infrastructure, social infrastructure, skyrocketing cost of living, rising crime, self-determination, immigration, environment, climate change, etc. worthy of debating and providing solutions for on the campaign trail.
    • RealPol (30/03/2023, 20:40) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      The accidental premier ting is just childish, useless white noise. I support your suggestion of VI voters having the opportunity to vote directly for Premier. The Premier is premier of the BVI but BVI voters cannot vote directly for Premier. There is definitely a huge disconnect here but it not the only governing disconnect in the BVI. The UK-appointment Governor is Governor of the BVI but the BVI people have no say in who is appointed governor. I don’t know if the Governor is here to represent the crown or the BVI people, though it seems like the former.
  • Dancing with the Stars (30/03/2023, 18:22) Like (16) Dislike (10) Reply
    He who has glass house don't throw stones. Mr. O'Neal should be ashamed to make such statement about the Hon. Premier. The Premier has a proven track record of accomplishment unlike Mr. O'Neal who wasted many years without any success. Come to Virgin Gorda and ask anyone what O'Neal did for many years. He is not fit to even manage his family business. He is a complete waste on the island. All of a sudden he emerged from where he was and coming to look relevant.
  • Arrion (30/03/2023, 18:32) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    Premier Wheatly may be an accidental Premier as you say, but he is NOT in PRISON like our elected Premier is. When there is a President in other countries, when he's away, the Vice President always steps in, just like when our Governor is away, the Deputy Governor steps in. Stop the noise. Elections are right around the corner then you can vote for who you want!!!
    • @ Arrion (30/03/2023, 23:54) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
      All who sat with the former disgraced Premier should be investigated so don’t be so fast to talk about who in prison from who is not.
      • Arrion (04/04/2023, 19:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @@ Arrion. Just because you sat with someone does not mean you are in on anything. Just like at work, you may have heard or seen someone acting shady but did not act on it because of repercussions from others who would make your life a living hell and be labeled a rat. You know good and well what I am talking about.
  • north sound (30/03/2023, 19:21) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    Allen is the biggest moo moo in vg
  • Common Sense (30/03/2023, 19:22) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    I really tought mr. O'neal had common sense after listening to him I realized sense is not so common. He is no different to cec who labeled Ms. Dancia as an empty kerosene pan a few years ago when she was running for election.
  • OUT OF PLACE (30/03/2023, 19:30) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Words spoken can't be taken back the most you can do is say sorry, but you have already damaged one's character. Allen you out of place first time I know you so silly is now. Power gone to your head you are acting out of character. Furthermore you will not get elected and not even your $1000.00 back. You Wasting your time destroying people for political power. Shame on you
  • and (30/03/2023, 20:38) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply

    ...Allen Oneal is a.wilfull @%$s. Boss go sit down.

  • Blackbeauty (30/03/2023, 20:50) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    It is very sad hearing political candidates spewing hate and belittling each other. Please stick to your Platform and inform the people of the Virgin Islands your solutions to move the country forward.

    God has to be in control in order to manage an efficient government.
  • Dont Worry (30/03/2023, 21:34) Like (3) Dislike (11) Reply
    Perline gonna sort he out in a few short weeks
  • laughable (30/03/2023, 22:13) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who is Allen?? Allen contest the 9th and loss everytime only to be resurrected to do what again? Opinions of a sheep go siddung
  • jack (30/03/2023, 22:30) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    Every time you google the NDP it's just scandals after scandals…insults after insults... It doesn’t look good for NDP…The NDP is bad news for this country, and after 3 weeks they still cannot tell us how they will be difference from the VIP
  • Hmmmm (30/03/2023, 22:33) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Was the contract he had from the NDP to manage an empty Prospect reef for years where he made millions an accidental contract? This man has always been a disgrace, a failure, and a leach on taxpayers when NDP is in power.
  • Sam (31/03/2023, 02:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s a pity all the candidates are weak. Not a single choice among those running.
    • talk is cheap (31/03/2023, 13:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Real cheap when grown people open their mouths and whatever flys out they sanction.
      Unlike your inflamitory comment, I see several person's on the campaign, qualified and capable of a position on government. After Dr Karl Dawson was victimized by the NDP, namely by Myron Wolwyn, Anguilla was delighted to have him and hired him to head their Community college. Sharie Decastro, perhaps the youngest person in politics nor or ever mas made tremendous strides. Articulates her thoughts and llands masterfully, is doing a great job as minister of Education. Education, our most prized asset is heavily accentuated and has never been this heavily accented before.
      I'm not saying what I did as a boost to the Vip party. But since they they have a full slate unlike the other parties and candidates they of course are better organized. It's clear as night and day.
      So I join with those calling for candidates as well as voters to be more respectful of each other, and not belittle onea other in order to elevate your selves.
      RECALL: After the most devastating hurricane in the history the Bvis we were using words such as: One Love, Bvi Strong and we were also jamming each other's What's app accounts with umerous good feelings messages and quotes. We were in destressing times then like we are ow. We moved past Irma and we will move beyond 2023. BVI Love
  • This Govt aint serious.. (31/03/2023, 04:06) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    In spite of all the complaints about the large quantity of water holes and all kind of holes in the Roads all over this Territory, that mashing up people vehicle...I am wondering, surprised, why no one give Public works a directive to drive around the Islands and fix these holes for a start, this is not an expensive venture, its a regular day work for Public works..They are selling us this foolishness about getting funding to do the Roads properly, so we have to wait until they get funding. The holes remained..This Govt aint serious. They have no control over Govt dept..Public works, W&S, Immigration, Labour, Trade, etc, No control, they doing as they wish. We need to try something different, obviously what we have ain working...
    • Public Works waste ah time (31/03/2023, 08:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      No one should have to direct Public Works to conduct inspections of the roads to identified problems/pot holes and other failures and have a quick responsive plan to fix them. Does public works even have a work reception with priorities? If the PS or minister have to hold the public works director hand to direct him to take care of routine tasks why is he even there? We need to put the best qualified people in positions.
  • Silent (31/03/2023, 04:53) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wasn't O'Neal's colleague Marlon Penn silent, said nothing to his constituents when the NDP took $8 million from the East End Long Look sewerage project and put in the Pier Park? He's still silent on that. Wasn't his other NDP colleague Myron Walwyn in Cabinet when the $8-mil was taken? Political short term memory?

    Wasn't the PVIM's Ronnie Skelton at the time with NDP Cabinet, help orchestrate the $8-mil? Now he has a billboard in Long Look asking the people to support him when he left them in $hit? Incredible!!
  • FACIAL EXPRESSIONS (31/03/2023, 08:21) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Is saying )> ( Slo ) HEY , Ole boy , have you taken your medication ? ( O nea) ah did , did U ? ????
  • 2023 (31/03/2023, 09:29) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    these dam senior citizens full of chat and did nothing such for the territory during their youthful days but because politicians now getting big money as a retirement package every man & woman jumping on the bandwagon(tell the people what you are capable of doing)

    Say what you want but Wheatley along with the so called Unity Party somewhat disrupted that hostile takeover by London

    • grace (04/04/2023, 19:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @2023. That's right and don't you all forget it! If Premier Wheatly and the others did not fight for our rights, stopping the Hostile Takeover, locals would have been kicked out ASAP and they would have brought in their favorite picks to take over entirely. We should all be sticking together as they do with theirs, so we can stop them from stealing our properties too.
  • Hmm (31/03/2023, 09:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    he will be an elected premier soon.
  • AA (31/03/2023, 11:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What the hell do Allen?
  • lol (31/03/2023, 12:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    You sir are a charlatan. Please tell me your plans and not what the faults of others are

  • RedStorm (31/03/2023, 17:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh, please. I am down to three votes, I need some recommendations, they are to be visionary leaders. Please help!
  • A VIRGIN GORDIAN BY CHOICE. (02/04/2023, 12:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ALLEN HAS BEEN OUT OF THE ISLAND FOR OVER TWENTY ODDS YEARS DOES HE REALLY KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE BVI? I DON'T THINK SO.


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