E. Benito Wheatley was main interlocutor in BVI-UK discussions- Premier
The Premier during a June 8, 2022, press conference said his brother's wealth of diplomatic experience gained across four Government administrations was instrumental to the outcome where the UK has agreed that no direct rule will be imposed in the VI, as long as the Government implements CoI recommendations on a strict timeline.
Majority in VI cherished democracy - E. Benito Wheatley
Ahead of the negotiations, Special Envoy Mr Wheatley had told the United Nations Pacific Regional Seminar on decolonization in Saint Lucia held on May 11, 2022, that the majority of the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) cherish democracy.
There it was also revealed that the Government of Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) had submitted a proposal to United Kingdom (UK) Minister Amanda A. Milling on behalf of the National Unity Government that sets out the Government’s approach to reform and presents a framework for implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry report under a democratic system.
“The Government believes this is the most desirable approach, especially since the Governor is constitutionally responsible for the Public Service, security, and administration of the courts, while the elected Government is constitutionally responsible for managing the rest of Government," he told the UN.
Mr Wheatley said the proposal was submitted on May 10, 2022, with the hope that the UK Government will accept the proposal and will be willing to partner with the VI Government to help the [British] Virgin Islands become the model democracy that its people desires.
Public thanked for patience
Meanwhile, Premier Wheatley also thanked the VI public for their patience and calm during the negotiation period and noted, “must face the challenges ahead together as a community. I call on everyone to be a part of the positive changes that are taking place to strengthen us as a people and to not be bystanders as we transform our Territory.”
The Premier said the way forward now provides a greater political certainty that will lend itself to a more stable economic environment.
“This will in turn benefit the financial services industry, tourism industry, construction industry, and other sectors of the economy. As daily life resumes, I want to assure the public that the Government of National Unity will continue to work in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands and that reform will remain our top priority.”
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32 Responses to “E. Benito Wheatley was main interlocutor in BVI-UK discussions- Premier”
Premier says hats off to Marlon
Now it is his brother
Is this still a one man show or a combination of ideas from Marlon, Mitch, Fraser and His Bro
So he giving his Bro all the props
How do you define Unity Government?
Just stop our foolishness and embrace the fact that we have representation and a man who knows what he is doing to help us to embrace change.
He is a brilliant man and he has integrity. So don't think because his brother is in council is why he is championing our cause. He has been doing it long before.
Nobody disputing his brother input but all the accolades should not go to him . There were others who contributed as well you stop your nonsense .
Are you saying nobody had any voice outside of him in drafting the proposal
So I say we should commend the Unity givernment ( and the governor for that matter) for crafting this outcome which is ultimately better than full direct rule. UK only step in if we screw it up......so dont screw it up ! Play the long game, build on this opportunity to show UK that we can indeed meet deadlines, show them that we are not some adolecents who shout and scream if we dont get our own way. Weve been presented a challenge, lets rise to that occasion
I.ll be the first to point fingers at Unity government for failing if Govenor has to step in, but lets guve Unity Gov a chance, our full backing and support going forward...we NEED them to succeed for the betterment of this country and its people. This is history in the making , a pivitol moment in the future of the BVI and i would say the very building blocks of self determination and indipendence and if the price for that is oversite by UK for a relitavely short period of time then i would say that is a wise investment for us all to make.
respectfully submitted