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‘False premise’ that Gov’t didn't come to people ahead of VI/UK talks– Premier Wheatley

- Premier says first order of business was to maintain democracy for VI people
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says it remains a ‘False premise’ that the Government of national unity did not consult with the people of the VI, ahead of UK negotiations on the implementation of reform surrounding the CoI recommendations. Photo: VINO/FIle
The first in a series of public meetings to discuss the ‘Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report and Other Reforms’ began on Monday, June 20, 2022, at Elmore Stoutt High School Tent. Photo: VINO
The first in a series of public meetings to discuss the ‘Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report and Other Reforms’ began on Monday, June 20, 2022, at Elmore Stoutt High School Tent. Photo: VINO
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI - Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says it remains a ‘false premise’ that the Government of National Unity did not consult with the people of the territory ahead of UK negotiations on the implementation of reform surrounding the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommendations.

The Premier appeared as a telephone guest on the Monday, June 20, 2022, episode of Tola radio's ‘Da Morning Braff’ radio show with host Floyd Burnett aka 'Heritage’.

“This concept that you have not come to your people first, is a false premise. The first order of business was to maintain democracy so that the people’s voice can be heard in the process of implementing reform,” he added.

He said despite the status of the territory, the VI can still achieve more on the road to having full democracy.

“What we need to understand is that, with our present status, if we want full democracy we can have it and in fact, Sir Gary R. Hickenbottom in his report actually states that the implementation of these reforms will assist us in our march to whatever form of self-determination we so choose.”

Stop complaining - Premier Wheatley 

The Premier stated; however, that the people of the VI must be willing to do the work and stop complaining about the current situation of the territory.

“It doesn’t make sense in my view for us to complain about our status, complain about the powers that the United Kingdom has if we are not prepared to do the work, to prepare ourselves to take whatever steps need to be taken to achieve a full measure of self-Government,” he said.

The Premier said consultations now are to inform persons of what has taken place and to share the UK/VI proposal in detail, “and the people must know that in the process of implementing the reform, that they must play a central role,” he said.

20 Responses to “‘False premise’ that Gov’t didn't come to people ahead of VI/UK talks– Premier Wheatley”

  • Smh (21/06/2022, 11:37) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    The most sensible thing an elected official has said in quite a long time!! This is the hard truth, stop bitching and do something.

    “It doesn’t make sense in my view for us to complain about our status, complain about the powers that the United Kingdom has if we are not prepared to do the work, to prepare ourselves to take whatever steps need to be taken to achieve a full measure of self-Government,” he said.
    • joe (22/06/2022, 07:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes I hear you loud and clear. But how can you all rearrange what we had just like that without involving the people who put you there?
      Why are we in no way told of your decisions before going through with them first?
      If you were jumping up with the few persons on reparation, Independence, self rule and our own control, how come you are so tight lipped now to the governance being dashed on us like when you are feeding pigs?
      You first need to get real so that in due process you could deal with real real people.
      That position you pulled for yourself is not all that Prestigeous,so stop patting yourself on your back and perform the duty we expect of you.
      Check we out before check you out..
      By the way, if it's one good you did, THANKS, getting rid of CARVIN.
      even Fraser should not accept him on the opposition
  • Pseudo Premier (21/06/2022, 11:38) Like (10) Dislike (17) Reply
    Now he insults our intelligence. Although I am not in favor of UK Direct Rule, we need a better alternative to this pseudo premier.
  • The Integrity in Public Life Bill (21/06/2022, 11:55) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Your government is well aware that the legislation the VIP and previous parties have passed supposedly ensuring good governance ,honesty and integrity doesn’t achieve a thing unless it’s properly and honestly policed , but the government has deliberately avoided putting the actual systems in place to achieve the objects of such legislation, one can only assume for their own personal ends. Now you want to blame the public for complaining! Integrity “ it’s not my first rodeo “????????????????????
  • Sad (21/06/2022, 12:07) Like (21) Dislike (10) Reply
    This youngster is not capable of leading Virginislanders as Premier.. We need to have election so the electorates can decide who they want to to lead them. This seems to be a power hunger story.
  • Mrs Tubman (21/06/2022, 12:36) Like (19) Dislike (18) Reply
    Stop the untruths Natalio. The people were never involved because the consensus was is for takeover,, Why postpone the inevitable. You all can't even start a meeting on time, much less comply with the conditions set forth . And none of allyo are trustworthy ,mature and or sensible.
  • APeople (21/06/2022, 12:42) Like (17) Dislike (14) Reply
    Well,remind us if you please, when where and what time did you and the others come to the people about this pertinent issue?
    Blatantly untruthing...jeez man!!!!!
    We waited and still waiting for you to stop your one man show.
  • Disinterested (21/06/2022, 13:03) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    Totally agree with Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley that the VI people must get civically engaged and out of the wagon and started pulling to right the territorial ship. Nevertheless, the Premier needs to stop playing the political game and don’t insult our collective intelligence. That behavior is indicative of that of Animal Farm characters who often double speak. Mr. Premier please tell us when you consulted with the people before the Unity Government submitted a proposal to the UK government on implementing the CoI. Mr. Premier please tell us when you consulted with the people, the stakeholders, before jetting off to the UN on a decolonization meeting.

    The Unity Government at best is a tenuous pact. At this critical juncture, the territory needs stability. Consequently, the HOA needs to be dissolve and a general election held. But I’m not holding my breath. This needs to be about the public interest, not self-interest. Let’s stop the political spin.
    • hmmm (22/06/2022, 07:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Good luck with getting people “civically engaged”. They never have been and likely never will be. You can thank the BVI education system for that, along with government jobs that employ prob 50% of BVIslanders to do not much.
  • help help (21/06/2022, 13:15) Like (57) Dislike (1) Reply
    so when will his excellency the governor see it fit to host meetings with the people of this territory
    • @Help Help (21/06/2022, 16:06) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Gov John Rankin, CMG, the UK-appointed governor, represents and is loyal to the Crown, not the people of the BVI. Where else in this modern era that a people have no say in a governor that supposed to represent them. Them people don’t give a rat’s a$$ about the people of the BVI. They are just flexing their absolutist power assigned to them great world powers hundreds of years ago. Who can the BVI appeal to redress grievances?
  • Uncle (21/06/2022, 14:19) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply

    It is safe to assume that Wheatley Group is under scrutiny by the people and by the UK.
    Yet n still he spewing blatant l**s and preventing live press coverage of meetings he has scheduled after the fact.

  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (21/06/2022, 15:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is a saying, "who feels it knows it."
    Question" which of the two will complain, the thief or the one that was stolen from?
    It is normal that those that have been hurt, and still several hurting complain.
    How is it wrong in your opinion to see it as wrong for them to continue complaining,when in fact those, especially the former VIP Cabinet lead by the former Premier Andrew A. Fahie, Deputy Premier Dr. Natalio Sajande Wheatley and the other cabinet members expect the people, your employer's, expect a silent of complaining, when in fact misconduct (mismanagement) of our finances, your boss the people, finances are accounted for, possible hundreds of millions or possible close but maybe not a billion dollars Unaccounted for, current Premier of the BVI?

    I have no personal hate from me against you. It is a money that is the center of our displeasure, that is the main cause of our continuing complaining. We need credible answers, and positive recovery, as much as possible, of our unaccounted finances. The unity government owed us a positive respons within a limited time. or our current Governor John J. Rankin will run out of patients with the present unity government, for sure.
  • British puppet (21/06/2022, 16:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Free speech, the statements about coming to the people is false, the premier had the time and resources available to him, however he choose to make himself leader and pledge alliance and allegiance to the British Crown!

    The BVI people is left a bitter pill to swallow, these late meetings are simply to pressure the people to buy in! By all measure it’s a done deal, governor Ranking in charge, the people have little to no say over the next 6 years!

    I can almost bet there will be no elections in 2023 on the basis of the COI and the governor recommendation!
  • Windham (21/06/2022, 17:40) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Shxx people stop wining and try to move forward. I am convinced that regardless to what the Governor or the Government do you will oppose. For the mare fact that not one of you know what you want. It is embarrassing reading the nonsence coming from people who have so much to say. Please people think before you blogg. Empty vessels make the most noise.
  • asura (21/06/2022, 17:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I HOPE AND PRAY THAT THE NEXT PREMIER IS LOYAL,HONEST,TRUE,HUMBLE, AND KNOWS BEST IN EVERYTHING THAT HE/SHE DO
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (21/06/2022, 19:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I cannot accept that it is right for any employer anywhere in this world, that has employed employees, whether political or in other businesses ventures, give charged to represent their best interest, handed over in their care the rights to invest their financial affairs to the employees, but as soon as the employees are in charged, the employees act like they owed no accoutibility to their employer, the people, and the employer are told by the leader employee, that they should not complain. This has become the new born in BVI politics. No, no, no, not so any longer accordiling to the CoI recommdations to be oversight by the current Governor of the BVI.
    BVI unity government, get you knees off of our necks, if you don't quickly, you will know for yourself why we are complaining continuingly.
    "Righteousness exaults a nation sin (greediness) is a reproached to any (all) people.)
    BVI people, wake up from your slumbering sleep.
  • ASKING (22/06/2022, 00:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So why Ayo ain’t marching demanding immediate dissolution of the HOA and for fresh elections?
    Need to March every day until it’s done.
  • Quiet Warrior (22/06/2022, 08:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    hon Natalio Wheatley, that is a bold face, unnecessary l**. Stop insulting us. You are weakening the case for your being the man the job. More and more you are earning the reputation of being Peter Principled. You are supposed educated and knowledgeable lad so surely you can communicate a better, truthful explanation for what you did and why.

  • Him self (23/06/2022, 04:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The guy is making sure he a good boy for the UK. How your leadership does not reflect your people. You sell out.


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