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Former FS accuses Unity Gov't of playing know-it-alls & refusing help

- L. Allen Wheatley says the behaviour is 'disrespectful'
Former Financial Secretary in the Virgin Islands (VI) Mr L. Allen Wheatley has slammed the Dr Natalio D. Wheatley-led Government of National Unity for what he said is their refusal to take advice from experts in the territory. Photo: Provided/File
The National Unity Government is led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley. Photo: GIS/File
The National Unity Government is led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Former Financial Secretary (FS) in the Virgin Islands (VI) Mr L. Allen Wheatley has slammed the Dr Natalio D. Wheatley-led Government of National Unity for what he said is their refusal to take advice from experts in the territory, even as the coalition government navigates the last months in office.

“We got enough people out here to help them, but one of the problems I’m having with them is that their acceptance of help is too slow, it is too slow,” Mr Wheatley said in a voice message circulating on social media today, January 13, 2023.

“I lent every piece of experience I had as the FS to do a budget, to do with adjusting budget… Putting a proper budget in place, rectifying any errors of the past, and getting the annual accounts up to date. I have had discussions with the FS.”

Assitance offered to Gov't 

Mr Wheatley added that he has offered any assistance that the Premier would need, and assistance that he is capable of doing to help the government because he believes the Unity Government can do a better job.

“I am doing the best I can do when it comes to financing or others need to come up, legal and otherwise, and help collectively,” he added.

As part of his ignored suggestion, Mr Wheatley said he proposed the establishment of an economic group to help advise on finance and financial development and to create committees to support each ministry. 

He said more suggestions include mechanisms to collect feedback from persons to share information on the needs of the communities in the country as they see it.

Engaging community memebers 

This he related can help enlighten the government about what they need to do to address the concerns of the people.

“So my problem is, you don't want advice. You want to kind of do your thing because you think you know, but nobody knows everything. The only man that was all-knowing was Jesus Christ and Solomon asked for wisdom,” he added.

Mr Wheately said every major decision he made as FS, he sought advice and as such, the Unity Government should take all the help it can get. 

“If you need help, ask for help. If help is being offered, take the help. Why is the help of persons like myself and likewise being sort of marginalised and put aside and dealt with as a matter of convenience? I find that to be disrespectful,” he said.

23 Responses to “Former FS accuses Unity Gov't of playing know-it-alls & refusing help”

  • SELF DEFEATING (13/01/2023, 18:58) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Everybody wants to be the star of the show. It takes a man with a heartbeat for the country to come to their assistance after they have ruined your career. We continue to pull our best and brightest down while the country slip away because of the crab in the barrel syndrome that we are so eager to practice. Something is seriously wrong with our people and its causing the demise of our nation.
    • host (14/01/2023, 02:59) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      Maybe they just don’t want his assistance!
    • The Poli.Farmer (14/01/2023, 09:53) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      Tis now you know so? Tis RANTTTTTT you now have to RANTTTTT on themmm!

      You may very well make a Good Minister of Finance!!!
  • Greg (13/01/2023, 19:07) Like (27) Dislike (4) Reply
    Mr. Allen Wheatley, you have years of experience, and Premier Wheatley should accept the help. There is always the teacher and the student position and the Premier is just learning the ropes the hard way as the student and needs help in decision-making. No matter what troubles happened years ago, you have knowledge of what can work the correct way now, and he should listen before he takes us down a road of no return. He has to get his pride out of the way in order for us to move forward. I hope he listens this time around since he was thrust into his position after Fahie got arrested, was not voted in, and doesn't have the teacher's knowledge yet. He shouldn't allow this country to go down because of stubborn pride. For that, he would never be forgiven.
  • vex (13/01/2023, 19:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well sah
  • WELL HALLELUIAH (13/01/2023, 19:14) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    ALL THE SKELTONS COMING OUT OF CLOSETS , WHEN THE COACH WAS DOING HIS THING WHERE WERE THEY ❓ ????
  • Truth (13/01/2023, 19:56) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    I know exactly what you're talking about. They take notes and leave it there. The BViI could have been plenty much better within these four years. Cannot even manage the cleanliness of a county and talking tourism like every thing so great . We have not gain one thing out of this government but a set of stupid talks
    • J (14/01/2023, 12:57) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Don’t blame the government for the lack of cleanliness…..blame the people that show a blatant disregard for cleanliness. No matter what plans are put in place, if the people that live in the BVI (locals and foreigners alike) don’t have an appreciation for the cleanliness of their surroundings, nothing will change.
  • Woke (13/01/2023, 20:17) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Misappropriation of funds at airport!
  • Candidate? (13/01/2023, 21:39) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    While I’m curious to hear this man’s ideas I can’t help but wonder will he be running for office soon? Been in the press enough lately to make me think yes…
  • spot on! (13/01/2023, 23:00) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Boy Al yo hit the nail on the head....Especially dah Marlon, Kye, Mitch and the Premier
  • who dont hear will feel (13/01/2023, 23:03) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    They should make Allen an advisor instead of OJ
  • q (14/01/2023, 01:15) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Barry say you 8will hear !
  • Agree (14/01/2023, 02:58) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Allen is right these guys think they know it all . They are all listening to the wrong voices to make important decision. look how one Minister listen to a junior staff member to send a head of departments on leave. that just goes to show how inexperience this group is. may God have mercy on us all .
  • Jailbird cry (14/01/2023, 06:58) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Aslong you went jail, the premier will never check or listen to you.
  • THE CULTURAL THING NIW (14/01/2023, 07:24) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    IS TO BLAME THE GREAT BRITAIN BY USING THE ( RACISM CARD AS A LAME EXCUSE TO HIDE ALL THEIR CLANDISTINE ACTIVITIES , SO THE BIG youth , IS JUST READING THE SCRIPT JUST LIKE THE OTHER CANARIES THAT THE PUPPET MASTER COMMANDED SO IF THERE IS NO INTEGR , ( LAVITY HAS ALREADY SAID IT ????
  • Undercover Observer (14/01/2023, 10:55) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    True, no one knows everything and advice flows from north, south, east, and west. Every one thinks he/she is an expert and only his/her opinion matter and if his/her opinion is not adopted, something is wrong with the decision maker or the process is flawed. Government is Bombarded with a barrage of data and advice from a myriad of sources. It is up to government to assess the validity and applicability of the data/advice and make decision on whether it will be useful in delivering the best services to the people. Governing is a process and because opinions offered by so called self-appointed experts are not adopted forthwith does not mean that government does not want advice or it thinks it knows everything. On the other hand, government cannot take forever to act, it must do the right things for the right reason at the right cost at the right time. Noise not necessarily equates to expertise. Blowing one’s own trumpet does not always equate to expertise.
  • VOTER #6 (14/01/2023, 13:18) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    QUESTION. COULD A CONVICTED CRIMINAL RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE? THE COOKIE JAR MUST BE TO HEAVY IT NEEDS TO CLEAR OUT.
    • W*F (14/01/2023, 17:49) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      BS went to jail with Allen, and he was put on government boards, he manages the largest gas company regionally. You know why? He paid for his offense and his talent were not diminish because of a jail sentence. So why you people are ostracising Allen? Some people who come herre and are elevated do you people know their background? They could be thieves, murderers and God knows what else but no one gives a f**k, but you all will kill your own who you know
  • job (14/01/2023, 14:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not to worry election day will tell it all
  • I HOPE (16/01/2023, 13:35) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Allen runs at large so I can give him my vote. He is intelligent and cares about this Territory. Most of all he is not a coward, He will stand up and fight when necessary. ALLEN FOR THE NEXT HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.
  • Truth (18/01/2023, 15:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Truth is truth no matter who it comes from.


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