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Gov’t 'proud of the way we have been addressing challenges'– Premier Wheatley

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says he remains proud of the way his government has been addressing challenges in the territory, noting that a lot of those challenges have been inherited from successive governments. Photo: GIS
 Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the Virgin Islands has been building roads with no drainage and that is one example of issues left for the new Government to deal with. Photo: VINO/File
Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the Virgin Islands has been building roads with no drainage and that is one example of issues left for the new Government to deal with. Photo: VINO/File
The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to extending the runway of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. Photo: Google
The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to extending the runway of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. Photo: Google
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says he remains proud of the way his government has been addressing challenges in the territory, noting that a lot of those challenges have been inherited from successive governments.

The Premier was at the time addressing questions from the media during a March 22, 2024, press conference on the Virgin Islands Music Festival.

“We inherited a lot of challenges and a lot of problems. We had a recovery from the hurricane that we still had to deal with when we came into office. We had COVID, we had the COI… and we have just all the different challenges that we've had over the years,” he said.

Dr Wheatley continued, “I've been proud of the way that we have been addressing challenges which have been left here by successive governments. I could name a bunch of them…things which were left undone for decades and decades that we are dealing with,” he said.

More issues to be addressed - Premier 

He said for many years, the VI has been building roads with no drainage and that is one example of issues that were left for the new Government to deal with.

“We're going to extend the [airport] runway, very important to our economy. It’s been spoken about for many years [and] many administrations have dropped the ball on it. We're going to rebuild Prospect Reef. That's going to take place. I'm about to build a water reservoir for farmers in Paraquita Bay and surrounding areas.”

Meanwhile, the Premier said for other issues like water, which was not addressed before, his government will also work on resolving them.

“Give us some time. You know, we got into office in 2023, and that term expires in 2027. Give us the opportunity to solve some of these challenges and then the electorate and everybody can come to a conclusion as to whether we were successful or not,” Dr Wheatley added. 

19 Responses to “Gov’t 'proud of the way we have been addressing challenges'– Premier Wheatley”

  • herbs power (25/03/2024, 12:07) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a day when the rest black people open up their eyes like those in Haiti.
  • resident (25/03/2024, 12:11) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is the Slow One getting forgetful? He completely forgot to mention his immediate predecessor was locked up on drug and money laundering charges.
  • Government (25/03/2024, 12:17) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Proud of deliberate delaying tactics
  • Styles. (25/03/2024, 12:22) Like (41) Dislike (0) Reply
    Of course he is proud.

    And that is exactly the problem.

    Not a single cent of self reflection in this guy.

    He has corrupt members in his team of ministers (Covid grants anyone?)

    The roads are the worst the have been in 20 years.

    Education….. Healthcare….

    Nothing has improved under Natalio. Yet: Natalio is proud.
  • Hotmess (25/03/2024, 12:27) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    As God me ain't see one thing also doing. Place at a stand still.
  • hm (25/03/2024, 12:28) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Somebody please write a list of 20 developments the government did that benefitted the whole of the BVI permanently that was actually worth the price paid since they were re-elected. Do not tell me fixing roads because all the roads that were “fixed” back in the same state. Matter of fact make it 10 developments. This government is a waste
  • 2024 (25/03/2024, 13:05) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes Sir; Government can afford to be proud and very proud because government people monthly checks are sure

    some others having struggles trying to generate income to keep certain private enterprises afloat

    government people collects wages even when they are on vacation….when government people air travel does not come out of their pockets

    Government people drive around in vehicles pay for by government money also given additional tax payers money as monthly allowance

    I guess water- sewage and potholes can take a back seat
  • facts (25/03/2024, 13:15) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wrong and Strong
  • NB (25/03/2024, 14:28) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well Mr. Premier Saar, we have a serious problem if that's how you view your performance in office. Unfortunately saar, because you are sitting high and self praising, these beautiful Virgin Islands are in shambles and the people are suffering. Unfortunately also for us, you are not going listen with that mentality. A recipe for destruction is brewing. I cry for BVI
  • BVI GONE BACKWARDS 20 YEARS (25/03/2024, 14:30) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    `HE IS GOING ON LIKE ITS ONLY THE BVI HAD COVID....EVERY COUNTRY HAD COVID AND THEY ARE FULLSPEED AHEAD MOVING FORWARD
  • Moo moo (25/03/2024, 14:31) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    BULL SHIGGIDY
  • Hmm (25/03/2024, 15:19) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    Proud? Worst premier and government we have had. He has very low standards if he is proud.
  • Put the shovel down (25/03/2024, 17:08) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Speech is silver but silence is gold my grandmother used to say. Mr. Wheatley would best be served by engaging brain before putting mouth into gear.
  • ... (25/03/2024, 17:11) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder if the people of the bvi could come together and give a vote of no confidence against this guy like how the whole of Trinidad and strike against KFC because them aint get ketchup...it takes a nation to take back they country
  • @ PUT THE SHOVEL DOWN (25/03/2024, 17:56) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    I LOVE THE WAY SHE PUT IT , SO MORE POWER TO THE LADY , BUT THAT MESSAGE IS TOO RICH FOR ( BIG youth ) TO OVER STAND , POWER HAS GORNE TO HIS HEAD / AND AS THE SAYING GOES - * BOYS WILL BE BOYS *
  • FACIAL EXPRESSION (25/03/2024, 22:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is saying )> the BIG fellow ) I DON'T GIVE A DAMN , AH- BOUT WAH AH- YO SAY , AM BLACK AND PROUD , AND AM DAMN GOOD TOO , LOOK AT ALL THE,PLACES I'VE GORNE TO , ON YA'LL $$ , AND AM GETTING MY GROOVE ON IN THE ENTERTAINMENT FIELD ALSO - LIKE , FREE JAMS - AND THE MUSIC FEST TO NAME A FEW / WE GINE MEK SOME NOIZE DOWN DEH WID SOME SLO JAMS ( MICHAEL JACKSON ) MOONWALK WON'T BE ABLE TO TOUCH IT
  • That Airport (26/03/2024, 07:31) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    What IS this constant claim about our airport being expanded?
    How can you expand the runway to allow more and bigger planes if you
    a: don’t have roads that handle increased traffic that will happen
    b: don’t have a hotel big enough to accommodate all the passengers on all the planes if they cannot fly on one or more days
    c: have a sewage system to deal with all of the new people on the island, in the hotels and all over the territory?
    d: want tourists to come here while you and your greedy friends systematically destroy the environment that these tourists are coming to enjoy?
    The BVI needs a whole development plan and it needs to be discussed by the people of the BVI before you all race to pour more concrete in the sea so you look like heroes.
  • Wacko (26/03/2024, 12:12) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    A prime example of the need to improve mental health care in the BVI.


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