Helping from the opposite side of the aisle ‘doesn’t work’- Hon Stacy R. Mather
Speaking on JTV Channel 55 on December 31, 2025, Hon Mather said the decision to cross had been discussed following the 2023 general elections.
Mather said he finally decided to move to the government because the Premier offered him the chance to work together on many programmes, including the Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment, and Development (RATED) programme, initiatives in agriculture and fisheries, and the development of community programmes aimed at empowering community-based organisations to execute initiatives for the upliftment of the citizens and residents of the community.
You can’t really help in Opposition
Hon Mather explained that, contrary to what some may believe, as a member of the House of Assembly, there is little you can do to help in opposition.
“It doesn’t work like that, you know, people would say, you’re offering to help. Why don’t they take it? So, I offered my help for about 2 and a half years, almost 3 years.”
He added that when Premier Wheatley came to him with the offer, being the person he is, he had to say yes.
“That's not an easy decision because, as many people have pointed out, there’s not much time left in my tenure, but I want to help my people, and if I’m going to help my people and it’s being offered to me, I should take it. Otherwise, I see myself as someone who’s only criticising and not really trying to help.”
Mather called the decision a “heavy” one that he prayed about, as well as spoke to family and close friends about.
“I understand that, for who I am, helping with a programme or programmes that I have criticised, when offered, it’s not in my spirit to say otherwise because it’s for the betterment of the Virgin Islands.”
While some have criticised Hon Mather's decision to join the VIP government, many have also praised him.
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19 Responses to “Helping from the opposite side of the aisle ‘doesn’t work’- Hon Stacy R. Mather ”
Slow news day? He made his bed let him relax in it.
Hmmmm…..what a tangled web we weave!
Yet in all of that turbulent and messy wash cycle an olive branch was extended and Mather did what was best for his country and not himself. Ayo who saying he’s a 1 termer, he’s a grasshopper don’t know him and his values. He has not joined the VIP party; he crossed to make an impact while there’s still time to work across party lines for the entire VI.
How can a person who is an achiever ‘wait’ for 4 years while watching things fall apart all around you? Mehn GTFOH- opposition is governmet in waiting my left nut!! That’s th e problem wid most ayo do nothing and wait mindset. Mitch been waiting how long? Myron gonna say he waiting for how effn long to be Premier - yet he cannot unite nothing! Ronnie been in this ting for how long and what new at this late stage he gonna bring to the game?
I personally don't blame you one bit.