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‘I am not saying I will never make a mistake again’- Premier

- But promises to use institutional knowledge to do things differently & bring better governance
Armed with more knowledge and experience from a rocky four years in office, Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has referred to his first term as a learning experience under ex-Primer Andrew A. Fahie and the Unity Government. Photo: VINO/File
While in office, the VIP government was faced with not only the COVID-19 pandemic which spanned about two years, but a simultaneous Commission of Inquiry into Governance. Photo: VINO/File
While in office, the VIP government was faced with not only the COVID-19 pandemic which spanned about two years, but a simultaneous Commission of Inquiry into Governance. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Armed with more knowledge and experience from a rocky four years in office, Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has referred to his first term as a legislator as a learning experience under ex-Primer Andrew A. Fahie and the Unity Government.

“The four years which have passed were very much a learning experience, very instructive just about anything that could have happened did happen,” the Premier told journalists at a May 2, 2023, press conference on matters in the Territory.

He added, “and that institutional knowledge that I now have will be brought to bear in the position that I am in now, to give the people of Virgin Islands better leadership and better governance,” he said.

While in office, the VIP government was faced with not only the COVID-19 pandemic which spanned about two years, but a simultaneous Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Governance.

Pandemic & simultaneous CoI 

Over the term, the VI also saw the arrest of the then Premier Fahie on drug conspiracy charges and a threat to democracy and the local constitution being suspended over the findings and recommendations of the COI.

“We've learned a lot about what happened for the past four years, and if I had to go back and do certain things differently, I would,” Dr Wheatley added.

He however noted that although he wants to, he cannot go back so the only thing to do is to move forward in a way that he believes is right for the territory.

During the campaign trail, Dr Wheatley admitted mistakes were made by the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government and his admission caused his political opponents to have a field day lambasting him and the party.

"I am not saying I will never make a mistake again...because I am not perfect," Dr Wheatley stated at the recent press conference.

“And based on those experiences, I have a great deal of confidence that a lot of those mistakes we won't repeat and whatever mistakes we do make because we're human beings, we will try our best to correct,” the Premier added.

29 Responses to “‘I am not saying I will never make a mistake again’- Premier”

  • VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE (05/05/2023, 10:58) Like (14) Dislike (21) Reply
    WE GOT THE BIG BAD OPPOSITION NOW SO YOU WONT GET THAT CHANCE
    • @vote of no confidence (05/05/2023, 15:42) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply
      Big bad opposition you say? If they were that big and bad they would not be sitting at the bottom of the totem pole. They need to get rid of them and put all women in the opposition. I bet the house will be run better.
    • @vote of o confidence (05/05/2023, 16:30) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Opposition- Most of those senoir persons had a chance to do great for the VI s but they have failed to do so ! Only in their personal companies they have done much advancement.perhaps they could have taking role as an advisor throughout the years ...Work together Ronniie & Opposition .Keep the Government on their toes, no need to flex your muscles!
  • Yup (05/05/2023, 11:07) Like (35) Dislike (8) Reply
    No perfect man
    But there is a perfect God
    As stated u can only do your best and be better than yesterday.
  • farmer (05/05/2023, 11:26) Like (13) Dislike (11) Reply
    Just give us water paraquita bay to grow the local food from importing chemical food….
    • @farmer (05/05/2023, 16:35) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
      These are one set of lazy farmer expect the Goverment to do everything for them! In other Caribbean región you would have had to do more for you all selves!!
    • Jaigon (06/05/2023, 16:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      If my memory serves me right, there are two wells at Paraquita Bay which I believe can be utilized to give water to the farmers, except they are dry wells. If those wells contain water, something needs to be done to pump the water into a reservoir and then the water can be used by farmers for a small fee.
    • Forbidden Truth (07/05/2023, 07:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      Paraquita bay has water. Stop b*t£hing. If farmers want water p!$$ on their ungrateful @$$.

  • FIRE (05/05/2023, 11:31) Like (55) Dislike (8) Reply

    You already made a mistake with this same sex marriage bulls***. We don't want to even hear about it.

    • @FIRE (05/05/2023, 12:39) Like (2) Dislike (15) Reply

      I think that you are being unfair and unreasonable. In the end, some is going to be mad and some is going to be happy whichever way it goes. I do not see a problem nor do I have a problem with legalization of same sex marriage in the BVI. What exactly is the problem? If it dosen’t concern you then stay the ##$%& up out of it. Can you imagine how much legal revue will be coming into the Country if same sex marriage was legal?

  • Move on (05/05/2023, 12:06) Like (28) Dislike (3) Reply
    Stop with these past tense topics.
    Election gone. Let’s work
  • block (05/05/2023, 12:07) Like (8) Dislike (12) Reply
    He better take care of district 7 or else we voting him out
    • @block (05/05/2023, 12:45) Like (3) Dislike (17) Reply
      He better? Ask politely and you will get results, not he better.
      • Lucifer (06/05/2023, 00:25) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
        @block, we don't have to ask politely, that is what he was put into this position to do as a leader that he swore he would do. Ask politely my foot!
    • Political analyst (05/05/2023, 13:16) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Dr. Hon Premier Natalio Wheatley (R-7) as Premier must work for all the people across the territory, ie, Tortola, the mainland where the Capital Road and seat of government is located, and the large and small outlying islands which are often neglected and forgotten. Nevertheless, politics 101 dictates that he take care of his district and so do other district. If as Premier, he cannot at least the basic things done in the district, when will he? What case can he make during the campaign. He dodge being kicked to the curb this time but not this lucky next time. Dr Pickering the former D-7 Rep for 20 years and served a term as Deputy Premier was kicked to curb doing very little. D-7 voters are loyal and patience but when had enough of nothingness they will unceremoniously kick you to the curb. That controlled, independent, rebellious Long Look spirit still lives. Don’t tempt or try them with taking them for granted with nothingness. What they want, ie, basic services, library sevices, senior citizen services, better roads, reliable water supply, safe and proper sewage collection, transport and disposal, solid waste services, etc.
      • Political analyst (05/05/2023, 19:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        I cannot tell if you are a VIP supporter or PVIM or NDP , PU. Mr. Premier PA is offering some sound advice so you better heed or pay the penalty next time. Or as PA the rebellious Long Lookers will act decisively.
      • @ PA (05/05/2023, 21:00) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        @PA, cannot really read if you are a VIP or Opposition supporter. Nevertheless, Hon Premier Wheatley, you got some sage, invaluable and priceless advice. You better take heed or suffer the same fate as your former D-7 rep who was kicked to the curb. The rebellious Long Lookers are serious and have no time for pretenders. Deliver the goods or be gone, gone, gone.
  • E. Leonard (05/05/2023, 12:31) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Success and progress are often hindered and unrealized because of the fear of failing. We learn by making mistakes; mistakes make us smarter. Mistakes are opportunities. For example, a baby does not learn to walk in his/her first try. The baby stands, wobbles, takes a step, falls and cries. The baby don’t give up, though,for he/she persists and one day walks, rides a bike, drives a car, and grows up.

    Thomas Edison, inventor, penned: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. “ And for quitters Edison penned: “ Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they give up.”

    Moreover, in governing mistakes will be made, especially among new or green elected and appointed members. Nevertheless, leaders must lean and fail forward, learning from and capitalizing on failures. Take sensible risks. A common saying is that if you are not failing, you are not doing anything or doing very little out of fear of failing. Failures will happen. If you are not learning from your failures, then you are hopeless, hapless.

    “ The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”——
    Franklin D. Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt in First Inaugural Address. The quote means great things can be accomplished if the problem is attack head on rather than dithering because of doubt or fear.
    • confused (05/05/2023, 21:17) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      @E. Leonard, I noticed in several of your post you use the phrase lean and fail forward. What does that mean? Is it better fail forward than failing backward? Is failing not failing? Further, learn by making mistakes, mistakes are opportunities, sensible risks, etc. True, I ‘m selectively nitpicking but is not the goal to avoid failures/mistakes so why the focus on failure? By the way, took a few classes in management at the bachelors level. Is this failure focus a masters level thing?
      • @confused (07/05/2023, 09:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Confused, are you truly confused or out to lunch or just looking for a debate. If so instead of all Socratic questions, just state your position(s) in regards to failures. If you truly studied or studying management,,you have a clue as to what failing forward means. Just a third person observer.
      • E. Leonard (08/05/2023, 21:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Failure is at times inevitable and should be learnt from and capital on. And should not feared and dreaded. Failure inspires winners and defeats losers.
    • Ne Timeas (07/05/2023, 09:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      E. Leonard, bro, if I hear you right, you are advocating that failures are inevitable if engaged in robust activities, especially when operating in unfamiliar environments, failures are learning experiences, failures are opportunities. Further, that decision makers should not be arrested by the fear of failing, if they take sensible, prudent risks. One should not operate with a zero defect mentality, ie, doing things only when there is a 100% certainty in outcome. If one one is not making mistakes, he/she is probably not doing anything and operating with a zero defect mentality.,In the business world zero defect mentality is not a lasting plan of action. The public too cannot afford a zero defect mentality approach.
      • Steady (07/05/2023, 10:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Ne Timeas, you and E. Leonard are probably well meaning and reasoned in your positions. But it seems as though, you are advocating for the government to be bold, aggressive in its operations, which can lead to squandering scarce resources, time, and opportunities. Well, I prefer the government to slow, steady, sensible, efficacious, deliberate, results/driven, etc, in its operations. We don’t need any more $7.2M BVI Airways fiasco. I want government to measure twice, cut once m, dot the Is and cross the T’s. Slow and Steady she goes. Nevertheless, I don’t want it to take forever looking for a perfefect decision, your zero defect mentality. Steady, steady, consistent, consistent, etc.
  • MY VOICE (05/05/2023, 13:11) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Weighing Errors and Mistakes

    The First time - is a Mistake
    The Second time - is you did not Understand
    The Third time - is Willfulness or not taking Heed
    The Fourth time - is Rebelliousness and Disregard
    The Fifth time - is a Reprobate Mind
    The Sixth time - is due for Punishment
    The Seventh time - is the Wrath of God
  • @E.Leonard (05/05/2023, 14:01) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    Go sid dung please
    • @@E. Leonard (05/05/2023, 16:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @@E. Leonard, what are you afraid of the info may delve into the outer crevices of your brain. What is your point? Tell us what is disagreement with the brother’s blog. Or you just don’t like the bro and his opinion. If you have a different view please share with us. Doing so is healthy and enhances the debate. Just disagreeing just because scores a nought, looking attention.
  • @ E LIEONERD (05/05/2023, 14:44) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    You have failed miserably to enlighten us on the history of the ( island people ) like , why , when and what was the purpose for it , yet you yppung about history from centuries ago ???? Atmore you afraid of the truth , or you only can only see on one side / with all the knowledge you possess ,
    you making yourself look small bro
  • @@E. Lieonerd (05/05/2023, 16:20) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    @@ E. Lieonerd, are you some type or weirdo or something. Do you have a thing for E. Leonard, for every time he blogs something I notice that you come on posting the same nonsense about island people and why he not writing about them. With such passion about island people and I can relate, why don’t you do the research, draft, and publish an article. I’m sure it will be widely read. You seemed like you are trolling and cyberstalking. Get some help if you are and leave people alone. Do you have no shame.


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