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‘I am standing in the way’ of Opposition achieving dreams for power- Premier

Noting that the Opposition walking out of the House of Assembly (HoA) on October 31, 2023, was 'making a mountain out of a molehill', Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said the main motive behind the Opposition’s actions is its members desire for power. Photo: GIS/File
The Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth HoA proceeded on October 31, 2023, without the Opposition. Photo: YouTube
The Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth HoA proceeded on October 31, 2023, without the Opposition. Photo: YouTube
The Opposition, led by Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), had walked out of the Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth HoA on October 31, 2023, after it lost a vote on a motion moved by the government side for the reordering of the Order Paper to have the lengthy Questions & Answer Segment pushed back to the end of the proceedings to allow public servants more time to get the answers. Photo: Team of Reporters/File
The Opposition, led by Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), had walked out of the Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth HoA on October 31, 2023, after it lost a vote on a motion moved by the government side for the reordering of the Order Paper to have the lengthy Questions & Answer Segment pushed back to the end of the proceedings to allow public servants more time to get the answers. Photo: Team of Reporters/File
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI- Noting that the Opposition walking out of the House of Assembly (HoA) on October 31, 2023, was “making a mountain out of a molehill”, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said the main motive behind the Opposition’s actions is its members desire for power.

According to the Premier, at least four of them want to achieve their life-long dream of becoming premier and another one wants badly to be deputy premier and that he [Dr Wheatley] is standing in their way.

‘Their goal is to win power’- Premier

“I am standing in the way of them achieving their lifelong dreams. They don’t care what they have to do to take me down. But what [Jamaican artiste] Sizzla say? ‘You can’t keep a good man down’. With God by my side I am solid as a rock,” Dr Wheatley stated while being interviewed on the International Morning Braff show on Tola Radio VI by host Floyd Burnett aka ‘Heritage’ today, November 2, 2023.

Dr Wheatley did not hold back his personal opinion when he stated that Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) and Hons Marlon A. Penn (R8), Myron V. Walwyn (R6) and Julian Fraser RA (R3) are only desirous of becoming Premier of the Virgin Islands. He added that Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) wants to be the Deputy Premier.

“Their goal is to win power. So make no mistake about it. When they are in Government they support something. When they are in the Opposition, the same thing they used to support they against. What’s the reason? Because they looking for power. Each and every single one of them in the Opposition. I could name them out,” Premier Wheatley stated, although he did not mention first-termer and Deputy Speaker Hon Stacy Mather.

The Opposition, led by Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), had walked out of the Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth HoA on October 31, 2023, after it lost a vote on a motion moved by the government side for the reordering of the Order Paper to have the lengthy Questions & Answer Segment pushed back to the end of the proceedings to allow public servants more time to get the answers.

‘I’ll bring the video’ to expose Opposition’s hypocrisy- Premier

According to Premier Wheatley, when the National Democratic Party (NDP) was in power it reordered the Order Paper all the time. The members then included Hons Skelton, Penn, Walwyn and Turnbull.

“The exact same thing they are complaining about now they would do. All of them would vote in favour of reordering the Order Paper.

“And look, if I have to, if I’m forced to, I’ll bring the video for it…and I will make sure the camera zooms up on all of them faces when them saying aye! Each one of them with their hypocritical selves voted to reorder the Order Paper,” Dr Wheatley stated.

‘They want to make the Government look bad’

The Premier added that he is not interested in politics, but in getting the work of the people done.

“I am going to do what I have to do, Heritage, and when election day comes the people will decide. And whatever the people decide I will accept as God’s will for my life. I will do the best that I can while I’m here. I will take whatever criticism, I will take whatever cuss, and thank God for the people who pray for me and who encourage me and give me advice, in terms of how I can improve in my position.

“I am not interested in shenanigans; I’m not interested in persons having press conferences so they can mislead the public. Part of what they doing is they want to make the Government look bad and some of them already talking of calling for a vote of no confidence,” Dr Wheatley stated.

32 Responses to “‘I am standing in the way’ of Opposition achieving dreams for power- Premier”

  • trevor (02/11/2023, 15:29) Like (34) Dislike (43) Reply
    You talk, you talk, you say nothing.
    The fact that you felt the need to attack others or defend yourself shows your inability to be a leader.
    How did you ever become premier, what a waste of 4 years.
  • WO (02/11/2023, 15:41) Like (18) Dislike (9) Reply
    To much talk,to much
  • ME PATHNER (02/11/2023, 15:50) Like (20) Dislike (5) Reply
    THE BIG YOUTH , STRIKING BACK , ITS TIME ENOUGH TO SHOW WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF / ( aka ) HEY , AH GOT BALLZ 2 I DONT KNOW IF YOU ARE THE YOUNGEST BVILANDER TO EVER HOLD THAT POSITION / WITH SOME * GUIDANCE AND INTEGRITY YOU CAN STILL BE THE BEST
  • The Reaper (02/11/2023, 16:15) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    You said that,u F__k.
  • Sowande again.. (02/11/2023, 16:15) Like (43) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hear my boy today and he was like John Wayne. All Gun blazing and man falling. Like Peter Tosh- -- Hot, hot, hot, firing shot, shot, shot. Real bad boy Premier. But Pope put it straight and honest. " People are hurting". Why can't we get immediate relief simple as an increase in tax exemption amt from $10.000 to $18.000 for those of us making less than $30 gran per yr. That would some real help.
  • tricksters (02/11/2023, 16:25) Like (13) Dislike (30) Reply
    Them power hungry at whatever cost. Now some of them stuck in they misery. God not done with all you asses yet.
  • The watchdog (02/11/2023, 16:29) Like (10) Dislike (20) Reply
    Tell them premier talk
  • Manjack (02/11/2023, 16:41) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    If the government is united Premier Wheatley should not be afraid of a vote of No Confidence, for it has a majority , albeit a slim, razor- thin majority. Is there rumblings in the VIP ranks? Are there peeved, slighted members, who will bail with the right offer(s)? On another note, the Premier is not standing in the way of the Opposition quest for power. The people indirectly decide who becomes Premier. Furthermore, other elected members decide who is elevated to Premier. When voters go to the polls, they are not voting directly for whom becomes Premier. After an election, an elected who desires to become Premier must garner the support of 6 other elected members. If we remember after the April 24, 2023, General Election, VIP won 6 of 13 seats but could not formed the government. It had to induced Hon Lorna Smith , OBE, who ran under the NDP banner to join them, forming the government with a razor-thin majority, an at best a tenuous position That inducement came with some demands, ie, Deputy Premier, etc.

    Moreover, the Opposition is reeling from the jumping ship of one of its members, allowing the VIP to form the government. IMO, it was/is the Opposition’s greed, ego, selfishness, etc., why it is out in pasture stewing about what happened and why. Indeed, many of the Opposition members have dreams of becoming Premier. A few may have seen the early results of the April 24 General Election as their last opportunity to become Premier. Consequently, seeing their last supposed opportunity to become Premier slipping away, they dugged in to not yielding and compromising to let snother do. It seems they prefer to let the ship sink rather than pitch in to help keep it afloat. This attitude and behaviour allowed one of its members to jump ship to the other side, oyher side. Now, it seems as if the Opposition is going all out to see if the government can collapse under its own weight, giving them another bite at the apple. If this were to happen who will be the Premier and Deputy Premier?

    Moreover, the Premier, any Premier, must worked diligently and robustly for the interest of the people and should not become prisoner of the Opposition shiny object(s) over here or over there. The Premier cannot let himself be swiftboated but also cannot be chasing every opposition shiny object(s). The Premier, any Premier, must use his/her political skill and acumen to decide what shiny object to chase. Chasing the Opposition walkout, should have stand on its own, for that the Opposition choice/stunt . . True, they should not be rewarded for it ; the HoA continued with its business. On the other hand, once the order paper is set for the HoA agenda, it should not be changed willy nilly because one has the power to do so. It should be for some substantial reason(s), not for administrative political convenience. A golden rule in politics is when your competitor or opposition is digging themselves a hole don’t stop them, let them continue. digging.
    • @Manjack (02/11/2023, 18:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      To Manjack, post as always the blog is not brief, because it seems brevity is not your thing and seems you want to provide clarity. No sacrificing of clarity for brevity with you. I will take a guess most of your blogs are only glance at. Nevertheless. they are full of information, well- reasoned and with strong and confident assumptions. I like the lines stating that the Premier should not become prisoner to the Opposition shiny object(s), and if one’s competitor or political opponent is digging a hole on should not stop them from digging. Sage free political advice. On balance , you seem to want to strike a balance with examples and writing style, ie, the term Premier, any Premier, not changing the order paper simply because one has the power and the prior government did. The current government must understand that burden is on the current, not the prior government. Precedence don’t always apply in governing; the curent should focus on not doing things rights but doing the right thing for the reason and purpose at the right time.
  • SAY (02/11/2023, 16:43) Like (39) Dislike (15) Reply
    Premier you are a child with this nonsense.....the opposition have a right,,to act because you are not the type of government we want.....they are not looking for power they are listening to the people ....dont worry you will not be the Premier for long worth this type of behaviour.
  • NB (02/11/2023, 16:49) Like (29) Dislike (6) Reply
    Well aint your cup runeth over! Full of yourself much Mista Premier? Ah, you never cease to amaze me with your comments boss. Carry on
  • vg youth (02/11/2023, 16:50) Like (2) Dislike (13) Reply
    Just stand in the way of the UK & their Governor high handedness with their anti democratic order in council to suspend another country's constitution in the 21st century. This is wrong and is a slap in the face of good governance and democracy.
  • Not good (02/11/2023, 16:52) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
    The Opposition and Government seem not to understand the need to unify at this time to stand up for democracy and insist on the immediate removal of the slavery whip of an order in council to suspend a constitution.
  • anegada (02/11/2023, 16:55) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply
    Where is the UK Attorney Cox report on the COI so the people of the BVI can hear the other sides to the COI and can decide how to move forward to bring true balance to what the Governor is doing. The people need to know this right away as every story has 3 sides...yours...mines...the truth. We heard the UK's side. Now hurry up and get the other side so to the people and the courts can decide the truth now please.
  • stone cold (02/11/2023, 17:09) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    The ppl a suffering while u all continue to fight sad sad !!!
  • ndp (02/11/2023, 17:26) Like (22) Dislike (4) Reply
    You is a clown you ain’t doing nothing for the BVI
  • YES TO THE UK (02/11/2023, 17:48) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    Boy Natalio you have a big head, I hope you find out real soon how solid you are.
  • jack@$$ (02/11/2023, 18:02) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    An old man up the road said it's better to be an envied clown than a jealous miserable narcissist. I took a shot of brugal to that.
  • jack in the box (02/11/2023, 18:31) Like (10) Dislike (14) Reply
    A man in the house arrested and charged tell the opposition go from here
    • Hmm (02/11/2023, 23:18) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
      To date I am convinced that this could only happen in BVI. The worst part is that the individual has the loudest voice. Sick!
  • TurtleDove (02/11/2023, 18:35) Like (10) Dislike (20) Reply
    We support you Mr premier the opposition is weak and full of confusion
  • hi (02/11/2023, 18:45) Like (29) Dislike (3) Reply
    Typical black people ,tearing up each other and blame others after. Nothing about how he is going to improve the economy and make the lives of people better. Government and opposition are all crooks.
  • Wellsah (02/11/2023, 19:15) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    He giving off some “gumptionish energy “
  • @ MANJACK - JACK ASD & JACK IN THE BOX (02/11/2023, 21:36) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Same shit every day / if you find walwyn guilty why don't you arrest him ? becareful you overdose on the white lady , you got to be on it ( HOA got a relief from you , before PARANOIA sets in
  • Sad (02/11/2023, 21:39) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    It never ceases to amaze me how people are so easily impressed by foolishness. The small mindedness is too great. It's like a preacher who saying nothing valid but just making noise to appeal to the emotion. Tell me, what was taken away from the rambling? He had to pause every minute to receive the written responses. He went from he cannot answer to OK he ready now. Referring to Cindy as 'baby' was too embarrassing. I do not associate myself with that place because I feel too shame. This man sounded like he was b$&#÷ng on a school playground in primary school. Sowande needs the power more than anyone. Outside of that role he has nothing. The others are well established in their careers that they earned. They can do his job but he cannot do theirs. He kept calling Myron name. He is so threatened by him. Sowande as a Premier is a fail. As a minister for education was a fail. Agriculture minister was a fail. Finance minister is a fail. Educator was a fail. I can name a couple more but I won't cross the line. I feel sad for the situation in that country. The behaviour reflects immaturity, narcissism and ignorance. He appeals to the ones who share the same likeness. Not impressive to me at all. Sad thing is, he think he won. People are so flipping blind and small minded! The people are to blame for the state of the country. Sad and disgusting!
  • Styler (02/11/2023, 22:09) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    I am a shame of all opposition members especially when you know you voted for some of them. When season politician Fraser was on opposition with Fahie they were treated like shit with the NDP but they never walkout, now Fraser showing his true colours as they all fighting for head do our business time will tell do our business sick and tired of all of YOU. If you all weren’t so power hungry Lorna in your corner will have been in your corner but you all too power hungry.
  • It done! (02/11/2023, 23:13) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    The same Opposition who couldn’t agree to form the government could agree for numerous press conferences. Chupps! Sick ah ayo!
  • Slowande (02/11/2023, 23:16) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    He is a good talker and entertaining at times but he’s a poor leader.
  • 2023 (03/11/2023, 03:34) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    the leader of government business must overstand that it take more than talk. look around because after all the press conferences we still driving our new cars along potholes. lack of stable power supply not forgetting the toxic fumes on the west side and sewage in the east side. stop the lip service and the travelling and fix our country for Heaven Sake Hon Premier
  • Hmm (03/11/2023, 08:41) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    So he Natalio wasn’t looking power when he contested the elections? He Natalio wasn’t looking power when he went to Ronnie office to try to get him to join to form govt? Or when he try to get the other 2 PVIM to join? Out when he went down SCB for Frazer? He wasn’t power hungry then?

    If he want power Hungry then why he didn’t let Frazer be a premier and he be the Deputy? Or Skelton be Premier Abe he be Deputy.

    These people really take the public for fools dread! Opposition doing their job. Maybe Slowande should try to actually do his job as Premier and have some balls to make decisions that actually matters!
  • no style (03/11/2023, 08:41) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yesterday was an amazing day in the BVI with all the rhetoric that was shared on the airwaves from our political leaders. One would think that they were still out on the campaign trail with all the vicious attacks, throwing stones, pointing fingers, shifting blames and all the narratives in between. But most surprising of all was the behavior that was demonstrated by the Premier on de Morning Braff Show. Our leaders need to be reminded that the business of the people must take priority and their selfish agendas must be placed on the back burner. It is time to get to work and establish a suitable plan of action for the country and above everything else to fix the economy. The people are hurting at every angle and in some cases their actions are speaking louder than words.
  • Honestly (06/11/2023, 10:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'll be honest, i literally only read the headline and all i wanna say again is, this man is a child! Good Bye


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