Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

‘I am the same person’- Hon Stacy R. Mather

-said an all-hands-on-deck approach is needed to address issues in VI
Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), OBE, the newest member of the Virgin Islands Party administration, has said he is the same person he was when he served the Virgin Islands (VI) in opposition. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), OBE (right), said he looks forward to working with his colleagues as a member of the Virgin Islands Party government. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), OBE (right), said he looks forward to working with his colleagues as a member of the Virgin Islands Party government. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) (right) announced that Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), OBE (left), will be joining his administration on December 22, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) (right) announced that Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), OBE (left), will be joining his administration on December 22, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), OBE, the newest member of the Virgin Islands Party administration, has said he is the same person he was when he served the Virgin Islands (VI) in opposition.

The announcement of Hon Mather’s move across the political aisle came on Monday, December 23, 2025, during a special announcement by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). 

All-hands-on-deck approach needed

Speaking following Premier Wheatley’s announcement, Hon Mather said he made this decision to cross over to help the VI even more. 

“My people, these are strange and uncertain times. As a society, we face many pressing social, economic and development issues that require immediate and focused attention.”

He added that to effectively address these issues and make tangible gains in the near and medium term, “an all-hands-on-deck approach” is needed. 

Hon Mather said it is an enormous task, setting the VI on a sustainable course, a task that the government needs as many hands as possible to achieve. 

“The fruit of the BVI requires this move, and today I’ve decided to allow my roots to cross over to the other side in the quest to harvest even more fruit for the people,” he continued. 

According to Hon Mather, his move does not call for a moment of silence but requires that the volume be raised where it matters and to mobilise more work getting done. 

“While I will now sit with the Government, I am the same person with the same access, but with greater responsibility to deliver for you.”

Using my knowledge, skills & experience

Hon Mather will work with Premier Wheatley on the Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment, and Development (RATED) program, initiatives in agriculture and fisheries, and the development of community programs aimed at empowering community-based organisations to execute initiatives for the upliftment of the citizens and residents of the community. 

He said he will put his knowledge, skills and experience in youth and community empowerment at the full disposal of the Government to help tackle challenges in the VI.

“As an At-Large Representative, I am pleased to have the opportunity to offer advice, guidance, and input into the RATED programme, which has become a Territory-wide initiative. I am eager to collaborate with the Premier to evolve its existing structures, enhance the workforce training component, and introduce small, scalable agricultural initiatives that will yield swift results.”

Hon Mather said he is also looking forward to applying his experience to support community empowerment programmes and initiatives that strengthen the work of NGOs and small community businesses, which he said, “have become the backbone of the Virgin Islands”.

Looking forward to working with gov’t colleagues

Hon Mather thanked Premier Wheatley and his government for welcoming him into their ranks and placing confidence in his abilities. 

“I look forward to working with the Premier, my Government colleagues, every Member of the House of Assembly, the public sector, private sector, civil society and members of our community to build this country that we all love.”

He added that the time is now to work and build the Virgin Islands for everyone. 

See link to related article

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/hon-stacy-r-mather-departs-alliance-to-join-vip-govt

43 Responses to “‘I am the same person’- Hon Stacy R. Mather”

  • BuzzBvi (23/12/2025, 09:51) Like (38) Dislike (5) Reply
    Yes. But DIFFERENT Hands.

    Not Dirty HOA13 Hands.

    ALL13MUSTGO

    Mather abandoning those that voted for him means he must resign.

  • Sway-cy Mather (23/12/2025, 09:59) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    ‘I am the same person’ - at least he’s not pretending this is change.
    • the rock (25/12/2025, 04:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mather stop using the youths for your political greediness, they will not support you again
  • Opps! (23/12/2025, 10:02) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    Yes sir ree, you are the same, party-hopping hypocrite that sold out twice "for a few (thousand) dollars more.", or is it "fist full of dollars,, ha, ha, B.V.I politicians styles.
  • King Obstinate (23/12/2025, 10:16) Like (3) Dislike (12) Reply
    Lmblao- ayo vex the man going to work! Cap! Ayo cray cray for real mehson. Let’s see the battle for the opposition leader now. Who’s it gonna be? Myron still or Marlon? Maybe it’s time for Mitch to geh a do…? Or Ronnie might take back the mantle to try to keep the peace. Let’s see the fireworks next HOA.

    Mather I hope Natalio keeps his word to you and you both can work together to get things moving from this snail pace for OUR Nation. Haters gonna hate cause…
    • @King Obstinate (23/12/2025, 16:06) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      almost 20 men and women needed to do what 9 use to do? can't make this up
      • The Commenter (24/12/2025, 22:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        People praising the premier talking about playing chess while others playing checkers.

        They forget the government had 8 of the thirteen members, the premier alone has almost 10 if not more consultants, not sure how many the other ministers have and still cannot get anything done, still cannot get this country moving forward.

        Chess?

        This man is systematically detroying the country. I cannot wait to hear Mather praising the rated program. LOLOL.
  • one eye rooster (23/12/2025, 10:17) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    YEA RIGHT WE THE VITERS WILL DETERMINE NEXT ELECTION
  • Dear Sir (23/12/2025, 10:25) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    It’s not what you do, it’s how you did it. You abandoned the people that voted for you and showed them a lack of respect. You will never be trusted again. This is not something that happened over night, it was well planned. Just go ahead YOUR MERRY WAY with the VIP GANG. In my book you are an ungrateful sell out.
    • You mean… (23/12/2025, 13:13) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      He abandoned the people who wanted him to help them overtake the rights of the ancestral Virgin Islanders and their children and give it to them and their’s. But God doesn’t sleep on evil!
    • King of Talk (24/12/2025, 12:16) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      All this talking to the people after the fact instead of before lets the people know that they were never a priority. Politics in the BVI is a circus filled with clowns who try to outdo each other with tricks and wows on the voters and taxpayers dime and time. He has the backing of two rich white friends and could have worked from the opposition.
  • NONESENSE (23/12/2025, 10:52) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    I told you all ftom long. He aint no good
  • Not surprised (23/12/2025, 11:06) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Yes. You mean you were a crook all along. Same person yes.
  • LOL (23/12/2025, 11:31) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    LOL THIS A JOKE RIGHT
    ?
  • a liar (23/12/2025, 11:43) Like (24) Dislike (3) Reply
    Crazy how an inch of power changes people. I think the Mather of 10 years ago would be disgusted to see what he become. A liar and a sellout
  • which one? (23/12/2025, 11:44) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    A CRICKET, A GRASSHOPPER OR A KANGEROO?
  • You are not (23/12/2025, 11:53) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    You are not the same person. Don’t care to hear anything after the fact. Please don’t try to sugar coat anything after the fact. You guys do everything in private behind the peoples back with out any input and then want to come back and think the people is stupid. Don’t care to hear anything you have to say Sir, point blank. Keep your explanations and excuses to yourself and keep moving. Happy Holidays.
  • Macky (23/12/2025, 11:54) Like (7) Dislike (27) Reply
    Told you all that Myron wasnt a real leader. Couldn't lead 2 and can't be 2nd in command. Not a bridge builder and leaders have to be able to build bridges and work with others. Mather fell for his manipulations before but now sees thru them. Myron can run independent and win his seat but who can he lead? Nobody. Mitch will probably now rejoin NDP to try to save himself.
    • @Macky (24/12/2025, 07:34) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      So Myron is responsible for Mather not having the integrity to stay where the voters sent him? It is Myron’s fault that he deceived the people who voted for him? Its’s Myron fault that he is power hungry? Didn’t he leave Ronnie because of poor leadership he said? What does that make Ronnie?
  • Maria Louisa Varlack (23/12/2025, 12:06) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    All of that political corruption going on over there in the British Virgin Islands. The Billionaires Playground. Be very careful that you politicians in the British Virgin Islands do not ruin the BVI and destroy the BVI.
  • Uba soca (23/12/2025, 12:26) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    Boss you just ruined your chance of winning again.
  • outside (23/12/2025, 12:53) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    My friend, you are not going to get much votes from the # 6, on that note you will not get back in, mark my word
  • lodger (23/12/2025, 13:51) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    If he is still the same person he was in opposition then he should be fighting for timely payment of increments, full implementation of the minimum wage, revision of health workers and seniors pensions, not to mention the removal of Fahies portrait from the HOA. And how about tightening up the rules on Acting Appointments? I could go on…..
  • Boris (23/12/2025, 13:56) Like (3) Dislike (17) Reply
    Mather don’t mind these empty kerosene pans rattling on. I he beer voted for you and never will due to their selfish reasons. Be brave and keep pushing forward! Prove the haters wrong again! Good move!
  • FIRE (23/12/2025, 13:58) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look who turned out to be worst than Corna Lorna, Space - Ce - Matter.
  • Big man Ting (23/12/2025, 14:01) Like (1) Dislike (13) Reply
    Yes I Mather!! Seperate the boys from the men. Dem ma ova there can’t organize anything and want you to stay with them for what?!?! Play chess on them rass while they playin’ pilinky bird to keep their district seats…..

    Lets see if Myrum runs At-Large and not his $$ where his yapper is…Marlon is dead weight and need to be retired post haste
  • The Commissioner (23/12/2025, 14:35) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Three different parties inside three years and you expect us to believe that.. I strongly doubt that you even know who you are and what you stand for?
    • @the commissioner (23/12/2025, 23:23) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      I strongly agree, I am pissed with him right now but I will get over it. I felt betrayed as a voter that voted for him. It was the way it was done in planning and In secrecy. It is not what you do but how you do it, it is not what you say but how you say it.
    • Commissioner (24/12/2025, 21:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      The rat jump ship for something he was promised by the head snake. Perhaps Education Minister? Don’t worry, the snakes is going to turn on each other soon.
  • Votes ???? (23/12/2025, 15:09) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VIP will be calling an early election in 2026
  • Switch Mitch (23/12/2025, 20:29) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    One minute he is critercising the budget. In less than an hour he jumped ship. I don't have a problem wirh him joining the Government, but it is how he went about doing it. It is time for Mitch to make a Switch.
  • Listening (23/12/2025, 21:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    These guys are not playing politics, that's who they are. We the voters are the ones who are playing politics by not accepting the fact that an honest politician is not a good politician.
  • tola (23/12/2025, 22:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Strupes
  • THE PUPPET MASTER (23/12/2025, 22:32) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    HAS DONE IT AGAIN , SAY WHAT YOU LIKE , BUT WE GOT TO HAND IT TO " MOSES " , HE HAS EXPOSED THE SNAKES SINGLE HANDEDLY , BY INVITINF THEM AND INTRODUCED THEM TO THE " COOL-AID , SO AS THE SAYING GOES , HE MADE THEM EAT THEIR OWN WORDS , WHICH HAS A LOT OF PEOPLE GUESSING , WHO OR WHATS NEXT , POWER IS A DOUBLE EDGED SWORD , SO HE HAS YO BE CAREFUL , THE DUDF WHO CAUGHT ON TAPE , BRAGGING THAT " THIS AIN'T HIS FIRST RODEO GAME " CAME BACK TO HAUNT HIM , RECRUITING THOSE ( 3 ) WITH THE INTENTION OF NULLIFYING , OR CRIPPLING THE OPPOSITION MIGHT WORK , BUT THE POSSIBILITY OF AN IMPLOSION IS ALWAYS THERE , REMEMBER SNAKES EAT SNAKES , SO THIS IS WHERE WE ARE GOING TO SEE WHO ÌS MORE " SLICK " / AND AS THE OLD SAYING GOES , THERE'S NO " HONOR " AMONGST THIEVES " AND THE OPPOSITION SHOWED US A TYPICAL EXAMPLE ( EVERY ONE OF THEM WANTED TO BE THE " PREMIER " ANOTHER EXAMPLE , SINCE THE 3RD DISTRICT REP SLID OVER , ( BESIDES TRAVELING ) WHAT HAS HE DONE FOR SCB ? / WHO IS MATHER HE GOING TO REPLACE ? OR IS HE JUST GOING TO BE ANOTHER " ONE AH DEM " AKA " SIDE KICK " TRAVELING ON TAXPAYERS MONEY AND ENJOYING THE BENIFITS OR LUXURY WHILE IT LASTS , PLUS HIS " CONFIDENCE " HAS RETURNED , JUST LIKE IT HAS WITH THE 3RD DISTRICT REP .
  • Keeping it real (24/12/2025, 01:31) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mather is NOW VIP, DeCastro is VIP, let’s just say VIP clench the election, and SOWANDE give the Education Department portfolio to Mather which I believe was promised, what portfolio is DeCastro going to get.Something to think about.
  • @ THE PUPPET MASTER (24/12/2025, 05:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This may officially be the biggest non blog/comment I have ever seen on here.
  • Its Xmas (24/12/2025, 07:00) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Man commits political suicide in the Bvi should be the heading.
    • My big Concern.. (24/12/2025, 07:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I really hope he and Sowande can get along, he will be eager to get things done, now with little or no money in the treasury Sowande has to so a balancing act with all his other members...I do hope his skills are utilized for betterment of the country...He still getting my vote...I had a problem I spoke to him he promised to look into it and he delivered. Nothing i admire and like than a person than gave their words meaning and importance.
  • The gavel will fall hard (24/12/2025, 11:48) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mather the sell out will feel how betrayal is going to feel when he get betrayed by the people he betrayed come election time.
  • Well Wtf (24/12/2025, 21:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    School children ended December with one out look of the HOA now come December Mather is a minister with VIP AND A New Opposition Leader lol I cane make this up. BVI Politics is a joke
  • Really? (25/12/2025, 02:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stacey how does this make sense?? We want them out and you gone and JOIN them? You cant see what Natalio is doing? He has the doctorate, but you are smarter than him!!! You just dont have the political footing that he does. You were at large candidate with most of the votes, how could you think a move like this was right. I cant believe you let Natalio force you to play chess with bingo chips!! When you get it in check for Lorna.......
  • No joke (25/12/2025, 21:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I want to see Willock the lesser of both evil or Aaron take Fraser down. Fraser don’t care anything about SCB, the only think Fraser cares about traveling first class and luxary hotel accommodations and sleeping on Egyptian sheets.



Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.