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

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

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