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‘I gave up the Ministry to allow Unity Gov’t to function’– Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

- Governor Rankin commits to working with any Gov't elected
District 9 Candidate in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly and former Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has indicated that despite speculations, he voluntarily gave up his Ministry to allow the Unit government to form in 2022. Photo: Facebook
Governor John J. Rankin, CMG said on April 19, 2023, he is looking forward to working with whichever Government is formed after the General Election to help further ensure the good governance of the VI. Photo: Facebook/File
Governor John J. Rankin, CMG said on April 19, 2023, he is looking forward to working with whichever Government is formed after the General Election to help further ensure the good governance of the VI. Photo: Facebook/File
Hon Vincent O. Wheatley was at the time a guest on VIP Let's Talk, along with Deputy Premier Hon Kye M. Rymer, and Hon Carvin Malone on March 21, 2023. Photo: Facebook
Hon Vincent O. Wheatley was at the time a guest on VIP Let's Talk, along with Deputy Premier Hon Kye M. Rymer, and Hon Carvin Malone on March 21, 2023. Photo: Facebook
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI– Ninth District Representative and former Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley has indicated, contrary to speculations, he voluntarily gave up his position as Minister to allow the Unity Government to form in May 2022.

Hon Wheatley was at the time a guest on the VIP Let's Talk radio show, along with Deputy Premier Hon Kye M. Rymer, and Hon Carvin Malone aired on March 21, 2023, on ZBVI 780 AM, while lamenting on projects he wished he could have completed before giving up the ministry to allow Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) of Progressives Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) to get a cabinet portfolio.

Ministry voluntarily given up - Hon Wheatley 

“I gave up the Ministry to allow the unity government to function because I didn’t want to create any confusion about who's going to have what Ministry. I said I'll remove myself to avoid anybody trying to say because of me, we couldn’t form a unity government,” he added.

On May 4, 2022, the Government and Opposition announced a coalition government with the hope of staving off UK direct, which was the overarching recommendation following a Commission of Inquiry. However, when the Unity Government was formed, there were speculations in some circles that Governor John J. Rankin, CMG wanted Hon Wheatley and then Minister for Health and Social Development Carvin Malone out of office.

This, however, was proven false when Mr Rankin indicated that he had no say in who made up the members of the Unity Government or Cabinet.

Some candidates on the campaign trail have; however, been engaged in fearmongering, including maliciously claiming that the United Kingdom (UK) doesn’t want the VIP in office.

Governor commits to working with any elected Gov't 

Meanwhile, Gov Rankin has affirmed his commitment to working with any Government elected by the people of the VI.

“I look forward to working with whichever Government is formed after the General Election to help further ensure the good governance of the BVI,” Governor Rankin disclosed in his statement on the Audit Report on Fast Track Programme B34 on April 19, 2023. 

Hon Wheatley further added that part of the reason he give up the ministry was, “I think at times like this you must put country above self and that's why I remove myself from the ministry at a point in time… the one thing I really wished I had gotten done and completed before I give up the ministry, was the land distribution programme.”

Hon Wheatley detailed that one project he said he wished he was about to complete before giving up his ministry was the local land distribution project, which he still remains passionate about.  

At Large Representative and former Health Minister Hon Carvin Malone of the VIP also indicated nn the past that he gave up his Cabinet position for the Unity Government to be formed.

33 Responses to “‘I gave up the Ministry to allow Unity Gov’t to function’– Hon Vincent O. Wheatley ”

  • Youth (21/04/2023, 13:36) Like (16) Dislike (10) Reply
    This information is helpful and timely.
    • PUT A STOP TO BURNING BUSH IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT (21/04/2023, 17:44) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      I would continue posting this until ACTION AND LAWS ARE PASSED BECAUSE THIS INCONSIDERATE BEHAVIOUR HAS TO STOP!!!!!!!!

      Almost EVERY DAY IF NOT EVERY DAY SOMEONE IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT SOMEWHERE FROM THE SHABAZZ JUICE STAND DOWNWARDS TO HUNTUMS GHUT IS BURNING BUSH OR WHATEVER ELSE IT IS AT TIMES AFTER 6AM AND THROUGHOUT ANY GIVEN DAY INCLUDING SUNDAY.

      ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!!

      GOVERNMENT DEAL WITH THIS NOW!!! THE LAWLESSNESS HAS TO STOP!!!!
    • jokes (22/04/2023, 21:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      I hope you are being sarcastic because why didn’t he say that in the beginning when there were speculations and rumours of him being investigated with a view to charges being potentially brought against him?
  • vg youth (21/04/2023, 13:38) Like (33) Dislike (57) Reply
    I encourage all district 9 voters to re-elect Vincent. He is definitely an upgrade from what we had with NDP 4 years ago.
    • smh (21/04/2023, 20:19) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      You are high AF.
    • the real deal (22/04/2023, 09:40) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
      @VG Youth, I commend you, especially being a young person for having the courage to call on the residents of the 9gh district to Reflect Hi vVincent Wheatley. Vincent and none of us are perfect, but he is a Role Model. He is educated attended the university of Leeds in the UK, is married, is a family man with two daughters who are also educated, having taking their eduction to another level by completing their education in the UK. His eolder daughter is a medical doctor and is already working at the Nurse Iris Oneal Clinic. He was a teacher at Bregada Flax Educational Center, before being elected to the HOA in 2019 he was Sister Island Cordinator for several years, which basically entailed trips to the different islands to .meet with residents and report their concerns to government. An important aspect of the job was making sure Hurricane Shelters were ready and equipped with various items like running water, lights, flashlights etc. But most memorable to me was after the 2017 hurricane his handling of the situation getting on the Satellite phone to call overseas to put citizens of other countries in contact with their families and friends to let them know that they were alive and well and not to worry.. He also used the phone to get on the air with the BBC to give a clear picture of the effects and damage from the hurricane and that it was different from what was first broadcasted by the BBC a out massive deaths and body bags needed etc. I would call his handling of the after effects of Hurricane Irma, managing and coping well under pressure. Hopefully other youghts will do like you did Encourage the people of the 9th to reelect Hon Vincent Wheatley. But not only him but his At Large team members as well. They are there to backup and support the District Representatives.
    • In my humble opinion and experience (22/04/2023, 22:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      I’m sorry but I disagree with you VG youth. I hear you, but disagree. I was born and raised on VG to parents who migrated from other islands before I was born. Putting all the struggles aside around me being only reluctantly praised and pushed and celebrated when it benefitted the BVI in competitions at school positively, putting aside the numerous times I was told and refused certain things that others would have been entitled to if they were on my level at school but with a BVI background, putting aside all the discrimination around everything me and my family endured even though the BVI was the only place I have ever known growing up but was made to feel by BVIslanders that I didn’t belong there, things had changed significantly and this man continued to openly belittle, discriminate or disregard people who are not locals. He taught me in school and was very different back then to what he became when he was elected. People change; we are humans and develop and evolve. Butttt…his drastic behavioural change immediately once he was elected and felt untouchable suggests he was always like that. It was not a learnt behaviour through being in politics. He came into politics and behaved like a dirty politician like he was born to be that way. When I told my parents way back then in the 90s that he used to treat me bad and favour his relatives who were in the same class as me, they used to dismiss me. I kept shining and outdoing his relatives and when we graduated that man walked up to us while we were taking photos as the valedictorian of that year and said to my father out loud, enjoy it while you can because that was a mistake and should be someone else in my position. He was inferring that his relative who placed salutatorian should have got it. My father’s mood changed that minute and he said to my mother in a whisper without knowing we could hear, I believe everything now he used to spite my children. He does not deserve another chance in office. He is a big headed fool who looks down on others and do not like anyone who are not from the BVI originally. If we want change, we won’t get it with him. Mark my words.
  • No (21/04/2023, 14:51) Like (32) Dislike (31) Reply
    He gave up the Ministry because he was incompetent and needed to be removed from any type of responsibility in the puppet Unity government. Not that important though since his successor was just as bad.
  • 123456789 (21/04/2023, 15:18) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
    Mr Wheatley, are you telling the voters, now that you're on the campaign trail, this is the right time to (# % % / ) US ? Thanks , to you and Mr Malone.
  • lol (21/04/2023, 15:19) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
    WOWWWW
  • Truth (21/04/2023, 15:27) Like (26) Dislike (42) Reply
    Correct on all counts - Both Hon V Wheatley and Hon C Malone are qualified and effective leaders and served honorably without any accusations being made about them in the COI hoax. However some critics may wish to remove them due to their expertise in Government operations and effectiveness in achieving objectives.
    Fortunately the People of the British Virgin Islands are much more intelligent than those with malintent realized.
  • Disinterested (21/04/2023, 15:28) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is clear that Mount Olympus is influential in local politics. That is not surprising for Mount Olympus is inherently influential and powerful with its unilateral power. And though Mount Olympus should show neutrality in local politics but it is it tipping its hand regarding its preference in the upcoming election by placing its thumb on the scale of the election proceedings. For example, the Fast Track programme rolled out in 2019. Mount Olympus has assent to every bill before it becomes law. Mount Olympus clearly didn’t do complete staff work before assenting to the bill. But seems to be casting all the blame on the local government. To mitigate its incomplete staff work, it call the dissolved HoA back into session to fix an over site that it done part in days before the April 24, 2023 General Election. The local government has underperformed in its area(s) of responsibility; Mount Olympus also underperformed in areas under its purview, ie, RVIPF, civil service, etc. but because of its unilateral power it is not held accountable failings whereas local government is, ie, CoI, etc.
  • Voter 7 (21/04/2023, 16:06) Like (21) Dislike (7) Reply
    give it up but to form Unity Government. Do you want to hear a lie that's a lie? the government plan was to reshuffle the cabinet with their own people and that was rejected by the UK that's why the changes were made
  • LIES (21/04/2023, 20:36) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    He lie. Only who truth will speak the truth they know. Those other reports should have come out before elections. Time will tell.
  • Ta5a (21/04/2023, 21:13) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Tata
  • Thag thing could lie!! (21/04/2023, 21:31) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    Lie!!!
  • King liar (21/04/2023, 22:11) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE
  • I gave up the Ministry to allow Unity Gov’t to function’– Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (22/04/2023, 06:57) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    You hear lie? That is lie!!!!
  • Gunsmoke (22/04/2023, 09:25) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    The fact of the matter is, Vincent did a lot of work for his district and gave up a lot to ensure there was not a UK take over. He did what he needed to do for his country. The information is there for everyone to see and read. He should be reelected for putting country above self.
  • Junie (22/04/2023, 10:07) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did you communicate your reason for giving up the ministry to your constituents?

    We’ll see what they say at the poles on April 24th
    • @Junie (22/04/2023, 12:05) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      The majority of voters in District 9 will return Hon. Vincent Wheatley to represent we the people of District 9. Despite having to deal with covid and the challenges it brought for 3 of his 4 years in office he represented us well.
  • Rubber Duck (22/04/2023, 10:42) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    Sounds great. Why not give up permanently so the government can function better?
    • Truth (22/04/2023, 13:10) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      unfortunately Duck your are one of these individuals who perpetuate the fallacy the we are less intelligent or capable than the folks from the UK or US. There is no more and most likely less corruption here than in any municipality large or small in the UK or US. We have qualified people capable of oversight in BVI and the Carribbean and they would be much better suited than any persons from UK or US you come with inherent biases.
      Just like there was supposed to be this big bombshell on the recall of HOA , the COI was merely a distraction and uncovered no corruption and simply made suggestion on where oversight was needed. Those looking for something will read much more into it and find it difficult to accept the TRUTH.
  • facts (22/04/2023, 11:50) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    Vincent and Malone served the people well and should be re-elected along with their colleagues. VIP ALL THE WAY!
  • at least (22/04/2023, 11:51) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    At least they are not arrested and running for office like the NDP candidate in District 6. Forward Ever with VIP.
  • north sound (22/04/2023, 12:09) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
    Vincent will win. He is the best of the candidates running for the 9th District hands down.
  • Gunsmoke (22/04/2023, 13:02) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    The VIP is march forward to victory with Dr. Natalio Wheatley. it is inevitable, just talk to the taxi men them. they did the work to ensure all virgin islanders and resident free of bondage. They are getting ready to boost the BVI tourism industry with direct flights this summer. They will be no more slow season in the BVI. THEY DID THE WORK AND WILL WIN RE-ELECTION.
  • eyes (22/04/2023, 17:14) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop Lie!!!! You was removed.
  • VG (22/04/2023, 18:32) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Say you wasn’t selected because you was under the coi inquiry
  • MY VOICE (22/04/2023, 19:58) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    VIP ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!
  • MY VOICE (22/04/2023, 20:00) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    VINCENT WHEATLEY FOR THE 9 TH DISTRICT..............April 24th.
  • Lies and more lies (27/04/2023, 23:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They removed your rass from there. You ain't give up nothing because you were doing shit from the start. Time will tell Mr. Clean the liar.


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