‘I plan to carry out my duties with honesty & integrity’- Premier Wheatley
“I am also proud to lead this National Unity Government that reflects the hunger in our community for unity. The swearing-in ceremony represents an important and necessary step in the process of renewing our cherished democracy and reforming our institution and system of Government,” he said.
The new Premier’s appointment comes as the status of former Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) was revoked following a motion moved at the HoA last evening, with 10 legislators voting to remove Fahie.
Hon Fahie was detained in the US on April 28, 2022, on drug conspiracy charges following a US DEA sting operation.
Premier Dr Wheatley in his maiden speech as premier said it is his hope that the day will be remembered as the start of a new era of democratic governance in the territory.
Stronger relationship with Governor & UK
He thanked Governor John J. Rankin CMG for accepting the proposed ministerial appointment for a national unity Government and for swift action to swear in new ministers.
Premier Dr Wheatley also said that his Government is looking forward to a much stronger relationship with the Governor in Cabinet while working together in the best interest for the people of the IV.
In congratulating the new ministers, Dr Wheatley said he has great confidence in the team as a ministerial team.
“There’s a tremendous amount of work to do to begin embedding a new culture and better practices withing our insitutions and system of Governance, this process begins with us,” he added.
Dr the Hon Hon Wheatley reminded that the top priority of his government is the implementation of the recommendation of the CoI report within a framework of democratic governance and in cooperation with the UK.
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21 Responses to “‘I plan to carry out my duties with honesty & integrity’- Premier Wheatley”
In 1949, our forefathers fought and marched to have a constitution, they wanted to have a 'SAY'. And Rightfully So! They would be ashamed today to see what we have done with what they fought so hard for. The so called march of a few days ago cannot in any way be compared to the March of 1949, please stop it. Just ask those that participated, many of them are still alive. We Need Help! And I have not yet heard an "ACKNOWLEDGEMENT" from anyone that these things we are being accused of actually occurred. There must first be ''ACKNOWLEDGEMENT' People!
Pardon my Euphemism,
NATURES LITTLE SECRET - INDISTINGUISHABLE AF (As **uck)
By Tafari Zharr
Is Natures Little Secret, now so Indistinguishable that the “Land of Turtle Doves” becomes more bankable than
BVI-LOVE” (The ousted Premiere’s Tourism slogan); and, perhaps, now heading towards a sure win as a retired idiomatic Expression except BVI-LOVE spews of hate. Awkward! What does a comeback look like, That’s the question!
A Disgraced “Natures Little Secret”, albeit, “change is going to come” will no doubt, quickly shake off being laughingstock-of-the-World. Schhupps… And all this just at the announcement of, The Very Gifted and progressive, Terry Donovan’s, much anticipated, 2022 post-pandemic Summer Sizzlers.. Well To the extent of planning, just as Terry gets set to showcase BVI excellence at another promotional enterprise, The world’s best journalist are hoping for a front row seat at the “BVI’s Fashion Gala” where The World will further be undressing us from up closer and more personal than ever before; especially to get the real skinny and real sizing up of the revamped BVI Government; stories perhaps, Pulitzer Prize worthy. I expect, We can look forward to more “Gotchas, Get outta here’s, pinned with less detail and obvious Acronymic texts of “WTF’s GTFOH’s). Perhaps a Scarlet “B” for Betrayal will be the theme of tis year’s runway.
In dressmaking sometimes one must change the machines foot and often adjust tension; and as other ministries have had at Will reassignments it does mean threads won’t unravel, needle won’t break. As one politician prepare to hem own pants others have had to prepare to don absolutely new clothing; or will it be another uniform - a one size that must fit all? Insomuch As a, disheartened public watches, a new government helter-skelters to distance itself from the alleged nefariousness, abuses, and real-time befalling of a beloved Son-the-Soil. As if Dereliction of Duties is a cloak and the others who may or may not have been in complete attire have had to wear custom-tailored T-Shirts with readymade tags of Demoting, Demitting, Despising, Disposing of original outfits designed for alleged original “misfits” it seemed. Excuse me, Where’s the loud and clear apology?
The BVI will also be scrutinized as the World watch to see if it can collect itself especially after the innumerable fallen pins that suddenly crashed and continue tumbling down. What’s left to be seen is whether any magnet is big and strong enough to gather up all the push pins at once so that no ministry is left wide open for this to happen again, and who will be accountable for picking up the scraps? One missed, loose, pin pierces as deeply as 13 The media will be looking for a needle in a haystack, right?
Meanwhile, we can prepare for the shenanigans associated with a dress rehearsals as the new body is measured for form, fittings, tucks here and there, with alterations of patterns likely. That being said they will be lots of lights, cameras, and action. So we need the unity government to be ultra practical, precise, and people oriented.
The BVI is a full blown heck of a story. Everyone is watching and publishing about the BVI. Today is Day Eleven, I pinch myself dreading I’m dreaming; how more astronomical and numerical can it get? I’m dreaming, I’m stuck on the concept that In numerology the number 11 signifies enlightenment and inspiration. That how I want to remember AF.
But it’s not a dream it’s worse and it’s a bad look, a bad vibe for Home. I say out loud BVI will be so lucky to feel free to be fully shameful; as opposed to that “pig-headed, prideful, and basque nationalist, outlook held by so many locals a lot of whom are now shocked amidst disgust and disbelief, at being stupidly mocked by their own distinctive officials . Never mind, you are also very nice, church going, prayerful people who also believe in knots and ropes ( if you get the drift). So it’s with earnest intention, that I give a heads up for this to be a time for humility, a time to hurt, and a time to heal.
BVI can become a treasure in the Caribbean. I am Hopeful that the changing of the guards is reflective of All the people and not some of the people by an indigenous people: a better BVI that’s an inclusive BVI where Caribbean people can thrive, A BVI that’s progressive and not repressive, a BVI where a mother of another West Indian island can praise a mother of any island and where a child is never a number by virtue of “not born here; where a persons name is respected and not nicknamed by geographic coordinates. Incidentally, according to https://www.geodatos.net/en/coordinates/british-virgin-islands “British Virgin Islands is located at latitude 18.420695 and longitude -64.639968. It is part of America and the northern hemisphere.” Location matters being at the table matters - the BVI has a lot to prove but being vulnerable is not one of the attributes that keeps us at the table. Too many people worked hard and sacrificed time with their families to build a BVI that is and should be resilient.
I too can’t believe I am thinking this but BVI needs the kind of task force that will be tolerant and fair, not exclusively bigoted in fear and idolatry, or discriminatory by economic challenges and immigration persecution.
Required introspection may be proposed to address taboos such as flushing out prevalent xenophobias that are remnants of a dated and declining democracy. Yes, BVI should seek to become more ingratiated not only to other regional BOTs but by becoming more congruent with the state that is UK for it’s good and all it’s peoples sake. Transition is sometimes better than translation and/or transference.
The truth is, Natures Little secret has become a Big Lie with big liens and oversized lenses. A place where the wealthiest want to own an island, the rich want to live “ expensivist”, the expatriates want to indefinitely over-extend their contracts, the “island people” want to work for the American Dollar to build their homes “back- home”, and “locals” just want a better chance and a better way of life than their hard working parents did. I get it. It’s hard watching people come into your country, do better than you, look down on you at times and reap off the successes of your ancestors! For us all to have a stake we have to be stakeholders. But, Nothing happened overnight, As a nostalgic place, BVI is no longer a secret or as conservative as it used to be- the whole world has changed just in the last 3 years.
Now more than ever, Real purposeful adjustments have to be made and compromise necessary because how long did it take for BVI become a place where everyone wants to be famous, and fashionable, and live the fast lifestyles? So at what cost has the BVI paid the price for trading basic dignities for dignitaries, diplomats, and celebrities’ statuses? The BVI is a melting pot with people from all walks of life at varying economic statuses. The needs of the people don’t always align with the economy and access is not where it should be; so many missed steps with hardly any direct access by the people for the people.
It’s Hard out here for a politician; hard AF, (as &*ck, excuse the straight-spaded extreme euphemism) Imagine waking up and your life is changed forever- such is the BVI now - indistinguishable “Furthermore, Famous” waking up to the precipitous of nightmares; Nightmares that were brewing as you were making your morning bush teas, remember to also smell the coffee.
Subsequently, is the new BVI-LOVE going to be more reflective of “ONE-HEART”considering state of affairs overshadowing efforts of good souls decades of goodwill towards progress in the BVI? How transparent and what will civic engagement look like to eventuate best practices and fair outcomes for the citizens and residents, expatriates and tourists and Yes what reparative protections will be safeguarded for indigenous people, their offsprings and their properties? A lot of stuff needs unpacking; this is serious business that needs not just brilliant minds but now us a time for beautiful mindsets and objectivity- so the government needs to be reflective of not just a particular demographic.
The best shine comes from a good clean; but are we polishing up or dusting off? Is it date night and you looking for quick fix? WYSIWYG! you can believe your own eyes, choose not to do nothing or you can get your eyes checked. The diagnosis is in. To draw a parallel peripheral vertigo can effect people’s vision as well as their pocket. Leveling Up ain’t easy!
Remember, Turning a blind eye is costly- imagine the blind leading the blind, it happens but is it the best scenario for an advancing democracy that is a BOT? So what about dimming your own light for others to shine? Who cares? We all should, even if just for those who are despondent. For these of you who can be enlightened, other of you continue to aid so that our new leaders inspire us.
But for this weekend Let’s reserve judgment and invite Grace under pressure, Politics is sexy, power is seductive, patience is steadfast. To feel shame is to be human. So We have to wait for the legal process to play out; and one is innocent until proven guilty. As we look to understand and as we struggle to forgive even if we don’t at first we will by the eleventh: hour, day, week, month or year; hopefully not 20 years.
Ask anyone who’s had their heart broken: Betrayal sucks it knows no gender, no age no ethnicity it has no borders it sinks and it stinks. But there’s always fashion and creativity and once awhile someone straddles the catwalk, walks down the red carpet with Grace confidence and swag! A great model is what we are watching and waiting to see emerge.
Finally, on a lighter note, even if you don’t know why a turtle earns its wings, you do know how it feels to be loved by a dove! To know the BVI is to love the BVI even with its imperfections! “I’ll fly away” the song enters my head - Enough said. BVI On My Mind
AND FOR THOSE WHO DOCUMENTS THAT ALREADY PROCESS OR ISTILL PROCESSING..
CAN THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLAND GET AN UPDATE ON THAT.