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'I remain laser-focused on strengthening good governance'- Premier Wheatley

Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says he will continue strengthening governance in the VI and impending the CoI reforms in the VI despite the Guilty verdict of ex-Premier Andrew A. Fahie. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Ex-Premier, Fahie was guilty of all charges on January 8, 2024, in his high-profile drug trial that commenced on Monday, January 29, 2024, in Miami Florida. Fahie was charged with several counts of drug smuggling, money laundering, and racketeering, after he was arrested at a Miami Airport on April 28, 2022. Photo: Internet Source
Ex-Premier, Fahie was guilty of all charges on January 8, 2024, in his high-profile drug trial that commenced on Monday, January 29, 2024, in Miami Florida. Fahie was charged with several counts of drug smuggling, money laundering, and racketeering, after he was arrested at a Miami Airport on April 28, 2022. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says he will continue strengthening governance in the VI and implementing the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms, despite the guilty verdict of ex-premier Andrew A. Fahie.

“I remain laser-focused on strengthening good governance here in the Virgin Islands, strengthening our systems of integrity here in the Virgin Islands. The CoI and the implementation of the reforms, that's the main thing that we have to do,” he said during a February 9, 2024, press conference.

Ex-Premier, Fahie was guilty of all charges on January 8, 2024, in his high-profile drug trial that commenced on Monday, January 29, 2024, in Miami Florida. Fahie was charged with several counts of drug smuggling, money laundering, and racketeering, after he was arrested at a Miami Airport on April 28, 2022. 

Despite this, Premier Wheatley said the VI will continue to let the world know what it is doing to strengthen institutions of government to be able to ensure that no one in society, regardless of who they might be or whether they're involved in any wrongdoing, that there are measures to appropriately respond.

Strengthening systems 

“We have the process, the judicial process, which is very important and, of course, we have also the Police, we have a Director of Public Prosecutions, we have the arms necessary to be able to recognise and to fight wrongdoing. We have to be able to strengthen those arms,” he said.

Dr Wheatley said a fair judicial process is also one that will be strengthened in the Virgin Islands, as an important part of democracy.

In the same press conference, the Premier said the Virgin Islands is committed to good governance and upholding the highest standards of integrity in public life and that his Government respects the role of the court in the Fahie trial.

“We will continue the ongoing process of strengthening the relevant systems and institutions of government to ensure that the integrity of the Territory is maintained, and international reputation upheld,’ he added.

10 Responses to “'I remain laser-focused on strengthening good governance'- Premier Wheatley”

  • HMMM (14/02/2024, 13:07) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Your laser needs recalibrating bro
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (14/02/2024, 13:08) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sad, yes, but true that our Premier is so Lazer focus on continuing lying to us that he even believe that lies equal truth.
    A person that tells truth first of all admits their false and confess to their employ, the people.
    It is clear that that Premier doesn't admits false, but continue praising his failures as good governance performance. Only self interested, blind and deaf people would accept such a baseless narrative.

    In addition, why did he spoke of the former Premier demised? Is his conscience at peace?

    This very year, 2024, the majority of the in the BVI is in need of better governance than we are now experiencing.

    Pride goes before the fall
  • street reporter. (14/02/2024, 13:54) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Great...Are you capable of making it happen..Do you have the support from senior staff.?? You know black don't listen to black.. As Britain take over all will be get done in 3 months. What took you Premier 3 yrs and still unfinished...Hence. I support a short Britain take over, put thing in order, then hand it back to us..
  • Reality check (14/02/2024, 14:09) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    The proof of commitment to "good governance" is by passing the the "money trail legislation", which allows government to investigate where monies have originated for every public servant's expenditures. If a legislator lives in a multi-million dollar villa they will have to show that the funds were obtained legally. In criminal investigations the police will be able to look at bank accounts.
    This will ensure that politicians are truthful and keeping their hands out of the "cookie jar", with the end result that we will have real people running for office out of a sense of civic duty, not to get rich!!
  • Sure (14/02/2024, 14:21) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    After years of supporting the dark side you are now OBI ONE Kanobi
  • Batteries (14/02/2024, 16:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did you check batteries on that laser?
  • bojan (14/02/2024, 16:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes while you are there get some high grade to drink or smoke it will do you good
  • Me (14/02/2024, 18:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only time I listen to this lonelyasstic boi is when his mouth is shut.
  • Juan (14/02/2024, 19:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This premier is a big dam waste of time all he do is sweet talk and doesnt get anything do but always have a bandage for every cut. He needs to be removed.
  • Lucky (15/02/2024, 15:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    premier wheatley, you need to learn to listen and stop the wayward behavior.
    listen.
    you will cause more damage to the country and the people of the territory if you don't listen to the people.

    remember the old saying by past premier stout, where there is no vision the people will perish and there is where you are leading this territory. our youths will perish.


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