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'I'm a victim of cyberbullying'- Premier Dr the Hon Wheatley

- says while he is ‘thick skinned’ others ridiculed online can become suicidal & move into depression
While speaking to youths on the responsible use of technology and the need to not be cyberbullying others, Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has revealed that he too is constantly cyberbullied in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook
The Pemier was at the time speaking to youths gathered in the auditorium of the HLSCC community college at a special symposium called ‘Don’t Be Mean Behind the Screen' hosted on May 19, 2023.
The Pemier was at the time speaking to youths gathered in the auditorium of the HLSCC community college at a special symposium called ‘Don’t Be Mean Behind the Screen' hosted on May 19, 2023.
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI– While speaking to youths on the responsible use of technology and the need to not be cyberbullying others, Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has revealed that he too is constantly cyberbullied in the Virgin Islands.

“I myself, I'm a victim of cyberbullying. Yeah, you go on the blogs and people call me Slowande. Now who could call me Slowande?" the Premier asked youths gathered in Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt community College (HLSCC) at a special symposium called ‘Don’t Be Mean Behind the Screen' hosted on May 19, 2023.

Youths warned against watching Mika Barry episodes 

He warned youths that they can't come to the event and still be looking out for the next Mika Barry episode. “I'm fine with it [cyberbullying] because my skin is very thick. You know, I'm almost like a cyborg. I have to check and make sure I have a beating heart all the time... but I can take it.”

“But some persons when they see their names on a news story and people are killing them or something's going around in a WhatsApp group about them, some of these persons actually contemplate suicide, like they don't want to be alive anymore.”

Dr Wheatley added that some people even move into a state of depression where they can’t eat, sleep, and don’t want to come out to school because they don't want to interact with people.

“It's a big challenge in our society, and I really want you to think about that when you get among your friends and you start laughing and joking about something negative about something else, and you use the medium.. the technology is just a medium to make it happen,” he said.

Penalties for Cybercrimes 

Meanwhile, the Premier touched briefly on the Cyber Crime and Computer Misuse Act, and the consequences for violating the act, which can result in $200,000 - $400,000 fines and warned the youths gathered to get familiar with the act.

“So, I want you to educate yourselves and I want you to really consider the impact of when we're being mean behind the screen just on each individual member of our society, and let's see if we can practice more love among ourselves,” he said while reminding that the VI is still a great and inviting place to live despite the negativity.

26 Responses to “'I'm a victim of cyberbullying'- Premier Dr the Hon Wheatley”

  • OK Mr CYBORG ???? (26/05/2023, 06:55) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    SO NOW WE GOT SUPER MAN INDA HOUSE , MORE POWER TO YOU BRO , NOW LETS SEE WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF ????
  • Styles. (26/05/2023, 07:02) Like (36) Dislike (7) Reply
    You're not bullied, you're critized. You just cannot handle critique.
    • @Styles (26/05/2023, 11:03) Like (23) Dislike (5) Reply
      You may be right but calling someone "Slowande" is not critique, it's bullying - plain and simple.
      • @ @Styles (26/05/2023, 12:38) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        In other words, you feel that there is a better way to communicate the low-level of competence of an individual who possess high level of education. Individuals whom society believes should have their 'act together' based on their intellectual capacity. I believe that many are calling him 'slow' because he lacks God's wisdom. He often does as he pleases without direction from God. 'True Wisdom' and a 'True Leader' comes from God... not man or books!
    • Message to Natalio (26/05/2023, 12:38) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      PLEASE REMOVE that green cloth that was allegedly been placed throughout the Territory by former so-called premier that is on the pole across from The New View Inn near Huntums Ghut.

      The District Rep passes it everyday but it’s still up.

      If you are standing with God remove it!
      • @Message to Natalio (26/05/2023, 13:16) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
        If it was the 'so-called premier' that placed it there, obviously it didn't help him, so remove it yourself!
  • Really (26/05/2023, 07:04) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    That's all you can say......every thing is not about you Sir.
  • 1st district original (26/05/2023, 07:55) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    THE BVI SHALL RISE FROM THE DESPICABLE SHAME THE HEAD COACH HAS BESTOWED ON US. WE THE INNOCENT PEOPLE WILL HOLD OUR HEADS HIGH AND BE RECOGNIZE AS BVI CITIZENS WITH PRIDE. SHAMEFUL!!
  • bias law (26/05/2023, 08:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    so if a person come infront me and exposing their private and I took a picture as my evidence I might get charge for pornography or whatever. If I video someone cursing me I might still get charge for videoing without the person consent. lol.
  • mr premier (26/05/2023, 08:47) Like (23) Dislike (4) Reply
    WE ARE VICTIMS OF YOU
  • Boy… (26/05/2023, 08:50) Like (26) Dislike (6) Reply
    Natalio is just always complaining.

    When are you actually going to take any actions?

    You’re not bullied, you’re being called out for being incompetent.
  • Yep (26/05/2023, 08:51) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    He ain’t lying!! Sindy did some numbers on him but was never called out for people publicly or on social media but only mention in on one and one. So unfair and unfortunate
  • We pushing P (26/05/2023, 08:51) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    Ayo here he?...He got the heart to talk?....The audacity of this man
  • resident (26/05/2023, 09:20) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    Can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen
  • John (26/05/2023, 09:44) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Boy we are all victims
  • Lol, crybaby (26/05/2023, 10:08) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why is the premier pretending to be a victim?

    Criticism and mockery come with the position. Since he willingly ran, he willing agreed to these things. This is just human nature. People complain about their leaders, they mock them to deal with the incompetency they have to live under. When you can’t ridicule or criticize leaders that’s how you know you live in tyranny.

    Imagine the leader of the territory complaining about being victimized (when he isn’t even being victimized). Stop teaching kids to see themselves as victims no matter what. We need strength in charge, not a crybaby.
  • @Harassers (26/05/2023, 11:15) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    The man was just giving an illustration to the kids of what cyber bullying is. Most of you commenting on these news sites are bullies and cowards hiding behind your key boards to harrass others.
  • tom cat (26/05/2023, 11:41) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    He need to stop lie and bluff his way through
  • Hmm (26/05/2023, 12:12) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    He is a waste of time fing up the laws you guys need to pay attention to the DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE!!
  • Rubber Duck (26/05/2023, 12:23) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Its because you are useless and Fahie’s puppet. Hello.
  • I n I (26/05/2023, 12:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    You know, I'm almost like a cyborg. I have to check and make sure I have a beating heart all the time... but I can take it.”
    Ok Robocop lol
  • ok (26/05/2023, 13:50) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    This dude is always a victim of something, what a guy to tell lies.
  • Lilly (26/05/2023, 16:02) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    He is childish.
  • cabinet (26/05/2023, 17:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So what was
    It reach cabinet yet
    What was that about
  • NPolitico (26/05/2023, 20:22) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Premier Dr. Hon Natalio Wheatley, chill nah mon. You have exposed your card that the name is getting to you although you said otherwise. They seeing you sweating and that is what the critics want, wanting to get under your skin. Now, they are motivated to continue. Heat comes with politics. It entails the good, the bad, the ugly. One Got to embrace all of it if one is in politics. Cannot get consumed with weeds. Do the right things at the right time for the right reason and all will be well.
  • Quiet Warrior (27/05/2023, 07:10) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Premier, stop being the victim. It is nort about you and not a good look. It is an ingredient for more jokes. You are smart, brite, so used words and other examples to communicate the message. Again, avoid being the victim and victim hood. Continuing to be the centre of things will make people question the veracity. Let the critics work hard to find credible things to give you blows on. What kind of advice are your paid advisers giving you or you not listening and want to do your own.? Mine is free and platinum.


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