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L. Allen Wheatley to contest D8 with VIP

Former Financial Secretary Mr L. Allen Wheatley, who many consider a financial genius, has confirmed to our newsroom he will be a candidate with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) for the 2023 General Election. Photo: Provided/File
Mr L. Allen Wheatley is the son of Dr Charles H. Wheatley and Jennie I. Wheatley, MBE. Photo: GIS/VINO/File
Mr L. Allen Wheatley is the son of Dr Charles H. Wheatley and Jennie I. Wheatley, MBE. Photo: GIS/VINO/File
The 8th District is currently led by Hon Marlon A. Penn of the National Democratic Party. Photo: VINO/File
The 8th District is currently led by Hon Marlon A. Penn of the National Democratic Party. Photo: VINO/File
The 8th District is currently led by Hon Marlon A. Penn of the National Democratic Party. Photo: GIS/File
The 8th District is currently led by Hon Marlon A. Penn of the National Democratic Party. Photo: GIS/File
EAST END, Tortola, VI- While many are still wondering whether there will be a 2023 general election in the Territory, the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), one of three political parties in the coalition government, is quietly amassing its slate of 13 candidates.

The VIP district seats open include the 8th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st.

And now, former Financial Secretary L. Allen Wheatley, who many consider a financial genius, confirmed to our newsroom that he will be a candidate with the VIP.

Mr Wheatley said he will be contesting the 8th District seat now held by Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn. Mr Penn’s National Democratic Party (NDP) is part of the 3-party coalition government known as the Unity Government. Hon Penn is also believed to be Chairman of the NDP, although it remains unconfirmed.

Who is he?

Mr L. Allen Wheatley is a local businessman, who held public sector posts such as Financial Comptroller of the Social Security Board, and Deputy and Financial Secretary. He is the son of Charles and Jennie Wheatley. His father, Dr Charles H. Wheatley, is a former Head Teacher at the then BVI High School and also served as a Permanent Secretary and President of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). He has written many books and articles and is currently a member of the Constitutional Review Commission.

His mom, Mrs Jennie N. Wheatley MBE, has a long career in education and is a local historian, writer, cultural icon and is considered part of the country’s intellectual class.

Candidate Wheatley is expected to receive the blessings of the VIP congress when the body meets this Sunday, February 5, 2023, according to a senior party official who spoke to our newsroom on condition of anonymity.

L. Allen Wheatley's plans for the East

Mr. Wheatley told our newsroom that, if successful, his plans for the first year in office include a focus on:

1) Trellis Bay Ferry Center

2) Road works and walkways in the East

3) Long Bay Beach Development

4) Bridge House welcoming center

5) Decorative walls and landscaping

6) Improved water and sewerage systems

7) Fishing depot at Red Bay Wharf

8) East End Harbour Development

9) Red Rock Development

10) Adoption of Willard Wheatley Primary School

11) Branch bank in the east

12) Post Office and Electricity services in the East

13) Proper clinic and fire station

14) Government building and offices in the East

15) Development of the park in the East and repairing the basketball court

16) Restoring wells and ovens

17) A cultural village in the East

18) Dredging of the entire East End/Fat Hogs Bay Harbour

19) Develop a meat, seafood, poultry, pork and agricultural store in the East

20) Create a boardwalk in East

The political aspirant further noted that “a monument needs to be erected by The Stickit (Long Look) to reflect our ancestry as slaves and our legacy as the first freed slaves in the western hemisphere.”

The 2023 general election is a few months away, since the House of Assembly (HoA) must be dissolved by March 12, 2023, and general election held no later than a maximum of 2 months after March 12, 2023, or a minimum of 21 days after March 12, 2023, according to Section 86 of the Virgin Islands Constitution.

61 Responses to “L. Allen Wheatley to contest D8 with VIP”

  • smh (02/02/2023, 07:40) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
  • hm (02/02/2023, 07:41) Like (17) Dislike (30) Reply

    I rather vote for kedrick

    • lol (02/02/2023, 09:43) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      lmao Kendrick running for at large and even if he wasn't he'd be D7 not D8
  • YES! (02/02/2023, 07:44) Like (14) Dislike (8) Reply
    I love them all and they are very much needed. I especially hate that I have to drive all the way to town just to deposit a check. I’m hoping this is not all hot air blowing but only time will tell. I’ll def give you my X and see if any of this comes to fruition. I personally have had enough of the current.????
  • east (02/02/2023, 07:49) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    You good boy
  • rattie (02/02/2023, 07:52) Like (17) Dislike (10) Reply
    Smurf must go fast
  • ABC (02/02/2023, 07:54) Like (27) Dislike (21) Reply
    i believe in allen he is an action man he will beat Marlon
  • The truth Be Told (02/02/2023, 08:00) Like (21) Dislike (13) Reply
    Ok yes we know he come from GOOD honest people, but..........
    • Ninja please! (02/02/2023, 13:33) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
      So because he coke from” good honest people “ you must vote for him?
  • trevor (02/02/2023, 08:01) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    Ha, ha, ha, thanks for the morning laugh!

  • W*F (02/02/2023, 08:03) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    We don’t want to hear all the hot air election promises this season. Stop throwing pie in the sky objectives at us and tell us HOW you are going to achieve these things. Perhaps then we will be able to have some faith you will actually deliver them.
  • trouble (02/02/2023, 08:04) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    All the sweet things people want to hear it's a shame all of you do the same thing every election then thief the damn money and play us for fools.
  • Youth (02/02/2023, 08:14) Like (15) Dislike (14) Reply
    He has my vote
  • 8th District woman (02/02/2023, 08:16) Like (13) Dislike (11) Reply
    He is a good man. It is time he overcome this ongoing plot by the UK to always try to destroy anyone who is strong enough to push back at them so the public could lose confidence in them. He has my vote.
  • time (02/02/2023, 08:17) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    Another Wheatley! 7 n 8! Wheatley
  • My Take (02/02/2023, 08:17) Like (19) Dislike (15) Reply
    If God could have used Saul and turn him into Paul and do great things then He can use Allen. This is a good move and good for the country.
  • Greg (02/02/2023, 08:19) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    So he totally ignored Josiah's Bay Beach which is a very popular beach east end, the bathroom that we have been asking for 17 years? The bathroom is still standing and in good shape and all that is needed is the plumbing. The Tourist Board built this 17 years ago and never installed the plumbing. There are hundreds of locals and tourists, plus the surfing competition 2 times a year, with no bathroom facilities for people to relieve themselves. The people have been using the sea, bushes, and pond to relieve themselves, which is an environmental hazard. What does it take to get a freaking public toilet when other beaches not as busy as this one have one? A downright disgrace and a health issue. Our district representative was told about this a long time ago. SMDH!
  • Not good (02/02/2023, 08:20) Like (16) Dislike (11) Reply
    The word on the street about Marlon is not good. It is time for him to be replaced. Allen has my vote. Marlon lies too much and is a mischiefmaker.
  • Look Out (02/02/2023, 08:22) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Marlon & his uncle going to shake up their bottle now. Also he going to get the UK to protect him based on their deal. All of that will not work this time.
  • Really (02/02/2023, 08:45) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Wake up people. If they wasn't bringing in the Mark of the beast digital control system I would have bet you that he won't do anything either. These are people with money who can pitch in with the rest people and fix these problems in or out of office because they have more money than thousands of people Here. They are selected not elected and how I know because Donald Trump said so and so did many other people . The elites also tell you in movies,tv show, comedy etc. You all really need to wake up. Voting is a devil ritual
  • View point (02/02/2023, 08:48) Like (6) Dislike (16) Reply
    This guy intend to run on the VIP ticket. Yet he was complaining a few weeks ago that he offered advice to the government and was ignored.

    How can this guy be a financial genius and the minister of finance is a novice and his expertise advice is being ignored. The novice has no confidence in the expert. Go figure. This guy's ramblings over the last few weeks spells bad news. If the premier gave no confidence in you we the people will not.

    Marlon however has become too comfortable and confident I the 8th. If the doc was rejected in the 7th as a non performer Marlon should be rejected as well. But who is the lesser of the two evils. One promising what he realistically knows he can not deliver and the other well .....

    I could not give none the two of them my vote.
  • 2023 (02/02/2023, 08:57) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    wow!! It is amazing for over 20 years what wheatley chatting about were issues but suddenly a few hours from an election the world must stop spinning(my goodness!!!!
  • Xxx (02/02/2023, 08:58) Like (18) Dislike (18) Reply
    Mandella went to jail and he became president allen has my vote
    • John doe (02/02/2023, 10:32) Like (22) Dislike (5) Reply
      What positive impact he have or did in the virgin islands after jail that you compare him to nelson mandela. I have all day start listing them or if not you all just following another hype
    • Don’t compare (02/02/2023, 13:36) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
      The difference is Mandela went to jail for standing up for the rights of his people.
  • Tinman (02/02/2023, 09:18) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply
    It’s time for Marlon to go. Allen has more sense than he. East end not getting any better under him. The people need to wake up and shake up East. Give Allen a turn. Do it in gratitude to Teacher Jenny before she dead. She help a lot ah we. Marlon only help he disgraceful self.
  • Holdtheforth (02/02/2023, 09:42) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where will the money come from for all the projects he is proposing?
    Collect the sweet money off the street and fix things, then my vote.
    Stop spending Government money on monthly rentals for offices in town. Build offices on Crown Land and reduce Government's monthly, annual expenses. Face the reality, Long Winded like he mother
  • Tolian (02/02/2023, 10:00) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    All points are what we need. I don't know you, but all politicians come with an agenda, and complete none! Reshuffling the deck will Wheatley of the 8th be a difference? because the past present and future always have some agenda.
  • replace him (02/02/2023, 10:03) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Marlun fell asleep on the wheel so we are going to replace him with a new different captain.
  • TIME FOR THE CHANGE (02/02/2023, 10:06) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    ALLEN IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR TO BLOW AWAY THAT SEWAGE STENCH MARLON GOT US INHALING FOR YEARS
  • gate burst and they are running (02/02/2023, 10:10) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    There goes Allen Wheatley and its all Allen Wheatley WIRE TO WIRE
  • Horse path iam (02/02/2023, 10:24) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    These are very good plans for the EE that should be supported and given priority status. With obvious need to expand the airport, a host of infrastructure changes will have to take place, such as dredging in FHB, a boardwalk, sewage treatment enhancement. EE is just waiting to be that shining city over the hill.
    • VI Gyal (02/02/2023, 11:32) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Where do you all live. ALl these have been plans for years. WHen and where and how will they all get done. We have tried before with BVIEC, WU, bank and so on before. if they have closed from VG what make you think they coming back up east. We will to come at aelection time and play Saviour and when you go in you realize it is not as simple. Come on.

      I do not forget. I know what I have not what I am getting.
  • @xxx (02/02/2023, 10:48) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    Why did Mandela went to jail.?
  • Listen (02/02/2023, 11:03) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
    Allen is so ready for comeback that I know he will do his best to improve the east. I know he will take this chance seriously. Give it to him people. Nothing to lose here. Marlon has shown his limits already. Marlon is not leadership quality. He keep the east down real bad. Enough with the handouts and pity votes. It’s Allen time now.
  • School biz (02/02/2023, 11:16) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can someone please let him know that Francis Lettsome Primary School is also in the District he plans to represent. Don't start showing impartiality already. You habe to adopt both schools please and thank you.
  • Rabsatt (02/02/2023, 11:26) Like (10) Dislike (15) Reply
    People Allen needs another chance! please give him another chance.
  • east (02/02/2023, 11:27) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
    All sound good but when he gets in and see that it have no MONEY!! all that DREAM DEAD!
  • akon (02/02/2023, 14:20) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The politicians promise you good life while you are living and the pastors promise you good life after you are dead.
  • not nice (02/02/2023, 14:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Marlon days done time for fresh blood
  • WEW (02/02/2023, 14:58) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    We can call us Weatley Virgin Islands. Unbelievable. HELP UK - NOW
  • lol (02/02/2023, 15:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Aint all of the cousins?
  • Pearl (02/02/2023, 16:14) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is what I don't like about politicians. They can give you a list of projects. Is that what politics is really about? Shouldn't our political leader indicate their position on the real issues and concepts that we face as a country?
    What is your position on the following:
    constitutional advancement
    same sex marriage
    freedom of information
    citizenship
    procurement
    right to proper education
    pension rights and funding
    and the list goes on......

    • @ pearl (02/02/2023, 22:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      He has position on those but first he must reflect on his district
  • long look me come from (02/02/2023, 19:56) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    We with allen Marlon wetting his boxers
  • one thing (02/02/2023, 21:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please please one thing I would like to see in the east. There is a wealth of history boat building. Mr Osman Davies and others build boats at that specific spot across the road that spot where that took place must be preserved and information need to be erected. Our culture and history must be preserved. Our generations needs to be well informed about our rich heritage.
    • Ryan (03/02/2023, 04:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What heritage? Teach your children about heritage before erected and thing on the land.
  • Josiahsbay (02/02/2023, 22:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The office of district representation doesn't have the power or budget to do 90% of what is outlined. If we hope our Rep. to be able to do a smidgen of the things listed we would have to empower he\she with a sizable budget with independent power to use it. Some districts should seek to decentralize management from Government. Some have enough resources to support a good percentage of their needs. Let the Constitution give districts that believe that they can help themselves the power to do so.
  • two cents (02/02/2023, 22:35) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    It would be great to a least get an ATM in the East.
  • the rock (03/02/2023, 05:33) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Marlon boy u in troublr!
  • Xxx (03/02/2023, 10:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Allen for president!!!!!!
  • Didn't he go to Jail for the airport project? (04/02/2023, 00:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Former Financial Secretary was convicted and sentenced to nine months behind bars in 2002 for allegedly misappropriating Government funds that was linked to a Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport project. However, he only served seven months for good behaviour.

    Put that his biography too.


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