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Political parties conveniently pinning the CoI on VIP Gov’t– Premier Wheatley

Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has blasted his political opponents for what he referred to as them trying to pin the findings of the UK-Sponsored Commission of Inquiry finding on the VIP and not taking accountability that some of the findings spanned previous governing administrations. Photo: Facebook
The premier pointed to the Elmore Stoutt High School wall build by former Education Minister, Myron V. Walwyn as a past Government project cited in the CoI report. Photo: VINO/File
The premier pointed to the Elmore Stoutt High School wall build by former Education Minister, Myron V. Walwyn as a past Government project cited in the CoI report. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has blasted his political opponents for what he referred to as them trying to pin the findings of the United Kingdom-sponsored Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and conveniently not mentioning that some of the findings spanned previous administrations.

The Premier was at the time speaking during ‘Let’s Chew on the Issue’, a panel discussion with other VIP 2023 elections candidates and live-streamed on Thursday afternoon, April 6, 2023.

“I think some of the other parties in the race have conveniently tried to pin the CoI on the VIP, Dr Wheatley stated and lamented that many persons have not read the report for themselves.

“We just rely on what people say on the radio, and a lot of these persons are themselves are not informed who you hear on the radio speaking about some of these things,” the Premier added.

He continued that the CoI report says there are weaknesses in successive administrations, with examples as far back as the Sea Cows Bay Harbour.

“You have the Sea Cows Bay Harbour right there in the CoI report and recommended that there be a criminal investigation into it and right now there's a criminal investigation going on into the Sea Cows Bay Harbour”.

BVI Airways, ESHS Wall in CoI report - Dr Wheatley 

The Premier also made mention of BVI Airways, and the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS)  wall project, which were all included in the reports as projects from the previous National Democratic Party government.

“But nobody can start throwing stones as though they are without sin and this is why we came with the glass houses… because if you live in a glass house, do not throw stones. Right now the Virgin Islands Party, this slate of candidates, do not have anybody who's currently before the court on charges,” he said. 

The Premier continued, “We have persons who are running right now, currently before the court on charges, who will have to go to court and will have to answer and they'll have to defend themselves for what they are being accused of and they are right in the CoI report, and you have persons in their party throwing stones,” he added.

34 Responses to “Political parties conveniently pinning the CoI on VIP Gov’t– Premier Wheatley ”

  • YES SIR (07/04/2023, 12:42) Like (36) Dislike (8) Reply
    Well it was your party former premier is who was busy pushing for it the old saying is if you keep crying wolf it will appear he think at yhe col wasnt base on the vip it was base on ndp but he went there for a short while ans created so much havoc that it left the governor no choice and now you all want to put cold water on the fire u all started its simple when u dig a hole always dig 2
    • To YES SIR (07/04/2023, 15:07) Like (8) Dislike (19) Reply
      That is the lie NDP 1 &2 have out there in the public but the truth be told they and their close upper-class friends are the ones who was pushing for the COI on the government of the day so they can get power as they visited the last evil-minded governor by nights many times a week. That is why they are being protected from their actions with the $8 million plane heist, multi-million-dollar Sea Cow's Bay Habor project and water plant, One hundred million dollar over run pier park, among other NDP 1 & 2 projects and actions. They sold us out for their freedom.
    • Why Copy Perline Banner Style (07/04/2023, 16:43) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
      Now why would you copy Perline’s tastefully looking Banner style that she has on the lampposts from Brandywine Bay eastward??????

      She had hers up first then here comes the district Rep putting his above her “Perline-styled” banner that I’ve never seen in the BVI before.

      Copy-cat much?
  • facts (07/04/2023, 13:38) Like (13) Dislike (23) Reply
    Tell them premier
    • The real concern is Governor's actions (08/04/2023, 13:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is clear the issue is one where the systems and policy the government and public officers are working under are outdated. The issues facing the country has far outgrown what the policy addresses. This systematic problem did not just happen, and no elected official should be given full blame. As a matter of fact, most blame should be given to the Governor for the past 40 years of not doing any work on behalf of the people of the BVI. Having said that, the Governor needs to be more realistic about the timeframes attached to some of these recommended changes as well as do not approve new policies without the input of the people because they may be modernized but still miss the mark of addressing the real issues of the people of the BVI. Hopefully addressing the needs of the people of the BVI is the focus and not that of colonializing the BVI using modern tactics.
  • I need my questions answered (07/04/2023, 14:01) Like (23) Dislike (24) Reply
    Up to now no one has the guts to ask the Governor the real questions and ask him to produce the documents to validate his answers. I will not stop until this is done for the following questions with more to come:
    1) Who determined the terms of reference for the COI and how were they derived and did the actions violate the Constitution of the BVI?
    2) Who determined the terms of reference for the hiring of the Commissioner of the COI and how were they derived?
    3) What process was used and by whom in the hiring of the Commissioner of the COI and was it a tender and was it transparent?
    4) Produce what was written to the UK to justify the request for approval for a COI?
    5) Who selected the staff that worked with the Commissioner of the COI and were they people from the same UK office of government as the Governor?
    6) How come the Commissioner of the COI had more authority than the courts?
    7) Why was it a one-man UK commissioner for the COI rather than a 3-person commissioner to allow for balance and remove prejudice by having one commissioner from the Caribbean, one from the Uk, and one selected either by the UN, CARICOM or OECS? This would have been transparent, reflect good governance, and create balance.
    8) Where is the report from the UK Attorney Cox that was working with the AG's Office on behalf of the people of the BVI and our rights as every story has 3 sides, yours, mine, and the truth?
    9) Why can't part or all of the COI be challenged in court as it is clear that some of it is extremely bias and collusion may be possible to derive?
    10) How can the Govenor failures be looked into locally and by whom?

    I will stop there for now, but these are serious questions that need answers because although the Governor, UK Commissioner of Police and the other UK Official thinks otherwise, we the people of the BVI have rights and they need to be protected. An Order in Council is modern day slavery whip and should not be seen as nothing else. Anything that makes a one man (Governor) above the judiciary and people is a slavery whip. Those who hate the BVI will see these concerns as foolishness but those who love true justice will see them as wise.

    I am voting only for those who will get these answers and act on them.
    • I need my questions answered (07/04/2023, 16:23) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      With all the issues plauging the world and the Caribbean and the region do you think that the OECS, CARICOM or the UN or any other body as a matter of fact would drop what they are doing to become involved in what is deemed as "internal affairs". Here is another thing. Where were you when a particular Government was begging the UK to conduct a COI when a certain Government was in. power? Why do you think they were asking for one? Most would have concerns over how the COI was conducted and that is ok. What we must admit though is the number of things it revealed that the general public would not be privy to. You of course have the right like anyone to ask questions but I must ask where were you for the past year or so? You seem lost in time
      • Hold on Mr. Governor (08/04/2023, 13:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Why are we giving the governor a free pass. If the systems are at fault then the Governor is also at fault as he is over the public service and their policies. This is what the Constitution says. This means the Governor sat and did nothing for years to improve the government system and policies and this is the same case in respect to his role in Executive Council now known as Cabinet. This whole action by the Governor and UK is an attempt to absorb themselves from their clear failure and now want to come in riding the white horse pretending to be saviors and put us to fight each other so we do not keep an eye on them and hold them accountable as well.
    • To: I need my questions answered (08/04/2023, 05:47) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      While I agree certain improvements are needed on all fronts, and this would be true for all countries in this modern-day era, I found your post to be quite interesting and thought provocative. Solid points. I must say in your defense if the action of the Governor was that of any elected officials these would have been the questions hitting every news site and campaign.
    • answers (08/04/2023, 12:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      1. FCDO; no
      2. FCDO; precedent
      3. FCDO; no tender process applies
      4. Ask FCDO by FOI request
      5. FCDO; yes
      6. Commissioner is subject to the courts
      7. Process is for one Commissioner
      8. Not complete, requires further funding
      9. It can be reviewed by the courts
      10. Only FCDO can review Governor’s actions
  • Double standard over& over again (07/04/2023, 14:13) Like (26) Dislike (8) Reply
    The Govenor & his COI are not interested in Residency and Belongers of Caribbean people, only those of his kind so he can take over the country through that angle. Facts show VIP regularized over 1500 people with the fast-track initiative recently where most were of Caribbean decent, but the Governor was not pleased. The NDP pleased him with their fast-track initiative in 2019 right before the elections as they only regularized eighty status quo persons of the Governor's kind. This is another reason why he hates the VIP.

    WAKE UP BVI.
    • The real questions.. (07/04/2023, 14:26) Like (17) Dislike (11) Reply
      1/ Why those politicians who the COI recommended be criminally investigated running again.? They have no shame no decency...2/ Why Those Politicians who already collected their payout from greedy bill one allow to run again?..The Law need amending ..Politicians are actually forcing Britain to take over because they have no plan to change from their greedy and corrupt ways..
      • @The real questions... (07/04/2023, 15:09) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        What is different in Britan? NOTHING!!!

        It is worse so stop being fooled as if they are saviors to take us over and make our lives better.
    • @Double standard over& over again (07/04/2023, 15:25) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      What is the real double standard is the same UK Officials blocked the request for a COI on their actions pertaining to Covid under the grounds that it will be time consuming and take away needed resources and human resources from trying to save the economy and lives from the effects of COVID. This was in the UK news so it is factual. Now this is double standard.
    • @ double standard.... (07/04/2023, 17:39) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      Residency and Belongers of " his kindd" is a big improvement over residency and Belongers of the current kind .It is sooo obvious.
      Means,common sense, education, pride, civility etc .


    • resident (08/04/2023, 00:07) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      how can the gov take over what they already own, we are the British virgin islands if the u.k makes a law we have to abide by it
    • Wake up, BVI (08/04/2023, 11:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are so correct. The Pale people want to take over our country. We stand firm, only Virgin Islanders must hold political office here. Let them go England and lie down with the Muslims.
  • All the parties have baggage! (07/04/2023, 14:48) Like (16) Dislike (16) Reply
    NDP, Progressives United and PVIM are top dishonest. Pretending like they are not linked to the COI, especially with Myron currently being charged for corruption. NDP gave away $7.2 million for no planes. Fraser will soon hear from the Auditor General about the Sea Cows Bay Harbour Project. So the spotlight is not only on VIP.
    • @All the parties have baggage! (07/04/2023, 15:10) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Agreed!!! But so does the Governors.
    • money unions (07/04/2023, 16:02) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ All the parties
      the good bloke challenging for 6 and the former 1 both have been sited for criminal wrong doing


      ting to talk
    • INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY (07/04/2023, 18:29) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      THE VIP HAVE ONE WHO WAS SENTENCED AND ONE WHO IS UNDER INVESTIGATIONS RUNNING TOO
    • #TruDat (08/04/2023, 11:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      So vote for the independent candidates and see some real change.
  • say what (07/04/2023, 15:27) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    school wall/bvi airways/pier park/8 million east end sewage money are also questionable transactions under ndp now acting under pvim
    • ☝???? (08/04/2023, 08:11) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ronnie, kedrick and Marlon were never charged or suspected of any wrong doing.
      • say what (08/04/2023, 10:10) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ ???
        The Uphold is just as guilty as the thief: sitting back and not speaking out against wrongdoing is awful

        the house of assembly in a sitting said alright to eight million dollars for the sole purpose of executing works in east end sewage without proper authorization that said 8 million was diverted to a park project(which one of them spoke out however they knew!!!!

        then men mentioned were all in the same political party…..ask them where is BVI Airways our tax money all now in people’s pockets but we have nothing to show for that Government Transaction

        some of us have these issues to a laughing matter BUT my fore parents work to hard don’t forget 1834
  • Horseman (07/04/2023, 18:07) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Reply to 'I want my questions answered'
    Thanks Head Coach, is that you? Some good questions there!
    Maybe you can answer this one for me:
    What kinda Premier creates government jobs, that are not needed, and then gives these jobs to persons who are not from here?
    (Bearing in mind both recipients in this case are rejects from their previous BVI employers, I expect the answer to be at least entertaining).
    Thank you in advance.
    • @Horseman (08/04/2023, 05:41) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      I am no Head Coach and not a political person who posted "I want my questions answered". I am an East End resident who has sense and seek balance and justice for all. Hatred has blinded a lot of you from seeking justice and balance.
  • Political Scientist (07/04/2023, 21:57) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The controversial CoI led by a single commissioner Sir Gary Hickingbottom was Commissioned by former Guv Augustus Jaspert who empowered the lone commissioner to single handedly make major/monumental recommendations such as suspending the BVI constitution and instituting direct rule and report did report that the governing weaknesses found occurred over successive governments. Neither NDP nor VIP are Pilates, ie, they cannot claim to have clean hands for the governing weaknesses. For example, the NDP held power from 2011-2015 and from 2015-2019. As such, it cannot take responsibility for and promote the good things it did and get amnesia and pretend and don’t take ownership for the unpopular things, including the governing weaknesses some of which are documented in the CoI, that happened under its watch, ie, the $7.2M imaginary plane that has not yet taken that maiden flight from MIA to EIS, etc. VIP I have not forgotten about you. You have to embrace and take your licks for governing weaknesses. I fairness, one can go back to the governments of Ralph T. O’Neil, Cyril B. Romney, H. Lavity Stoutt, and Williard Wheatley. Everyone must embrace the good , the bad, the Ugly if things occurring under their watch. Moreover, the Governor cannot and should no be given a pass for governing weaknesses of functions under his purview, ie, civil service, RVIPF, HMP, etc. . It seems as if Sir Gary Hickingbottom, lone commissioner on the CoI give the Governor’s who is fellow Britons a pass on governing weaknesses. Further, the Governor who has unilateral power and control of the local government should be called to task for the governing weaknesses of the local government. Hell, the Governor chairs the Cabinet, has assent power over bills passed by the HOA, reserved powers,etc. I can bet the Governor is given highly favorable assessments by the FCO on their performance. Of course, the folks at the FCO are also Britons. The BVI is between a rock and a hard place, up a creek without a paddle. Not much positive help comes from the Administering Power. They are quick to beat down the BVI but slower then molasses and indifferent in offering positive assistance.
    • Truth (08/04/2023, 10:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      You talk truth. Indeed, not only locals should be castigated for governing weakness but also the UK-appointed governor. It is like old days when White colonialists was beyond reproach, with an air of superiority, supremacy, committing hold tun of wrongs. Nevertheless, Blacks could not question their wrong doings, for if you were White that made you right. That attitude still persists. It persists because some bought into the false superior/supremacy convenient claims, putting them in a special privileged status, and on an undeserved pedestal. Taxpayers are paying for Mount Olympus living high on the hog and to get abuse, looking upon them with disdain.
  • Convenience (08/04/2023, 07:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The blame game in full action mode. Face the facts BVI voters ALL the elected politicians since 1949 have NOT been 100% honest, ethical or moral. Some were close to 90% but all always put their family above their constituents. Time to change that in this 24 April election.
  • VOTE (08/04/2023, 07:40) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The same one that was carrying meleh every day of the week down to the white house to the same slave master asked for the COI. But you wanted power so badly, now deal with it.
  • Sowande says... (08/04/2023, 09:21) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sowande Saya that political parties are conveniently pinning the COI on the VIP Government. Sowande SHOULD ALSO SAY that the VIP Government are conveniently pinning their failures and mistakes on covid and Irma, neither of which are here to defend themselves because it ain't have jack to do with them when you look at the actual areas they have failed in.
  • PT09 (08/04/2023, 12:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    @To YES SIR, Where you guys come from with all this BU11$ everyone knows that it was Andrew Fahie who kept running to government house begging the Governor to call a COI on the NDP so stop telling lies it’s not going to get your party in.
  • To "I need my questions answered" (09/04/2023, 06:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    With all the rallies and meet and greets throughout the place, why haven't you gone to them to ask the questions? Posting them here is dead on arrival because those who have the answers don't read the comments. Which suggests you don't really want the answers you say you are seeking.


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