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Premier planning UK trip to advance economic & political interests of VI

-will also look into investment & environmental partnerships
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says in a week and a half, he plans to travel to the United Kingdom for talks on various matters concerning the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: GiS/Facebook
Governor John J. Rankin, CMG says the Order in Council is an “Insurance” to ensure that the Government of the Virgin Islands stays true to its commitment of implementing the reforms as recommended by Sir Gary R. Hickenbottom’s Report following the Commission of Inquiry (CoI). Photo: Facebook/File
Governor John J. Rankin, CMG says the Order in Council is an “Insurance” to ensure that the Government of the Virgin Islands stays true to its commitment of implementing the reforms as recommended by Sir Gary R. Hickenbottom’s Report following the Commission of Inquiry (CoI). Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says in a week and a half, he plans to travel to the United Kingdom for talks on various matters concerning the Virgin Islands (VI).

This he says will be to advance the economic, political, and environmental interests of the Virgin Islands.

The Premier made the disclosure in a press statement today, Friday January 6, 2022, on current matters in the Virgin Islands.

“On the agenda are financial services, investment, and environmental partnerships. I will also meet with our students and citizens in the United Kingdom to hear their concerns and ideas,” he added.

Hon Wheatley said he will also get he opportunity to meet Minister for Overseas Territories Lord Zach R. Goldsmith as well as engage other BVI groups and UK parliamentarians who have an interest in the VI.

The occasion of my visit will also be an opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the BVI London Office that was the successful vision of the late Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon Ralph T. O'Neil, OBE.

The Premier said he is looking forward to updating the public on the outcome of the visit upon his return.

What about Order in Council?

It is expected that the premier in his London visit could encourage the UK to remove the existing Order in Council to suspend the Virgin Island’s Constitution and impose direct rule in the territory, having already indicated that his government was not in support of the order. 

VI Governor John J. Rankin, CMG has; however, said the Order in Council is an “insurance” to ensure that the Government of the Virgin Islands stays true to its commitment to implementing the reforms as recommended by Sir Gary R. Hickenbottom following the Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

Many; however, see it as a 'Sword of Damocles' on the VI and not indicative of a modern partnership of trust and mutual respect.

40 Responses to “Premier planning UK trip to advance economic & political interests of VI”

  • 777 (06/01/2023, 12:02) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    ( The names of every candidate who will be elected will not be revealed nor will the upcoming Premier’s name be disclosed, yet.)

    Additionally, if persons are not completely ready for the task or if persons believe they are going to continue to play mind games without correcting themselves, or if they refuse to change and if they refuse to humble themselves, He will prohibit them from being elected/ re-elected. God gives power to whoever He chooses in order to accomplish His will on earth. Elijah shut up the heavens. Moses parted the Red Sea and David would never become king if Samuel had not anointed him, likewise Saul. It is no different in our times; no change, no election/re-election.

    Moreover, some time after elections, God will remove the Order in Council and it will be removed without any conditions or stipulations attached whatsoever. But prayers must be made as we are not battling flesh and blood but “principles and powers….”

    This is a pivotal moment in your history, do not lose out by being rejected because of mind games, manipulations, lies, witchcraft and other such things. Listen, they will not work. God, our Father, protects and preserves His people’s life with an intense jealousy. Never underestimate the power of one, and never mistake silence for inactivity.

    Thus saith the Lord, “It is I that changeth the times and the seasons: I removeth kings, and setteth up kings: I giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding, it is I who do these things and I have chosen from amongst you, persons to move My people forward:


    1st District : Mrs. Shaina M. Smith-Archer
    2d District: The Honourable Melvin Mitch Turnbull
    3rd District: The Honourable Julian Fraser
    4th District: Mrs. Luce Hodge Smith
    5th District: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    6th District: The Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines
    7th District: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    8th District: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    9th District: The Honourable Vincent Wheatley ( Will demit office)

    At large: The Honourable Neville Smith
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Persons whose names have been listed, gather your prayer team and praise and worship teams and get to praying and praising in addition to doing the works necessary. You have to fight by faith to bring your successes to fruition.

    Those whose names have not been identified; some of you will be re-elected and others of you will not be re-elected. Either way, all of you have to fight. You fight by gathering your prayer team, and praise and worship team and pray like never before and sing praises to the Most High, in addition to doing the works necessary. Remember, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

    Pray against the occult and witchcraft, pray for persons to stop worshipping the devil, baphomet, pray for freedom from deception, pray against spiritual blindness, pray for freedom from every strongholds, imaginations and every high things, pray against ignorance, pray and receive deliverance from sexual addiction, food addiction, social media addictions, alcohol addictions, drug addiction, pray against the spirit of untimely death, pray against evil declarations, incantations, projections, psychic, telepathic and satanic projections, spells, charms curses, hexes, chants, mind manipulations, limiting thinking, pray for increased knowledge, freedom distractions and seducing spirits, pray against anger, pray against familiar spirits used to spy on persons, pray for the protection of your character, pray against familiar spirits being used to spy on persons, pray against pride, barrenness, poverty and average incomes, pray for wealth and financial prosperity, pray for freedom from debts, pray for health and sound minds, safety from accidents, safety from man-made or natural disasters, tear down every evil altar, pray against al the evil plans and plots to stop persons from being successful, pray against the marine kingdom, pray for the youth and all children, pray for unity – a people divided cannot stand. Pray for Righteousness , righteousness exalts a nation- it lifts a nation up, it makes that nation prominent, it brings honour to that nation, but sin causes the nation to be torn down.

    Everyone in this territory must pray. Pray for your lives, your children’s lives and generations to come because they are all depending on it. Pray for your freedom, pray, pray, pray. Cover this territory with the Blood of Jesus Christ and invite the Holy Spirit to come in and help us; come to our aid and rescue us.

    When the current Premier announces the date for election, increase your prayer time and worship and praise times. All who can pray in tongues, please do so more than ever before. Prayers in tongues and with our understanding need to be offered up to God for the territory because your lives and livelihood, properties, freedom, are threatened and under attack, so pray – you are not battling flesh and blood but principalities and powers so, again, ask God to intervene and help us and watch God arise and all our enemies be scattered, cast out, and all the works of darkness be brought to nought. And, finally, witness God do a mighty and marvellous work in this territory for and on behalf of this, His people.

    Whatsoever must be said or done will be said or done.
    • To 777 (06/01/2023, 13:46) Like (20) Dislike (15) Reply
      I do not agree with the persons you put as elected persons for the most part, so you pray harder on that one. I do agree that we must pray more but I am tired of persons asking us to pray more on one side of this issue and keep forgetting that the slave masters are the masters of witchcraft. Stop leaving them out. Why are you afraid to call them out in the same way you call out the politicians and the rest of our people? The Pharoah strong hold is what we must be praying against now more than ever. The devil we do not see or do not want to see or mention so we can pray against their plot and witchcraft is who is doing most of the damage and intends to do most of the damage to the islands. This we must call out and pray against.
      • @To 777 (06/01/2023, 14:52) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
        Hmmm. The last guavana was famous for witchcraft. The new in a different style.
    • @777 (06/01/2023, 19:11) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Let us pray to God for wisdom on how to fight because fight we must. The UK have a history of never sticking to their word and to never resolve anything peacefully if it is not in their best interest only. Remember that we are fighting TWO ORDERS IN COUNCIL and not ONE. They have one pending to suspend the constitution if things do not go how they want whether in the judiciary or otherwise, and one to override our financial services laws to allow for public registry. They will never stop so we need to Pray the right prayers and keep moving forward as they are that the highest level of witchcraft so do not fool yourself. The real battle is not us against each other.
  • facts (06/01/2023, 12:02) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is good to have a strong government in place but the fact of the matter is it does not matter who is elected, the Governor and the UK mission to take over is still the same.
  • youth man (06/01/2023, 12:04) Like (15) Dislike (10) Reply
    The BVI is fighting a colonial system where even to the blogs are the same guavana both past and present and his kind trying to make everything and everyone in the BVI seem bad so they can have us fighting each other and begging for them to take over.
  • concerned citizen (06/01/2023, 12:09) Like (10) Dislike (14) Reply
    How much does the taxpayer spend every year on flights, hotel rooms and restaurants for public servants every year??
    I have heard that it is in the millions!
    • To concerned citizen (06/01/2023, 13:57) Like (17) Dislike (8) Reply
      Less than the same tax payers spend on purchasing fancy cars for the Governor, paying for his chef, butler, domestic staff, office staff, travel, parties, and so much more.
      • @To concerned citizen (06/01/2023, 14:57) Like (15) Dislike (12) Reply
        I think you're mistaken: Governor's House and staff are part of the Foreign & Commonwealth office which is a part of the UK government and paid for by UK taxpayers. BVI tax payers do not contribute to this cost.
        • To @To concerned citizen (06/01/2023, 16:28) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
          The white staff what no one knows what they do except the Governor and Uk and the Governor himself are the only two things for the last 30 years is what the Foreign and Commonwealth office pays for and nothing else so stop trying to fool the people. The BVI taxpayers pay for everything else including the car, the parties, the other staff, the butler, the chef, the domestic staff, the landscaping, the laundry, the guess, and many more. Most of these luxuries are monthly expenses that no elected official not even to the Premier get. Let us educate our people in full and not partially.
  • BVI Rise up (06/01/2023, 12:10) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
    The UK plot is real but the BVI has some of us asleep and some of us brainwashed like they did in the days of slavery. Speak about these things in the UK. The abuse of the judiciary and police force will rise in 2023 as the Governor is over them and don't let them fool you saying that they are independent because they are not. In-order for the UK plan to enslave us and take over to work and bring in their UK people for all senior public offices, they must instill fear in the majority of our population so we can lose faith in our people and depend on them for refuge and have them as our saviours. They will do this through many investigations and arrests that will seem justifiable because of how well organized the plot is, and they do not care if any of us win the case in court or not as by then it will be too late for our people to see the plan. This all plan for all of us and not just politicians so do not fool yourself thinking otherwise. BVI MUST RISE UP!
  • Really (06/01/2023, 12:11) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    People will stay sleep. This clown is only going there to pick up his script. If he's in charge of deci
  • UK resident (06/01/2023, 12:12) Like (16) Dislike (18) Reply
    The Order in Council represents dictatorship and not a modern partnership. It is wrong. It must be removed.
  • reality (06/01/2023, 12:14) Like (12) Dislike (9) Reply
    The BVI can complete and implement every recommendation from that questionable COI process, and it still will never be enough to satisfy the UK. Just wait and see. The reality is the UK wants to rule all OTs directly especially financial services, so they can give their friends jobs as the economy in the UK is really bad. If we think we have it bad under elected officials, and our current local public officers, then wait until you are ruled directly by Brits. BVI be careful what you are asking for because you will regret it. The Brits must stop this abuse of power and remove the Order in Council FORTHWITH!
    • @reality (06/01/2023, 13:39) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      AMEN!!!
    • Response to reality (06/01/2023, 14:25) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
      You may be on to something because the same thing happened and keeps happening with the BVI and the UK with the financial services. Every time they attack the financial services the BVI makes the adjustment and then the UK comes again and again and again at other areas. This is evident when they went after public registry of companies and the BVI implemented the BOSS system to secure against illegal activities and satisfy the UK's concerns, but they are back at the BVI again and threatening to get what they want and how they want it with another order in council. Their attacks will only intensify. So, your analysis has merit.
  • Looking ahead (06/01/2023, 12:19) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    This whole things is well organized. The Order in Council is part of the plot where we see that not only the UK Officers are taking over the senior part of the police force but not one of them is black. This says a lot. They do not intend to hire any whether local or Caribbean expat. This is an organized legal but unethical abuse of power by all involved including the Governor who the force is under. Look out for plenty illegal taping of phone calls to create a case against people elected or not especially those that speak out against this plot and the Governor and the UK. Look out for targeting of people who they feel are a treat to their plot. Look out for deeper rooting of this plot by the same attempt to take over the senior post in the public service and the judiciary especially using their COI recommendations as their foundation along with other one sided audit reports they ordered. Look out for them to start to target certain pastors. Look out for them to now start targeting our financial services. Look out for them trying to mingle among us so they can get to know us but this is just to further enslave us. This is the same 500 yrs play book of slavery but in a fully modernized fashion. What is disheartening is they always get some of us to fall for it due to how well organized they plan it and package it. Oh my people, time to get out of Egypt.
  • Legal Mind (06/01/2023, 12:23) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Premier do the future generations justice by asking the UK and have them make public what did the Governor write to get the Parliament in UK and the Privy Council to issue the Order in Council. That information needs to be made public. I am sure it will reveal that the facts were massaged to fit their purpose. Every story has two sides and then the truth. The people of the BVI need to know what was in that document sent by the Governor so that they can have a fair and transparent opportunity to defend themselves. In a time of when the Governor and UK is calling for transparency, they have acted under a cloud of secrecy and deceit. This information must be known now.
    • To Legal Mind (06/01/2023, 14:06) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is solid. I never thought on this but you're right, this information needs to be made public.
  • 999 (06/01/2023, 12:26) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    what about the roads and elections should be here
  • how soon? (06/01/2023, 12:31) Like (0) Dislike (14) Reply
    When is he going to plan a trip to see the welfare of the former premier?
  • Mr. Blackkk (06/01/2023, 12:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    “…..that the premier in his London visit could encourage the UK to remove the existing Order in Council to suspend the Virgin Island’s Constitution.”

    I do not perceive that they should be approached right now. It’s premature and unsupported. The only encouragement they need at this time, which they are already fully apprised off, whether you go and mention it or not, is to know that all the recommendations have been completed/implemented within schedule, and if not on schedule, then what are the legitimate explanations or good reasons for being late.

    Stop acting hastily. You do not have the backing for the results you want with the Order, right now. And you will not get it just so; conditions apply.

    Seek ye first the kingdom of God......


    • HMMM (06/01/2023, 13:35) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      ohhhhhhh Lord, well after listening to Cindy what else can I say , dear Jesus Christ.
      • @hmmm (06/01/2023, 14:50) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
        Warming to all, becareful of being brainwashed by house slaves. They are planted to do just that.
  • Okay now (06/01/2023, 12:52) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do not go to the UK and sell us out. Fight for our rights and fight for what is right.
  • ask the right questions in UK (06/01/2023, 12:59) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who called the COI? Who hired the Commissioner for the COI? What was the process used? Who discussed and issued the terms of reference for the COI with the Commissioner of the COI? Who hired the staff for the COI? Was the staff used part of the UK staff? Who tried to fool us that the COI was independent? Who controls the police force? Who wrote for the order in Council to have direct rule? What did they put in that request? The answer to all these is the GOVERNOR and these information needs to be public. There is no good governance anywhere and he should be held accountable also. He and the UK think the majority of people in the BVI are fools and cannot see the well put together conspiracy to try to justify wrong by trying to make it look right. Premier, do the right thing for the people of the BVI and the other Caribbean OTs in the UK.
  • Words Of Wisdom (06/01/2023, 13:03) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go to the UK with the right people that have the best of the BVI at heart and do not let your brother and others like him advise you to sell us out to the UK.
  • Is the UK above the law (06/01/2023, 13:07) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Imagine every regional and international body is telling the UK their actions with the Order in Council to suspend the BVI constitution and do direct rule is wrong but they are so colonialist in their thinking and behavior that they are determined to pass through God's stop sign to them and keep moving forward in a manner where they will try to convince all that they are correct. When a man wrong ways seems right in his sight only, you know you have a modern-day Pharaoh. The BVI is no worse than any other country. Let the courts and the law deal with matters that are questionable and not a Governor and a set of UK senior public servants playing judge, jury and executioner. They too should not be allowed to be above the law nor allowed to act above the law.
  • Enough Dictatorship (06/01/2023, 13:10) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Can't BVI people see the plot? You have all the below rejecting the UK dictatorship moves especially with the Order in Council for direct rule:
    1) The United Nations
    2) CARICOM
    3) USVI GOVERNOR
    4) OECS
    If all these were against actions of our politicians' decisions and they kept moving forward regardless, the majority of us would have been hitting the ceiling if they failed to listen to them but we want to give the Governor and his UK bosses a free pass. It is time to end dictatorships. It is time to end colonialism. It is time to end the order in council and their attempt at direct rule.
  • Xxx (06/01/2023, 13:11) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    We want him to have an election not another trip
  • Non political person (06/01/2023, 13:37) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have serious legal and ethical issues with the Order in Council. What the Governor and UK are saying is either the judiciary, and all systems of law and order go how they want them to go and be how they want them to be, or they will have to take over and run the country. This clearly means they are above the law. Nowhere else in the world this kind of high-handed dictatorial behavior exists in a democratic country, and it should not be tolerated by the people of the BVI. Let the laws of the land be allowed to function. Let the policies of the land be allowed to function. If they need upgrading, then do so but not in a non-democratic manner like an order in council. We can vote out politicians. We can fire or discipline public servants. We can investigate and arrest who we need to. All the tools to address any questionable concerns are already in existence. Maybe if we had the power to remove Governors they would have think twice. Maybe if we were allowed to evaluate and audit Governors and their performances then they would have thought twice. Maybe if we could have investigated or arrest Governors they would have think twice. The mere fact that we cannot touch a governor and hold them accountable for their actions is a clear indication of the breakdown of democracy across the board. I have fundamental issues with this order in council and it matters not who the government is in this regard. The Premier needs to be bold and address these issues in the UK.
  • Time to be real (06/01/2023, 13:53) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some of you praying for peace without a fight but I do not see how that will be possible as it did not happen in the Bible, and it will not happen now. You cannot negotiate with the devil. The UK sees all their Caribbean Overseas Territories in a negative light (in all areas) and inferior to them. This will not change so we have to make up in our mind to elect persons that will help us fight for our freedom and what is right because the UK is going to keep coming forward with their agenda no matter who is elected. Depending on who is elected all they will do is change their strategy, but the intent remains the same.
  • Reality check (06/01/2023, 14:00) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not one penny out of our coffers that isn't for road renewal and other infrastructure work. Stop the senseless spending and just do what you committed to in writing and what the voters want, which are new roads, water, sewers, and an incinerator.
  • Be extra careful (06/01/2023, 14:10) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Be extra careful and do not let them entrap you or eliminate you in any form. Vigilance is key.
  • Juicy (06/01/2023, 14:57) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    These post today are real food for thought both those for and against. I hope the Premier and all our leaders read them and take heed.
  • WHAT!!! (06/01/2023, 15:18) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    first class air travell and top hotel and food.
    How much has the Premier spent on travell in the last year?
  • As Long (07/01/2023, 00:00) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    As he don’t take Mitch the MOOCHER ON THAT TRIP.
  • street reporter. (07/01/2023, 10:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So, why he had to go. Wouldn't it be better to invite those he wish to speak to down, so we can have a broad base reps in the room..More voices, more in the know. More with the truth....Who's to say he is going bring back the truth...
  • street reporter. (07/01/2023, 10:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So, why he had to go. Wouldn't it be better to invite those he wish to speak to down, so we can have a broad base reps in the room..More voices, more in the know. More with the truth....Who's to say he is going bring back the truth...


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