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Premier’s Party ‘not just a social gathering’- Premier Wheatley

- said event was to celebrate the people who ‘work hard’ on behalf of the territory
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) gave a little dance move on his arrival at the Premier’s Party at Prime Restaurant on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook
Some of the persons at the Premier’s Party held at Prime Restaurant on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook
Some of the persons at the Premier’s Party held at Prime Restaurant on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook
It was an atmosphere of music, laughter, lots of dancing among the elegantly dressed men and women, and even reflection, when the Premier’s Party was held at Prime Restaurant in the heart of Road Town on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook
It was an atmosphere of music, laughter, lots of dancing among the elegantly dressed men and women, and even reflection, when the Premier’s Party was held at Prime Restaurant in the heart of Road Town on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook
It was an atmosphere of music, laughter, lots of dancing among the elegantly dressed men and women, and even reflection, when the Premier’s Party was held at Prime Restaurant in the heart of Road Town on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook
It was an atmosphere of music, laughter, lots of dancing among the elegantly dressed men and women, and even reflection, when the Premier’s Party was held at Prime Restaurant in the heart of Road Town on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Photo: Facebook
Ricky E. Conner of Ricky's Trucking, with Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Deputy Premier Julian Fraser RA (R3), and Jr Minister Lorna G. Smith (AL) at the Premier’s Party on January 24, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters
Ricky E. Conner of Ricky's Trucking, with Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Deputy Premier Julian Fraser RA (R3), and Jr Minister Lorna G. Smith (AL) at the Premier’s Party on January 24, 2026. Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- It was an atmosphere of music, laughter, lots of dancing among the elegantly dressed men and women, and even reflection, when the Premier’s Party was held at Prime Restaurant in the heart of Road Town on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

“I am humbled by your presence this evening. Thank you so much for taking time out of your January month, this early 2026, to come to the Premier’s Party, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) told the many in attendance.

He reminded that the party was scheduled for December but was put on hold following the sudden death of Director of Communications Karia J. Christopher.

According to Premier Wheatley, Christopher’s passing taught him something extremely important.  “It taught me that we must cherish every moment. It taught me that you must cherish your family and your loved ones. You must let them know that you care for them.”

‘Not just a social gathering’

He said the Premier’s Party was not just a social gathering, but also a celebration of those who work hard on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands.

“Yes, we work together on a daily basis and on a weekly basis but I want to let those persons who work in the Premiers Office, who work in the various ministries I’m responsible for, and who work across government and all of our partners, all of the Statutory Boards, all of the Non-Profit Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, those persons in the private sector, to know that we care about you. We care about you, we care about your families, we care about your well-being.

“Yes, we are working hard for the territory but it is important that we come together, we smile together, we laugh together, we eat and we drink together, we dance together, and we celebrate life together.”

Premier Wheatley said his government stated the year, 2026, in the right way, with a church and prayer service last week, because it wanted to start the year affirming that God is the head of our lives and the head of this territory.

“And now we continue celebrating our relationship with each other, and we are looking forward to a very positive 2026. But let us go through this 2026 with love, let’s go through this 2026 with compassion, with patriotism, dedication, and unity,” Premier Wheatley stated.

30 Responses to “Premier’s Party ‘not just a social gathering’- Premier Wheatley”

  • Party after party (25/01/2026, 14:18) Like (58) Dislike (9) Reply
    Wow lol

    Y'all water still coming off at 6pm?

    Riteway increase them price again for no reason?

    The pot holes did what to your suspension?

    UK is our enemy and don't want to see us population thrive?
  • Wellsah (25/01/2026, 14:36) Like (40) Dislike (0) Reply
    the same old money faces
  • Stealth (25/01/2026, 14:49) Like (22) Dislike (5) Reply
    The ancestors say, “who don’t hear will feel.” They also say, if you make your bed hard, you will lie in it .” Here is a news flash. Politicians cannot tell people what they should feel. “ It was Biden’s Achilles’ heel; Trump falling into the same trap. The bottom is if people are not feeling things, it is like nothing is happening. Whatever it is, is phantom. The BVI has a myriad number of needs and spending on party is a bottom dragging spending option. Deh peple dem nah approve of all deh party ting.
    • Stealth (25/01/2026, 21:28) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      Continue dissing the people’s wishes at your own peril. Continue gaslighting the people, for judgment day is coming.
  • STRANGELY (25/01/2026, 15:01) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply
    how this sweet talking ???? fello only raised the ministers salaries alone , and now talking about ( care ) and using the passing of miss Christopher as an excuse to portray an image of holiness / why didn't he exercise that holiness on the civil servants and the pensioners instead throwing lavish big boyz party and smile with you as you die of neglect of a proper salary that can sustain a comfortable life , even the church is being used , looks like csc has been consulting him on how to play with the people lives , while he live like a king ???? more power to you bro
    • retiries (26/01/2026, 05:49) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
      noone thinking about the retireis. I no a retirie getting $200. per month, that cant even by an egg in the supermarket. Who's looking out for them??????
      Yet party upon party
      • Wellsah (26/01/2026, 17:19) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        sell that big house on the hill and move into something more affordable for your retirement lifestyle
  • This is what am talking about (25/01/2026, 15:09) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Hit me with music! When it comes to a party your premiere can get down, I don't care what Myron going to say, and governor look like he don't like to see me party either, they want me to go fix the roads.
  • (25/01/2026, 16:27) Like (3) Dislike (28) Reply
    VIP all the way
  • Transparency or MYB (25/01/2026, 16:35) Like (20) Dislike (4) Reply
    If he paid for it, then everyone mind your business!
    If the taxpayers paid for it, then tell us how much this social gathering cost us.
    Last election, Transparency was the buzz word.
    • BuzzBvi (25/01/2026, 22:02) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ha ha ha ha. Like we have been told about the other concerts and partys?!!?!

      SECRETS is all we have.

      Those 487 need to keep their votes for someone else next time.
    • AYO SOFT (25/01/2026, 23:37) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      Aint noo way he pay for this ball him self..is We money pay 4 it
  • Myron W. (25/01/2026, 17:59) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    I told him just think about whatever he wants to do as a party and he will get it done. He loves to throw a party, but he's right it's about the hard work the government is doing. Therefore celebrate their hard work as a party.
  • Inquiring Minds (25/01/2026, 18:45) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    I wonder if Myron, Cindy and Picko Moff were invited?
  • Citizen (25/01/2026, 22:09) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    what a waste of time and money
  • Doll (25/01/2026, 23:36) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    The Premier needs to go a diet. He's getting too big and we want our Premier to be healty and fit. The suit is cute, however it was two sizes too small.
  • simple (26/01/2026, 02:44) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
    The Annual Premier Christmas parties have been happening ever since I was very young and that's what this was, delayed because of the death of Mrs. Karia Christopher. So we really shouldn't have a problem with 'this party'. I certainly don't. The photo op with the $50,000 cheque to the church, at this party, not sure what that was about. Hope that the party list was peppered with persons from all walks of life and not just cronies and so-called supporters, for as a whole we have all built and will continue to build this country into the beautiful place that we can all live together in harmony.
  • hmm (26/01/2026, 03:34) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    So basically, a whole entire party to show off a bog standard suit. Ok. Nehhhxt...
  • SHAME (26/01/2026, 05:39) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    What he needs to fo is fix the salary scale. They and I mean all thirteen of them fully well know what was done to the public Servants was unfair. Public Servants don't go to the polls unless they fix the salary scale. It's time we make a statement and a extremely loud one.
    • @Shame (26/01/2026, 13:14) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      not to let this government back. We are going to the polls to make a statement - VIP must go.
  • Mr. Premier. My take (26/01/2026, 06:36) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
    Your Party needed to be on the festival ground with 3 open Bars, 3 food stall, all are invited, dress seni formal,, no slippers, no T.Shirt..No bands, Just two DJs from 8pm to 1am. no take aways, top security..Make the BVI people feel welcome...Spend a $30 gran...Popeye use to do that back in the day, you as Premier could have easilly done that. As a VIP voter that wasn't invited, I am in my feelings, I felt ignored left out and small, it just can't be the elites..
    • Seconder (26/01/2026, 20:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree. Not only the cronies and friends vote. The small man voted. And even if some did not vote in your district, they voted at large. They need to eat, dance and belong too.
  • Yes (26/01/2026, 09:42) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    In my 57 years, never once was I invited, what's the criteria for an invite.
    • @yes (26/01/2026, 19:25) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      You gotta have lots and lots of money and be with those type of people who know how to rub elbows and noses together. In 57 years they haven't invited you, well you still not going to get invited in the next 57 years either. So just go ahead and keep out of big peple thing and keep your own party when you vote them out. Ok?
  • Context (26/01/2026, 09:56) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    If I was hosting and benefitting from another tax payer party, I too would be dancing and smiling like Mr Wheatley and friends.

    I’m sure a few more contracts were conceived at this event, give it a few weeks or months and I’m sure said contracts will come in to the real world. Ricky’s Trucking looks like it’s going for gold, watch this space.

    What’s the word about ANOTHER church cheque? Did seventh day not get $50k just the other week?
  • Rattler (26/01/2026, 11:43) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Many residents attitude viz-a-viz “ relative to “party spending” is one of disgust, frustration. “ Party spending is not a top priority regardless of spin, spin, etc put on it. The Premier seems to miss every opportunity to miss every opportunity to respond to the people, especially the indigenous people, needs. If he does change his attitude and listen to the people cries, he may party his way back East. Don’t look a gift in the mouth Bro. Listen to the people and the right thing for the right reasons at the right time. The time is now. Tine is fleeting in politics. Sometimes in politics there are no second changes. Like lighting it may not strike you twice. The Rattler off the platform and out.
  • tola (26/01/2026, 11:52) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can't wait for you to come out rubbidh
  • DEI (26/01/2026, 12:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My people only ..
  • Families (26/01/2026, 13:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    listen...... pull your young people close.
  • The Party (26/01/2026, 20:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Politics need to done. Engage the less fortunate and the youths, not only those who could laugh ho, ho, ho. And as always the "overseas" residents are left out. Sad, sad, sad.


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