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‘Put up or shut up’- Premier Wheatley to critics

- urges critics to run for office or support someone else they have confidence in
Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has challenged critics of his coalition government to run for office when elections come or find persons they have confidence in and support them for public office. Photo: VINO/File
According to Premier Dr the Hon Wheatley (R7), his National Unity Government has done well to save the Virgin Islands from direct rule and move the territory away from the shame of events of the arrest of former Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: VINO/File
According to Premier Dr the Hon Wheatley (R7), his National Unity Government has done well to save the Virgin Islands from direct rule and move the territory away from the shame of events of the arrest of former Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: VINO/File
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has challenged critics of his coalition government to run for office or find persons they have confidence in and support for public office.

Restoring confidence

According to the Premier, his National Unity Government has done well to save the Virgin Islands from direct rule and move the territory away from the shame of events of the arrest of former Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

He said his Government now has a duty to restore the confidence of the people and that it cannot be done by making it seem as though the territory is blameless and without fault.

Put up or shut up!

According to Premier Wheatley; however, if persons feel they can do a better job they can exercise their right at the next elections, by either running for office or supporting another group.

“If you don’t have confidence in this group, you step forward.”

The Premier also pointed out that there are some persons who make it their duty to only point out what is wrong in the Territory.

“Some people out there all they like to do is take their camera around and look at what is going wrong and cuss politicians. They just find out about Facebook Live, going around having a party, looking at every pothole.

“If you are so great step forward. Put yourself forward if you can do a better job. Put up or shut up.”

Exercise your democratic right- Premier

According to the Premier, such persons have the luxury to exercise their democratic rights.

“If you don’t want to put yourself forward, find someone who you have confidence in and you support them. Go out and canvass for them.

“That is democracy, that is the democratic process,” Premier Wheatley stated.

24 Responses to “‘Put up or shut up’- Premier Wheatley to critics”

  • asura (21/07/2022, 08:40) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    tell um slow wander!
  • lol (21/07/2022, 08:52) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pointing out all the good in the territory while intentionally turning a blind eye on the bad is what got us to where we are today! Stop promising and start doing! The roads in East End been horrible for years! Are we suppose to pretend a lil patch work is a good thing? The roads needs to be fixed.
  • S.S (21/07/2022, 09:02) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well said,Adolf
  • Styles. (21/07/2022, 09:23) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    This guy continues to focus on the wrong things.

    Get things done Natalie. You are a public figure so you will face public scrutiny. If you can't take the heat, get out fo the kitchen. But in the meantime, please behave like an adult and stop complaining.

    And please, try to get things done instead of focussing on these petty things.
  • Yes to UK (21/07/2022, 09:24) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    Natalio D. Wheatley Said his Government now has a duty to restore the confidence of the people and that it cannot be done by making it seem as though the territory is blameless and without fault. You had a chance to do the right thing but you didn't so now is the UK turn to do the right thing. he also said. Some people out there all they like to do is take their camera around and look at what is going wrong and cuss politicians. They just find out about Facebook Live, going around having a party, looking at every pothole.

    “If you are so great step forward. Put yourself forward if you can do a better job. Put up or shut up, Natalio it don't take much to do better than you because all you do is talk, I hope you will be history within the next 2 weeks.
  • Enforcement is Key (21/07/2022, 09:24) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
    I love this! Finally a leader says it. "There are leaders, and there are followers... everyone else get the hell out of the way". Nuff said.
  • Jane (21/07/2022, 11:21) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    Put up or shut up? You best call an election then! How do you expect people to "Put up" if you don't give them the opportunity to voice their views at the ballot box.
  • The blame game continuing. (21/07/2022, 11:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is clear evidential proof that greedy politicians, some civil servants, and others not mentioned here are the main reason why we are in the mess we are now in.
    Let's look at few of many downpullers tactics that have been practiced, and is still in motion: Past political that have severed, made many promises, but has failed miserably to justified their pay salary, much less other benefits that they gotten as leaders.

    Failed to put price control in place.

    Should not we be ashamed that after so many years of promising to remedy the issue of high prices in the BVI that things continue as normal? Even now as of this writing there are those that probably in process of strapping higher prices on old products on their store shelves.
    Is it a fact that we need a new administration we need at this time? If yes, who are they? Should we in honestly vote in power former Ministers that have had many opportunities, messed things up, believing that they can fix our problems, when in fact they were great contributers of the negative condition our country are now in? Some of them been in power for as many as 20 years?.
    I can go on, and on pointing to many negative, but in doing so will not turn the clock of time backward.
    So allowed me, if you please, suggest to us all to support the unity government that is now in power under the leadership of the Hon. Dr. Natalio Sajande Wheatley. They need a change to proved themselves. The new unity government should not be blamed for all the messed that former goverments have caused, though some of its members are partly responsible.
    We do not need a change of government coming next general election, what we need most of all are to practice God's love. That means, treat each other fairly.
    Many have said, "the white should go." Others argued: "We need independence now." If the white should go, stop cravin more of his currency. If we truly desire independence, we should first let go of ignorance, stupidity, and greed. Last, but not least, the CoI probed was necessary. All of its recommendations, though not perfect, are needed, at this time in the BVI quest for better governance.
  • The Future. (21/07/2022, 11:36) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    People complain about everything in this place. When it is not we call for rain when it does rain we cry and call for the sun. We need to understand that there are things we have no control over and when do find something that we could change we sit does nothing then find fault and frustrated others who are trying. I am of the firm believe that long after we become independent , long after the Governor is black and local, long after every Department is at the head of every Department in Government and other fields, we will be blaming slavery, colonization, the UK and their Governors each time we fail and is faced with any adverse situation and we will still be fighting amongst our selves.
  • Stay Focus Mr. Premier.. (21/07/2022, 11:49) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Don't be distracted by those that usually get their mouths and their pocket full..U R making a difference, U R ushering a new way, needed changes... Ignore the noise..
  • Really (21/07/2022, 11:55) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    Is this man for real? What has he put up in education or his district? Strupes. He's just throwing around words. He needs to put up or shut the h**** up. When he starts putting up everyone will shut up, until that he'll keep hearing what a lousy leader he is.
  • E. Leonard (21/07/2022, 12:06) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Public service is not for the weak-hearted nor for those that always want to be loved, admired, and praised nor want their actions not be criticized. Public service leaders will constantly be challenge by adversity. They will be challenge within and outside of the organization/institutions, etc, by circumstances, by the environment, etc. It requires mental toughness (must have old wife skin). The press and others provide a vital service in holding public service leaders feet to the fire. They have the advantage of operating with 20/20 hindsight; whereas, public sector leaders often have to make decision in real time. Public leaders must acknowledge that problems are often headline news; whereas, positive news may get a scant mention. Further, leaders can do 99.9% things right but 1 mistake can sink the boat. Public sector leaders will face the challenge of not having all the resources they need to deliver the most services to the most people. Austerity is endemic. Nevertheless, leaders must be efficient and effective in executing available resources, keeping in mind that people is the most important resource yet the most difficult to lead/manage. The bottom line is public sector leaders must do the right things for the right reasons at the right time at right cost, taking criticism and white noise in stride. Criticism is part and parcel of the business. Public sector leaders should be worried when they are not getting criticized.
    • FREE ADVICE (21/07/2022, 12:55) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Hon Premier Natalio Wheatley, E. Leonard, a family neighbor, is offering some free advice. Take the criticism in stride. And do the right things for the BVI and people. Stop being so thin skinned. You are the leader and must lead by example.
    • Political Experience/Maturity (21/07/2022, 15:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Experience and maturity are priceless and come with time. As a political science major, I was pleased and impressed with the depth and width of info provided in this blog. It is is a good read for all civil servants both elected and non- elected alike, as well as the general public. Suggestion: More people might be inclined to read an article than reading all the comments to articles. Perhaps, you can expand on public sector leadership/management in an article.
    • RealPol (21/07/2022, 15:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Real talk. Commentary/advise without negative personal attacks or character assassination. The take away for me is that public sector officers should expect to be criticized. Criticizing government officials go together like bread and butter, brick and mortar, bread and cheese, etc. Criticizing people for criticizing you only add energy to getting further and deeper criticism.



  • vi (21/07/2022, 12:28) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Talk all you want he getting vote back in easy.
  • Advice (21/07/2022, 12:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pay two increment times hard
  • ManyofUsCantButLIKE2Talk (21/07/2022, 14:47) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Politicians should be held accountable, but many of us behind the key board etc. don't want or can't do the job, So I agree with him.
  • lol (21/07/2022, 14:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    sound like AF
    "Put up or shut up"
  • Down Island peoplE (21/07/2022, 15:34) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    In picture of him posted in this article he sorta looks like K. Relly. DEF, giving us that kind of vybe but who am I to say anything, Im just a down-islander.
  • vi (21/07/2022, 15:44) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    There is a difference between work for something and inherite it so let the premier figure it out
  • The Reaper (21/07/2022, 19:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Put up or shut up,Election .we will see,put up or shut up…..
  • give the man a break (21/07/2022, 19:32) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    He’s right! They’re trying! Give them a break man. All some people know to do is spew out hate and negativity.
  • Miro (21/07/2022, 20:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Very funny


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