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Unfair! VI gov't has to fund even the 'little parties' thrown by Governor

- Dr the Hon Wheatley tells UK 'you don’t want to give anything, but you want to demand everything'
January 6th, 2021 | Tags: unfair fund parties demand Natalio D. Wheatley HOA
It was revealed in the House of Assembly (HoA) on January 5, 2021 that the Government of the Virgin Islands is saddled with the expenses of the Governor's residence, including the parties thrown there by him. Inset: Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert. Photo: VINO/File
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said he is disappointed in the relationship that the United Kingdom (UK) has with the territory. Photo: VINO/File
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said he is disappointed in the relationship that the United Kingdom (UK) has with the territory. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said he is disappointed in the relationship that the United Kingdom (UK) has with the territory.

He said during the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, that he was ‘surprised’ to learn what the local government is tasked to pay for based on an agreement between the two nations.

“Mr Speaker, I was surprised to learn upon taking office that the United Kingdom (UK) and the Government of the Virgin Islands, we have an agreement. I was surprised; I thought the Governor’s Office was financed by the UK, and all of the parties, and all the staff, I thought it was funded by the UK. It was real news to me [when I] I saw an agreement between the UK and local government outlining the responsibilities of the local government to pay for various things in the Governor’s Office,” he pointed out.

“You wouldn’t believe what the local government is financing, all those little parties that you see going on up there, is local government that is financing those things. Mr Speaker, you know what that told me? I mean not even a little champagne you could’ve paid for? Not even a little cider? All those little spinach, a little cheese, you couldn’t even pay for that? But yet you want to be in a position to dictate everything to us, and you are not putting up anything.”

We have to demand better

The Deputy Premier said the territory must demand a better relationship that is beneficial to both countries.

“I am disappointed, Mr Speaker, in the relationship, and persons speak about diplomacy, I am all for diplomacy, I am all for great relationships, strategic relationships but at some point, you have to say “c’mon man” at some point, you have to say, 'this thing is unequal'. The relationship can be better, and it has nothing to do with the fact that maybe you feel these boys too rude, and you start speaking too loud, and you start worrying about who you offending.”

He continued: “At some point we have to stand up and say, 'no man, something is wrong'. How many countries are in this kinds of relationship? You think we just met the UK? We have been in a relationship with the UK for centuries. At what point are we going to say 'we demand better of this relationship?' You have to give something, you have to give, but you don’t want to give anything, but you want to demand everything. You want to have all the power, all the responsibility, but you don’t want to give, and every time you give two cents you want to be up and down the place, press release. I appreciate it, but lord have mercy, it cannot compare to all that you have taken.”

'What about all you took from my ancestors?'

Hon Wheatley said he was glad that Opposition Member Hon Julian Fraser (R3) spoke of reparations because “I am never going to be on the defensive when it comes to the UK giving anything. What about all you took from my ancestors? What about all that you owe me right now? I am going to remind you. It might make some people uncomfortable because people like to parade here and be your friend here as long as you don’t say anything that makes them uncomfortable.” 

While pledging to speak out on the issue, he said, “And now you want to be calling the shots, you want to destroy my financial services, and you cannot even pay for the little spinach and the little cheese at the party.”

He also pointed out that the UK should be assisting the territory towards self-determination rather than trying to set up roadblocks.

21 Responses to “Unfair! VI gov't has to fund even the 'little parties' thrown by Governor”

  • Well (06/01/2021, 09:54) Like (38) Dislike (13) Reply
    Oh well respect your elders he’s above the government
  • My girl (06/01/2021, 10:21) Like (8) Dislike (22) Reply
    Yet another reason for independence the uk is a Finacial burden
  • Unfair? (06/01/2021, 10:22) Like (26) Dislike (14) Reply
    What does the BVI know about fairness?
  • W*F (06/01/2021, 10:40) Like (52) Dislike (5) Reply
    Who pays for the ships and troops to be built trained and provided after hurricane Irma? Who provides the grant money? Whose credit is offered to provide a loan guarantee because we have none? Who pays for the consular and diplomatic assistance for BVIslanders overseas? Who provides our vaccine? Who provides our national security guarantee? The list goes on... this is hardly a one-way deal. What we spend on the UK relationship is exponentially outweighed by what they spend supporting us. We can demonstrate that we are ready to further steps towards self-determination better without all the mudslinging. This is juvenile behavior and only serves to further demonstrate that we are NOT ready to lead ourselves in the world because we don't have a world view. Be better. Grow up. LEAD!
  • hmm well (06/01/2021, 11:20) Like (45) Dislike (4) Reply
    well well well when it comes to unfair leave it to Government, a dose of your own medicine.
    • Hmmmm (06/01/2021, 15:07) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      It's also not fair to pay out Big salaries for little or no work,,,,,, check self before we check others,,
  • tell me (06/01/2021, 11:22) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Small price to pay for UK passport and its travel travel and work acceptance in Europe.
    My concern is who is footing the bill for the ton load of policemen and room and board to police the defective building blocks we have so lavishly scavenged to build our country with a destructiveness that cannot be reversed. That is real and plenty.
  • D7 (06/01/2021, 11:54) Like (34) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ok Hon. Minister now you know and it is nothing unusual about that. There are are certain benefits \ allowances that comes with certain posts. If I am not wrong I believe it is call entertainment allowances. I am quite sure that the Premier and other top post enjoy this benefits. They normally use this for entertainment purposes or to "throw parties" and that money comes from tax payers. To make it sound like it something unique to the Governor and that something is wrong with is misleading and that is unfair!
    • Armish (06/01/2021, 12:54) Like (8) Dislike (19) Reply
      You missed the point, we VI people are the ones paying for the parties and the UK Government is not and should be paying. The UK army that came after Irma with the body bags cost us $10 million from the VI Treasury. Enough is enough.
  • BRAINWASHED EDUCATION (06/01/2021, 12:33) Like (7) Dislike (32) Reply
    These islands and the rest of the hemisphere and indigenous people globally have been the victims of the Europeans
    for centuries. The Virgin Islands are now maturing to the point where they can stand up and fight back. Everything is disguised to make it appear that it is the normal way of life but many of us have come to realize that it is the continuation of slavery. With COURAGE and determination we must remove ourselves from under this yoke of oppression.
  • FAHIE WILL LOSE (06/01/2021, 12:35) Like (69) Dislike (15) Reply
    Fahie won't win against the governor and the UK: the majority of residents want the UK as watch dog over these politicians who victimize public servants and put their friends in charge of matters they no nothing about. . So Fahie needs to shut it and get on with the people's agenda. In 10 years there will be no change. Take that to the bank.
    • Sigh (06/01/2021, 13:39) Like (1) Dislike (13) Reply
      You might be right, but only because those people are either brainwashed, ignorant, or downright stupid to think that the UK people of slave owners are not victimisers and corrupt. Thnik again, plus factor in racism. In 10 years there will be major changes whether you like it or not. Facts
    • What? (06/01/2021, 13:58) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      You can't put a rat to watch cheese.
    • indeed (09/01/2021, 18:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      sick of them..and others joining the stupid bandwagon.. Thank God it's all up to the people.. Andre them need to look work.. We love the UK we will forever be the BRITISH virgin Islands... we ain't letting them go.. so please Andre you have 2 years left do something with it and hush mon!!
  • Rubber Duck (06/01/2021, 13:19) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    How much will they charge us for the vaccine? Nothing is the answer.

    Be careful what you wish for.
  • GOV (06/01/2021, 13:29) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    people if you do not know the law stop talking foolishness there are things that the territory has to take care when it comes to the governor and his office so please read and know the rules of the Premier office and the governor office before you come out and make such statements about matters when it comes to both offices, Lern the protical
  • Damn (06/01/2021, 16:14) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Our leaders startin to look PETTY LF. As if we need them to point out the things we know going on.......just shut up and produce damnit.
  • WHAT!!! (07/01/2021, 08:12) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don’t all our top elected officials get an entertainment allowance from tax payers money.
  • pat (07/01/2021, 09:38) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    The uk is sucking the bvi blood it’s not right


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