VI ‘infested with favouritism’- Dr Charles H. Wheatley
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Dr Wheatley was a guest on Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, November 25, 2024, when he discussed the events leading up to the Great March of 1949.
Co-host Violet Thomas-Gaul asked their guest, “When you look back and you look at us today, we seem to be so afraid to go forward with anything. Do you have a thought on that?”
VI sold out to others- Dr Charles H. Wheatley
“You sellout yourself to other people”, was his simple answer to Mrs Thomas-Gaul’s question.
In expounding, Dr Wheatley said, “In other words, the BVI is infested with favouritism and all those kinds of things. Those things are enslavement because the people are not free.”
He added this was one of the reasons he did not enter politics, stating that no one owns him. “People think even in politics, they own you and it is true because you sell yourself to them for a vote, you expose yourself to them, you have to abide by them.”
Conversations about history important- Damion C. Grange
Meantime, Co-host Damion C. Grange said conversations delving into the Territory’s history are important.
“Learning the history on which you stand as Virgin Islanders you should know that what you have was fought for by the generations before you...it is why you should not sit idly by this day and watch present generations squander such rich history.”
The VI commemorated the Great March of 1949 on Sunday, November 24, 2024, with a march through Road Town beginning from the Road Town Bandstand and proceeded to Sir Olva Georges Plaza, along Main Street.
Sunday’s march was held under the theme ‘A Milestone and a Movement’ and saw participation from hundreds as they re-enacted the Great March.
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16 Responses to “VI ‘infested with favouritism’- Dr Charles H. Wheatley ”
Roger Burnett
[Let’s lead like eagles , not careened off the cliff like eagles ]
Shifting gears to politics. Politics is part of the governing process. Former US President Ronald Reagan notes that politics is the second oldest profession that seems to have a close resemblance to the first. What is the first? Most politcians come to office well-intentioned to advocate for their constituents. Nevertheless, in time, too many are corrupted by the corrupt processes (colonialism is a corrupt institution ) and corrupt colleagues. In turn,,politics often changed from working for the people , the poor, the working class, for the country/territory to working for the wealthy, big companies , themselves(politicians). It becomes one of overpromising and undelivering, making constituents dependable, crraging political patronage situation, exhibiting chameleon type behavior, etc. Politics in ancient times was a cesspool riddled with deceit, treachery, betrayal, plots, vices, etc.. Fast forwarding
go today, it seems nothing has changed. I guess there is nothing new under the sun.
Mr. Leonard, you slaughtered the supposed glamor of politics with your ‘cesspool’ reference going back to ancient times. Dr. Wheatley indicated that he did not seek elected office because he didn’t want to be and could not be owned. Well,,if one is not at the table, one has little chance of influencing outcomes . However, since we are keeping things real, I will be bold and silently say that probably Dr. Wheatley could not get elected..Undoubtedly, Dr. Wheatley has the knowledge, experience,,etc but politics is about more. It is about performance. It is about personality. It is about being down with the electorate. It is about retail politics.etc. Furthermore, one cannot get elected without overpromising. Those who don’t promise cannot pass go. Mr. Leonard, you know this, for you have written about it. Many early boomers who are bright have problems getting elected; some younger boomers, Gen X, etc., do too..They are not relatable, not down with the public , working class.
a swirling cesspool with corrupt members.
Wheatley is spot on.
Exact things.