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VI must never forget USVI support when local constitution was threatened – Premier

-as USVI/VI marks 50th Jubilee of friendship & resilient bond
October 22nd, 2022 | Tags: USVI VI Friendship Day Tortola 50th Jubilee
As the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Virgin Islands (VI) mark some 50 years of friendship, VI Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has called on the people of the territory to never forget the support received from the USVI when the local constitution was threatened. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - As the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Virgin Islands (VI) mark some 50 years of friendship, VI Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has called on the people of the territory to never forget the support received from the USVI when the local constitution was threatened.

Speaking at today’s October 22, 2022, Friendship Day celebration, Dr Wheatley said 50 years of friendship celebrations are not only important to the people of the VI and USVI, but it is significant as it truly demonstrates the resilience of the bond shared by the two counties.

“Let me say that this friendship is sweet, even sweeter than those Johnny Cakes we had this morning. Despite our oneness, some tried to force us to fight. But we must remain focused on our friendship. Any relationship faces challenges and sometimes even friends disagree, but it is important that we never take for granted the specialness of our union,” he said.

The PRemier recalled the historical trades of the two counties that helped them survive the local colonial impoverishment and reminded the VI to never forget the support it received from the USVI after the Hurricanes of 2017.  

Be guided by potential of mutual cooperation - Premier Wheatley  

“We must never forget how Governor Bryan stood beside us when our Constitution was threatened. I agree with the Governor and the Lieutenant when they say we are stronger together, and as far as I'm concerned, we have only scratched the surface of the potential of this Union,” he said,

He called on the VI and USVI to resist the temptation of being blinded by their individual territorial interests and rather be guided by the potentialities of their mutual cooperation.

“We have so much we can explore in tourism and telecoms. Tapping into our tremendous talent in culture. Exploring investment and trade…. Sharing best practices and so much more,” the Premier said.

Dr Wheatley said he remains excited about the possibilities of collaboration between the two counties in areas like sports, law enforcement, and even cultural exchanges.

9 Responses to “VI must never forget USVI support when local constitution was threatened – Premier”

  • one eye (22/10/2022, 17:15) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let Ranling Take that
  • ... (22/10/2022, 17:19) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Happy 50th
  • Sweet (22/10/2022, 17:28) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    And any announcement about the USVI day charter business coming back?
  • Unbelievable (22/10/2022, 17:46) Like (1) Dislike (16) Reply
    Oh I see the usvi did so much for the vi. Yet one mention of what the vi did for them. Yes we will remember that the vi are takers but have nothing to offer in return. Maybe if you had sent a johnny over then you would be able to say we sent them a johnny cake today for all their help. Shame.
  • @ unbelievable (22/10/2022, 19:05) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    ÀND YOUR POINT IS ❓
  • @ unbelievable (22/10/2022, 20:53) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    While you are on your quest to shame and bring division between the islands please be reminded that the bonds that bind us run deeper than friendship. I remember in 1985 when St. Thomas was devastated by hurricane Marilyn. On the first ferry it was over loaded with everything imaginable including charcoal drinking water and non perishable food. Laundry was transported to be done on Tortola. It was people looking out for their kinfolk our islands are connected by blood relations. Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grand and great grand parents, in laws we are one people divided by colonialist US and UK much the same as was done to Africa. When the ferry pulled in to Red Hook there was not a dry eye on the boat when we beheld the aftermath of that hurricane. If we go back in history there is Tortola Wharf in St. Thomas where fish and food from Tortola was a weekly provision also that part of St. Croix that is still called Tortola. There is no need to mention St. John...So Mr. or Miss Unbelievable you will have to dig much deeper than that to drive a wedge between family.
    • Yes indeed, (23/10/2022, 19:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think Marilyn was in 1996 and Hugo in 1989. Everything said about our relationship goes back over a century. One people.
  • okay (22/10/2022, 23:40) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    I didn't even read the Article, I just see a picture of the premier and was reminded that I wasted a vote on him last election. To the people of the VI I'm sorry and I won't waste my vote again.
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (22/10/2022, 23:54) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    We appreciated the warm friendly relationship between the BVI a d USVI. May it continue to grow even stronger from year to year.
    What we don't appreciate iare the daily sewerge water that is daily Running in the roads of the 7th & 8th district, also the amount of garbage and stinch that causes severe deseases throughout this country due to foul air, Hin. Premier, Dr. Natalio Sajande Wheatley.
    Great speeches alone are insufficient.




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