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VI political parties will not ‘disappear’ due to coalition Gov’t – Premier Wheatley

-Says unity Gov’t will place VI in best position to reform & renew local democracy
The Formation of the National Unity Government was announced on May 4, 2022, comprising of Junior Minister for Tourism, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) - VIP; Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) - VIP; Minister for Transportation, Utilities and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) - VIP; Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7)-VIP; Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8)-NDP; Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2)-PVIM and Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL)- VIP. Photo: Facebook/File
The Premier was at the time speaking during a June 2, 2022, statement where he reminded that the Unity Government is made up of members from the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and the National Democratic Party (NDP). Photo: GIS/Facebook
The Premier was at the time speaking during a June 2, 2022, statement where he reminded that the Unity Government is made up of members from the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and the National Democratic Party (NDP). Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has assured the people of the territory that local political parties will not disappear as a result of the newly formed Unity Government.

The Premier was at the time speaking during a June 2, 2022, statement where he reminded that the Unity Government is made up of members from the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and the National Democratic Party (NDP).

Political parties will continue - Premier 

“To be clear, this does not mean our respective political organizations have been amalgamated into one, they remain individual political bodies, however, at the Governmental level, the members of the Unity Government comprise one unit.”

The Premier continued, “While this is the case, we want to reassure the public that political parties in the Virgin Islands will continue to be an integral part of the representative democracy here in the Virgin Islands, they will not be disappearing from the political landscape,” he said.

The Formation of the National Unity Government was announced on May 4, 2022, comprising of Junior Minister for Tourism, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) - VIP; Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) - VIP; Minister for Transportation, Utilities and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) - VIP; Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7)-VIP; Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8)-NDP; Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2)-PVIM and Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL)- VIP.

Under the proposed Government, Territorial-At-Large Member Honourable Neville A. Smith will continue to serve as Deputy Speaker, and Hons Vincent O. Wheatley(R9), Carvin Malone (AL) and Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) remain representatives in the House. 

Country placed above self - Premier 

The Premier said the formation of the Unity Government shows the country has been placed above party and above self, “we are working together in the national interest as opposed to engaging in party division that serves no one’s interest,” he added.

He added that the current Unity Government also puts VI in the best position to reform and renew its democracy in the face of the arrest of Ex-Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and the release of the CoI report with its sweeping recommendations, which includes partial suspension of the constitution and UK-direct rule.

Dr the Hon Wheatley noted that the coalition Government is also a demonstration of maturity and determination to make the fundamental changes needed for a new era of democratic governance that will place the territory on a new development trajectory.

11 Responses to “VI political parties will not ‘disappear’ due to coalition Gov’t – Premier Wheatley”

  • My girl (04/06/2022, 14:20) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    But we know which party is done with lololl
  • Native Senior citizen of the British Viirgin Islands (04/06/2022, 15:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon. Premier Dr. Natalio Sajande Wheatley, am not a well educated person in the English language, but I do understand the true definition of meaning of the word unity, and I am confident that I how to explain its meaning accurately in line withe its meaning, in according to the English language dictionary.
    If in fact we have a true unity government why the. It is so muddled in confusion?
    The oI has recommended some changes, handed over the the present Governor. The recommendations changes is in progress. Certain former VIP Cabinet members have lost the power to operate as was done and are liable to face investigation. You know who they are. A tripartite government void of an opposition hasbe forced upon us by our current Governor,we war against the UK the Governor and the CoI daily on various issues.
    I would readily believe you if healthy butterflieswould fly on a straight path without fluttering zig saggingly in filght from one point to another or one tree to another.
    Until then, I honestly, and firmly reject your opinion of truth in reference to this topic issue.
    No personal hate to you Premier, but is this good enough for you? Maybe yes in your opinion, but not for our welbeing at this time. In many and mine own eyes, no. Too many unanswered questions remain unanswered.
    Like or dislike.
  • Still waiting. (04/06/2022, 15:58) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not seeing any meaningful changes...Hard to say, but it will take a full Britain involvement for meaningful changes to happen...
  • Mia (04/06/2022, 16:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wait, how come the rest of the unity government not in the picture? Where is Sheep, Action Man, Carvin and Wheatley?
  • The Reaper (04/06/2022, 19:12) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Can’t wait until Election..Too do my magic,next ,what 2years or February
  • josiah'sbay (04/06/2022, 20:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    VI don't need a party system it create division and conflict. There is no pronounce ideological difference here in the VI. The VI's primary concern should be surviving in a global economical system in its niche. We are basically a service sector business that needs proper management and the ability to keep up with the ebb and flow of the industry. Thirteen independent selfless patriotic leaders at the helm that have the VI's best interest in mind is what we need.
  • gone (04/06/2022, 20:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Party politics gone from the BVI. Only at large independent candidates is a 5 person HOA. No more district reps.
  • Minister (05/06/2022, 00:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In reading this article, I take note of the names who is a Minister , the Premiere is the Minister of what.? Can we also called the other 3 members, back benchers.??
  • Rubber Duck (05/06/2022, 01:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need new elections and the house to be dissolved
  • disappointed (05/06/2022, 08:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If only they could just disappear
  • NICK (05/06/2022, 17:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Country and people should always be the preference above party. If you are united, then the only opposition is the Hon Fraiser. Let us put parties and preferences and get on to higher heights in the best interest of we the people without fear or affection malice or ill will. Let self be laid aside and in this christian community. Christ be consulted and exalted and see God work.


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