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VIP Gov’t & Opposition to propose Unity Gov’t to Governor Rankin

-as alternative to direct rule recommended in CoI Report
Members of the proposed National Unity Government. From left: Junior Minister for Tourism, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6); Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL); Minister for Transportation, Utilities and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5); Acting Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7); Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8); Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL). Photo: Facebook
Under the proposed National Unity Government, Territorial At Large Member Honourable Neville A. Smith will continue to serve as Deputy Speaker and will conduct the responsibilities of the Speaker of the House of Assembly until a new speaker is confirmed. Photo: Facebook/File
Under the proposed National Unity Government, Territorial At Large Member Honourable Neville A. Smith will continue to serve as Deputy Speaker and will conduct the responsibilities of the Speaker of the House of Assembly until a new speaker is confirmed. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- With the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Opposition, along with the people, against direct rule by the United Kingdom (UK), the Government and Opposition have announced they are proposing a unity government to Governor John J. Rankin, CMG as an alternative they hope he seriously considers.

Who is in proposed National Unity Gov’t?

Under the proposed National Unity Government, Opposition Leader Marlon A. Penn (R8) of the National Democratic Party (NDP) will be Minister for Health and Social Development and Opposition Member Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) of Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) will be Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration.

There was no place in Cabinet for the incumbent Labour Minister Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) and Health Minister Hon Carvin Malone (AL); however, Hon Malone will be responsible for District 1, with the arrest of its representative, Premier Andrew A. Fahie.

This was disclosed by Acting Premier and newly elected Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Chairman Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) via a live update today, May 4, 2022. Hon Wheatley will remain Acting Premier in the proposed unity government.

Unity Gov’t will work with UK to implement CoI Recommendations- Dr Wheatley

Dr Wheatley said the elected political party members met and have agreed to propose a national unity government to Governor Rankin under his leadership as acting premier.

He said each political party would be represented in Cabinet as this would give the best political representation as a government that will be working closely with the governor and the United Kingdom on reforms, which he said must go well beyond the Commission of Inquiry recommendations.

Who else in Unity Gov’t?

Under the proposed unity government, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) will remain Minister for Transportation, Utilities and Works; however, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), the current Junior Minister for Tourism, will be the Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports.

Fisheries and Agriculture will remain the responsibilities of Dr Wheatley.

Regarding Junior Ministers, Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) will serve as Junior Minister for Tourism and Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) will continue as Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development and will assist with Agriculture and Fisheries.

Dr Wheatley also said At Large Member Honourable Neville A. Smith will continue to serve as Deputy Speaker and will conduct the responsibilities of the Speaker of the House of Assembly until a new speaker is confirmed.

Mr Julian Willock resigned as Speaker on May 3, 2022.

Meanwhile, Dr Wheatley said Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley will remain the representative of the Ninth District.

He also said Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool will continue to be a Representative of the 4th District and a “strong member of the National Unity Government.”

No mention was made of Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA.

Final decision rests with Gov Rankin

Dr Wheatley said he hopes Governor Rankin will accept and make the new appointments as required, once the necessary constitutional steps have been taken to initiate the process.

“I will update the public by the end of the week on his response and timelines,” Dr Wheatley said.

And according to Hon Penn, the National Unity Government is expected to last for 10 to 12 months.

44 Responses to “VIP Gov’t & Opposition to propose Unity Gov’t to Governor Rankin”

  • huh (04/05/2022, 13:33) Like (50) Dislike (27) Reply
    No one that has read the full COI report is against direct rule.
    • On Point (04/05/2022, 15:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      well sah
    • @HUH (04/05/2022, 16:10) Like (6) Dislike (20) Reply
      A bunch of jealous creatures, why are you all so afraid to go back home? Maybe because your countries state of corruption has driven you to our shores, but guess what, you can't have our country. Colonization will be over soon, but keep talking, we will know who our true enemies are. Every dog has his day!
      • @@HUH (04/05/2022, 17:26) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        StEfu…muppet…That’s the problem with some of us.. egotistic corruption enablers!..Everything is black or white or Island man this and that..Get a £ grip.. and move along.. Sound like your hands tied.. Hope you are exposed for the £ilth you are.
        • @ @@HUH (04/05/2022, 22:40) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
          You worry about your own evil heart. You think that it’s all about that Black, White etc.? No, it’s about ungrateful jealousy. It’s about giving someone an opportunity to live and eat in your house and that person going after your children’s future inheritance because their own house was unsustainable. It’s about an infestation of parasites in your house!
    • Hmm (04/05/2022, 21:42) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      Even if persons have not read the report in its entirety as yet because it is very lengthy, once you watched the Inquiry you will definitely welcome direct rule.
  • WOW (04/05/2022, 13:33) Like (68) Dislike (6) Reply
    Same rats minding the same cheese. What a thing!
  • No (04/05/2022, 13:34) Like (80) Dislike (17) Reply
    NO. Don’t trust none of them Mr. Governor. Take over and clean up the BVI!!
    • @No (04/05/2022, 16:03) Like (5) Dislike (16) Reply
      Take over? Do you truly believe that we will not gain our independence! All you foreigners on here talking, in the end when all is said and done will have to depart... because the more you try to destroy us the more our eyes are opening and understanding that we must gain our freedom from the UK. Then all of you on here talking mess will have to go home because you would have occupied our nation forcefully.
      • lodger (04/05/2022, 19:30) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
        So under independence you will deport all “foreigners”? Left with about 12000 population, more than half children, our economy will collapse in days and even worse anarchy will reign. Think carefully before you spout such ridiculous ideas.
        • @lodger (04/05/2022, 22:46) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
          Did I say all foreigners? There are many in the VI who love the people and care for the nations. Then there are the ones on the blog talking crap! The envious slimy snakes. Let them keep talking… God don’t sleep!
    • Be Wise (05/05/2022, 00:59) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      Old People Have A Saying That Goes Like This You “Know What You Have But You Don’t Know What You Getting”. Lots Want The UK to Take Over But We Don’t Know What They Planning On Bringing Upon Us. So Please Don’t Be So Quick To Say You Want The UK To Take Over.
  • WEW (04/05/2022, 13:34) Like (58) Dislike (6) Reply
    Oh great. Crooks from both sides together
    • believe me (04/05/2022, 14:49) Like (10) Dislike (14) Reply
      You all make me sick with your judgemental attitude. The only crooks are the ones who have been caught. Let him who is without sin cast the first stone. Put your stone down because you have not been caught as yet but that does not mean you are not a crook.
  • News (04/05/2022, 14:30) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    i would replace Mitch Turnbull as well. However am happy to see the rest are out . SOME SECTION OF THE PRIVATE SECTORS ARE ANABLERS AS WELL ---approach these minister for favorS .
    I think most of us bviislander would very much like to see the uk persue individuals that are corrupt on principle alone so that these things dont happen again. it creates inequity and social ills within a society WE SHOULD MARCH AGAINST CORRUPTION JUST LIKE HOW WE PROTEST AGAINST UK RULE.
    WHILE I AGAINST UK RULE , I STRONGLY BELEIVE THAT WE SHOULD BE SCRUTINISE CLOSELY IN ORDER TO WIPE OUT CORRTION AND MAKE BVI A MODEL FOR THE REST OF THE CARIBBEAN.
  • Ummmm (04/05/2022, 14:32) Like (5) Dislike (14) Reply
    All this to please the WHITE MASTER!
    • @Ummmm (04/05/2022, 16:19) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
      I soooo agree! Compromising the few that has a little integrity for the NDP! Sowande, you are not a good leader! You through your own people under the bus! No Honour, shameful!
    • Windrush (05/05/2022, 02:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Take a look at the Queen and the UK cabinet and walk the streets of London. Unless you're talking about pleasing the royal family your comment is wrong on grammar and racist.
  • no way (04/05/2022, 14:34) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    They now want to be there without anyone to oppose them or watch what they are up to. How stupid do they think we are.
  • Secret Bear (04/05/2022, 14:35) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Total scam. Anyone dumb enough to fall for this deserves what they get.
  • Red shoes (04/05/2022, 14:38) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a shame in nature little secret
  • 1st District (04/05/2022, 14:40) Like (1) Dislike (9) Reply
    I do not want Carvin "we are not out of the woods yet" Malone as my district rep. PERIODT!!! He was not voted in by the people of the 1st district... even though he is an at large candidate and should represent all districts. Put him as deputy speaker and give 1st district to Hon sheep. Alvera Maduro Caines and Shereen Flax should be exchanged. Don't muck it up worse than it is.
    • UTTER RUBBISH (04/05/2022, 17:12) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Popcorn man was demoted for a reason yet you going to put him to mind the first district that been under criminal watch?!?!!??

      What kind of sense that make?

      Petty 6th District got no call in politics and would bring tourism to shame.

      Protesting with a sign that said fix your problems before trying to come fix ours right before a meeting with Hon. Millings the SAME DAY and expect to get position???!??

      It is clear the Rep IS NOT WILLING TO WORK WITH THE UK OR TAKE THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS!!
  • RAILING (04/05/2022, 14:46) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Am happy to see that some ministers notably absent from this proposed new government . However Mitch should not be there but he did won his constituent. These ministers have to be stern with some section within our private sector (some of whom are enablers and would ask people in position for personal favors.
    Just like how we protest the governers office to prevent Uk rule , we should protest alll forms of corruption as well.
    All those who are and were involve in corruption and or conflict of interest should face the full force of the law and Uk should persue this aggressively out of principle so that BVI can be an examble for the rest of caribbean countries
  • Foriegn (04/05/2022, 14:51) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    No Governor they had their chance and all of them brought shame and disgrace to the people of the BVI and the whole Caribbean countries, because it is who knows who in high places to get a piece of the pie. Time to clean up I am all for direct ruling. Send a stern message let them know that corruption is not acceptable and that they cannot be trusted.
  • Well (04/05/2022, 14:55) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    welll COACH got bail. so we will see who is who and what is what
    • Nothing going FN change... (04/05/2022, 15:27) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
      We need direct rule. Why r they rolling with Mitch.. replace Mitch with Shareen Flax..We need clean hands..This is shameful..I think Marlon has the wrong Port foiio..I don't like this.
  • Slim Jim (04/05/2022, 14:57) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    "No mention was made of Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA."

    hmmmm.... couldn't come to an agreement, or does the Rep. for D3 smell a rat?

    Time will tell whether this proposal is accepted by the Governor, if the people themselves are in favour of this move, and whether they can actually be "united" for long.
    • Suspend the constitution Pls. (04/05/2022, 16:03) Like (5) Dislike (10) Reply
      This is a mess. The only person I see who are determined to make Change Is Sowande, the rest of them going in to make friends....I like Shareen Flax but that screening and shouting Infront the Governor gate wasn't a good look. She shot herself in her foot .
  • Nice try. I have 3 Problems.. (04/05/2022, 15:15) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    1/ Have 3 Problems...Personalities doesn't match the Positions...Immigration should stay with the Premier..2/.Marlon Doesn't have the personality for Health, He would do good at Ports & Tourism...3/ ( Ports & Tourist should be under one ministry). .Shareen Flax will do good at Health....Positions and personality walks hand in hand...
  • hmmm (04/05/2022, 15:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So who is the opposition. Remember some years back when we had 1 or 2 opposition member. Don't Like this
  • Hon Wheatly (04/05/2022, 15:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not seeing him
    Where is he?
  • ... (04/05/2022, 15:35) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    I think the best thing is to go to the polls
  • concern (04/05/2022, 16:16) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VIP government is hiding something so don’t allow that when they was doing their stuff the opposition was left out you want be premier that bad
  • AA (04/05/2022, 16:19) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ain’t it some of those persons who suppose to bring about positive change who dished out our social security money willy-nilly to their constituents, family members, friends and supporters, most of whom did not qualify as 'farmers' and fishers' and didn’t know a blade of grass or a gutu?

    And you putting them again to mind the cheese despite the COI recommendations that addressed the wanton spending of taxpayers funds?

    Mind all you. Who don’t hear does feel.
  • Insight (04/05/2022, 17:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We must look for leaders who are not morally challenge . Look into their personal lives with their family because if u did wrong to your family there is no way u can lead people that are strangers and we all know people like this who are in govt . once you lack the necessary morals please stay out of politics.
    those ministers that notably absent must have done something wrong and or some sort of conflict of interest thats why they were omitted
  • josiah'sbay (04/05/2022, 18:47) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shuffling members of Government at this time is a waste of time. What is needed is a total reconstruction of government. Checks and balances are needed. A more productive allocation f the budget is needed. Power sharing between the districts and Government is needed. Revenue generation within the district is needed. Other things need to be considered. Government can't be fixed with quick shuffling of its member. Experts may have to be brought in, Government similar to what we want may have to be looked at. This will take a good bit of time to do it right.
  • That’s a negative (04/05/2022, 20:14) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    We don’t want any of you! Your suggestions just further inform us of our deep this collusion between parties actually run. Suspend the constitution indefinitely until all investigations are complete. We are just at the tip of the iceberg. Dirty birdies.
  • lmao (04/05/2022, 20:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this decision was made in such a short time that we see few problems on the horizon

    however, planning is essential in any business decision that is expected to be successful.
  • The Reaper (04/05/2022, 20:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bull S….Only now, we under the Queen,but
  • Don't understand this (04/05/2022, 21:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What will happen in these two ( Health and Natural Resources) Ministries since the former Ministers are gone and the proposed have not been appointed by the Governor? Asking for a friend.
  • Amazing (04/05/2022, 22:04) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    how this Fahie debacle started yet no mention of the Lebanese Hezbollah cell has been made since that revelation. BVIslanders and other Caribbean Nationals will tear each other to pieces but certain people they won't mess with. All the whites foaming at the mouth seem also to have gotten amnesia when it comes to this part of the story. None of you are better than the other. Cut the crap and let peace reign. BVI belong to BVIslanders. Most of you foreign upstarts your home country is infinitely more dutty, bloody and corrupt than BVI.
  • MY VOICE (04/05/2022, 22:44) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    I Notice that since Honourable Andrew A. Fahie became a United States Citizen - Everybody is distancing themselves from him. He is now a Citizen of the United States and has become a resident of Miami Florida. I wish him all the best in his New Home.


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