Voters in the Virgin Islands duriing a past general election. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

(L-R) Talking Points Co-hosts Damion C. Grange, Elvin G. Grant, and guest Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) Photo: Facebook

Elections in the Virgin Islands (VI) are due during the first quarter of 2027. 

During Talking Points on January 12, 2026, Co-host Damion C. Grange asked Premier Wheatley about his intentions when he invited Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL) to join his government in December 2025. 

“Are we going to an early election, Premier?” Grange asked. 

Dr Wheatley replied, “I have every intention that we complete our agenda before we go back to the polls. We have some important things that we want to do.”

Some of those include extending the runway at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport, building Prospect Reef and improvements to the infrastructure. 

“So my focus is not necessarily just on political strategy, so to speak. Of course, that’s always a part of being in government; I will be honest about that, but my main focus is delivering for the people based on what we said we would do.”

A unifier!

Dr Wheatley said he aspires to be a leader who invites persons to collaborate and to work with him in the best interest of the Virgin Islands. 

“I want persons to see me as somebody they can work with, whether in government or out of government, that we can work together to improve the situation for the people of the Virgin Islands. I want to see myself as a unifier and not a divider.”

The Premier added that more people who can look “beyond party” and their “own individual aspirations and ambitions” are needed in the VI to make things better. 

Better late than never for Hon Mather 

Premier Wheatley said he was pleased that Hon Mather accepted the invitation to join the government, as he has a lot to offer. 

“I believe the people of the Virgin Islands did not elect him just to criticise what the government is doing, I believe they elected him because he did such a wonderful job with the Youth Empowerment Project, such a wonderful job as a teacher, and they want him involved in helping young people to reach their full potential.”

He said, while this move happened late, it is “better late than never”. 

“I believe he has the opportunity now to really demonstrate his potential for really transforming lives, in a particular capacity, and I’m grateful that he has the opportunity, and I believe the people of the Virgin Islands will benefit based on that.”