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‘We must become one Virgin Islands’- Premier Wheatley

- said Long Look will become an epicentre for heritage tourism
The Long Look community has a rich cultural heritage. Photo: Internet Source
District 7 Representative, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley during the opening ceremony of the 250th Commemoration of the Anniversary of Freedom at Nottingham Estate at the Stickit on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Photo: YouTube
District 7 Representative, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley during the opening ceremony of the 250th Commemoration of the Anniversary of Freedom at Nottingham Estate at the Stickit on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Photo: YouTube
District 7 Representative, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley said Long Look will be turned into an epicentre for heritage tourism. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
District 7 Representative, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley said Long Look will be turned into an epicentre for heritage tourism. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
LONG LOOK, Tortola, VI- District 7 Representative, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley, has encouraged unity in the Long Look community and the wider Virgin Islands (VI).

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 250th Commemoration of the Anniversary of Freedom at Nottingham Estate at the Stickit on Sunday, June 28, 2026, Premier Wheatley said just as the ancestors of Long Look came from different African people, they became one Long Look, free people. 

“So today, we must become one Long Look. Those descended from the original free people, those who came from other parts of the Virgin Islands, those who came to our shores and helped to build our economy and society, those who married into us, those who moved in, those who worshipped here, those who worked here, and those whose children now call this place home. We must become one community, one Long Look, one Virgin Islands.”

Dr Wheatley added that the future sought after cannot be built on division; it must be built on a renewed social compact, a new covenant with one another. This covenant, he explained, “says we may come from different families, but we share one future. We may have different opinions, but we share one destiny. We may argue within, but we unite without. We may be many branches, but we draw strength from one root, and that root is freedom”.

Long Look to be an epicentre for heritage tourism

Premier Wheatley also revealed that Long Look will be turned into an epicentre for heritage tourism.

“Here, one of the most powerful stories of human endurance and ingenuity happened. Here, freedom was claimed…Here, they built homes that endured storms. Here, they built institutions of worship, education, economy, and community life. Here, they proved that no people should be written out of history.”

Turning Long Look into a heritage tourism epicentre will not be like a museum frozen in time, Hon Wheatley stated. 

“[It will be] a living community, walking boldly into the future. A Long Look that is socially vibrant, economically vibrant, culturally confident, historically grounded, spiritually awake and united.”

11 Responses to “‘We must become one Virgin Islands’- Premier Wheatley ”

  • Anonymous (05/07/2026, 10:50) Like (10) Dislike (9) Reply
    We are with you premier
  • Wellsah (05/07/2026, 11:21) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    share the wealth, give us priority then we can be one.
  • No Progress (05/07/2026, 11:48) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    We are not moving Mr. Premier, we are stagnant, in some cases going backwards, no water, bad roads, the poor and lower end workers in a choke hold, you reduced their minimum wage, you didn't give them a tax exemption increase, You all only care about poor people when you all want power. I know come January you going to give a tax exemption increase to every worker, that will be just politics, everyone does not deserve it. Should be for those making up to $32,000. Not more
    I will always respect Ronnie, today workers are benefiting and enjoying the tax exemption he did some 8- 9 yrs ago...So from my 4 at-large votes, Ronnie and Mather getting one, the next two, I will wait, listen and decide.
  • BuzzBvi (05/07/2026, 13:29) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great.

    All on the same salary and pension deal as you and we will all be one.

    Currently there is one VI for you and your friends

    And one VI life of poverty and discrimination for everyone else.
  • bondz (05/07/2026, 14:32) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    V pushing P
  • In God trust me, only (05/07/2026, 17:23) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    We can never become not Virgin Islands base on your leadership practices, Premier, never will happen.
  • Talkin Blues (05/07/2026, 21:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Virgin Islands Party was instrumental in dividing and destroying this country now we must become one to realize your re-election fantasy. Some wounds do not heal. How can we become one living a lie.
  • HMMM (06/07/2026, 07:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ion too sure bout this one Virgin Islands plight premier. Things out here hard bad and we the ppl from the middle and lower class fighting to survive from the scraps. Healthcare? Trash. Roads and infrastructure? Trash. Grocery prices? Trash. Mechanic bill from bad roads? HIGH! Import duty and tax? HIGH! Nobody who ain’t directly in yall favor in high positions can truly live here, we can merely try to survive. It’s not easy and ain’t look like you or others like you care. N this problem ain’t just a VIP problem it’s a general political one cause if ain’t you it would be definitely whoever else would be in your position. Power only cares about power. Yall don’t really care bout ppl. You just get power, money and fame and a recent speech is on girls who finally looking your way. Wtf. What kinda message that was for the next generation of men to carry on that type of lustful behavior and objectifying women. Yo focus and priorities all out of whack. Discipline is definitely NOT one of your virtues so how we suppose to rally behind you as One VI? You’re a wayward, selfish, grudge holding, undisciplined soul.
  • UK (07/07/2026, 02:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Home rule now


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