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Why are some treated 'a little bit more equal?’- Premier Wheatley to UK

- said he aims to establish a more equal partnership between UK & VI
June 17th, 2026 | Tags: VI UK constitution negotiations control partnership
The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), has announced that he will propose a motion to the United Kingdom as part of the ongoing constitutional review for the Virgin Islands, which aims to establish a more equal partnership. Photo: Internet Source
In an interview with Lawrence A. Kirton-Wheatley, also known as 'Bunchie,' during the latest episode of his podcast “Too Inquisitive,” which aired on June 12, 2026, the Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), emphasised that the Virgin Islands is currently an outlier in the global context. He noted, “We just have a handful of countries in the world, maybe about 17 or so, which are still considered as territories of some other country and quite a lot of these territories fall under the United Kingdom.” Photo:VINO/ File
In an interview with Lawrence A. Kirton-Wheatley, also known as 'Bunchie,' during the latest episode of his podcast “Too Inquisitive,” which aired on June 12, 2026, the Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), emphasised that the Virgin Islands is currently an outlier in the global context. He noted, “We just have a handful of countries in the world, maybe about 17 or so, which are still considered as territories of some other country and quite a lot of these territories fall under the United Kingdom.” Photo:VINO/ File
THE SETTLEMENT, Anegada- The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), has announced that he will propose a motion to the United Kingdom (UK), as part of the ongoing constitutional review for the Virgin Islands, which aims to establish a more equal partnership between the UK and the Virgin Islands.

In an interview with Lawrence A. Kirton-Wheatley, also known as 'Bunchie,' during the latest episode of his podcast “Too Inquisitive,” which aired on June 12, 2026, the Premier emphasised that the Virgin Islands is currently an outlier in the global context.

He noted, “We just have a handful of countries in the world, maybe about 17 or so, which are still considered as territories of some other country and quite a lot of these territories fall under the United Kingdom.”

UK has control of key areas 

Honourable Wheatley pointed out that, under the current constitutional arrangement, the United Kingdom and its representative maintain significant control over the Virgin Islands. They are responsible for key areas such as chairing the cabinet, overseeing the public service, and ensuring security.

He referenced other jurisdictions, such as the Channel Islands, which are considered Crown Dependencies and have greater autonomy. 

VI treated differently 

“They're responsible for their own public service, they’re responsible for their internal security” Premier Wheatley stated. “Why is it that we are being treated differently, and that's a question to the United Kingdom government.” 

He added, “Why is it that some persons are a little bit more equal or a little bit more of a partner than we are? I think that's some stuff that we have to correct.”

The Premier asserted that although the current situation can be classified as a partnership, it needs to be more substantive and functional, rather than merely a nominal agreement. 

“So, it is colonial. What we are experiencing is colonial-type behaviour, and I think that the United Kingdom and the people of the Virgin Islands should be willing to have it changed,” he added.

44 Responses to “Why are some treated 'a little bit more equal?’- Premier Wheatley to UK”

  • UK (17/06/2026, 08:02) Like (24) Dislike (7) Reply
    Because UK is the boss. Pays for everything. Sends hurricane support. And all locals do is complain about everything. Go independent or even better join the US if you dont like. You cant have your cake and eat it...
    • UK (17/06/2026, 09:57) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      You ever been UK? Pay for everything like what ? Actually ‘All local’ might suggest you might not be local. So your opinion might not even matter. If you are a local you are a re-tar-ded one
    • Fran (17/06/2026, 11:31) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
      We cannot ever be equals with the UK because the UK owns our little islands. There is no partnership because they are the boss, we are the horse, plain and simple.
      • @Fran (17/06/2026, 14:08) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
        They cannot lay claim to what they did not buy. We are the only ones who have purchased these lands from thieves and colonizers.
    • @UK (17/06/2026, 14:23) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      They are exceptional at rewriting history to fit their sick, psychopathic agenda and behavior.

      The boss mastermind behind the annihilation of civilizations, theft, killing, piracy, and sexual violence. Hurricane Support??? When where is the equivalent of FEMA disaster assistance in this instance? It is nonexistent! Only loans with repayment obligations.

    • @UK (17/06/2026, 18:39) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Leave us. Now.
    • Macky (17/06/2026, 19:08) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      UK does not pay for everything here. It is not that kind of relationship like the USVI has with USA.
    • Real Simple (17/06/2026, 20:36) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      What does the UK pay for? While I don’t agree with this independence or bust agenda, the UK doesn’t fund BVI government.
  • black lives matters (17/06/2026, 08:03) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
    you know the answer, we are black
    • all lives matter (17/06/2026, 15:01) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
      Shut up you racist twat!! The UK have allowed many countries of all colours to go it alone when they show they are capable of self governance. Try + have a period of good governance with no corruption, which is still clearly going on. Try sorting your financial sector out to show you can manage something of such importance + not let it be grey listed by FATF. Its F all to do with your skin colour so stop feeling sorry for yourself
  • Rizzo (17/06/2026, 08:10) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seem like the Premier is on a mission to rile up the people of the Virgin Islands with this rhetoric ('some persons are a little bit more equal', 'we are experiencing colonial-type behaviour')

    Sir, if we saw excellent and mature governance, we would've rallied behind you with pitchforks. Then again, we probably wouldn't have to beg and rally if we displayed responsible governance.

    To whom much is given, much will be required.
  • I wonder (17/06/2026, 09:03) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    They have responsible and sensible leaders
  • bystander (17/06/2026, 09:17) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think part of it is probably because the Crown Dependencies don't have a Premier and a Director of Ports in, or just left, a US prison; and they haven't had a CoI reveal what the CoI revealed.
  • Funny (17/06/2026, 10:06) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    and here I thought he was going to address how Anegada is left behind and not treated as equal....
  • E. Leonard (17/06/2026, 10:31) Like (15) Dislike (8) Reply
    In George Orwell’s classic Animal Farm, a political tract, a line,the single remaining commandment read: “ ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAl BUT SOME ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS.” Colonialism is about racial hierarchy, social ordering, exploitation and expropriation, and control. Colonialism purposefully creates fear, distrust, division, disunity, etc., among the local populace. The VI is on paper cast as being self-governing but the UK holds unilateral power( special power, reserved power, assent power,,etc). It is a mirage. The civil service, judiciary, HMP ( His Majesty’s Prison),and internal security including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force ( RVIPF ) falling under the purview of the UK-appointed Governor is deliberate.——Control. Virgin Islanders have no input, no input, etc, in who is deployed as Governor of the Virgin Islands.
    • RealPol (17/06/2026, 15:54) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Leonard, olde boy, real talk, the real deal. The colonialists pushed colonialism as a civilizing mission, not a conquering, colonizing, exploiting, expropriating, religion, language, history, heritage, culture, etc, stripping as it really is. The colonialists pushed colonialism are wolves in sheep clothing. They are on a mission revised their true mission, trying to convince us not to believe our lying eyes. Is there a doubt that colonialism is based on racial hierarchy, social ordering, exploitation and control? Pretending that an issue does not exist does make it true. If it looks like a duck, waddles like a duck,,and quacks like a duck,it is a duck. In the US, there is an aggressive effort to say slavery didn’t not exist or it was not so bad , for it makes young Caucasians uncomfortable? Slavery was real and the whites benefit from and are still benefiting from it.
    • GateKeeper (18/06/2026, 04:46) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      E. Leonard, a deep dive into the true spirit and intent of colonialism. Indeed, colonialism was not a civilizing mission. The facts stand strong speaking for themselves. Poet Rudyard Kipling , “ The White Man’s Burden” ( 1899) missed the mark, seeing colonialism as the natural order of domination, ie, the strong/ powerful ruling over the weak. The British Empire may have crashed and burned but the remaining embers—-the OTs—are at work trying to keep colonial flames lit. It is time to douse that anachronistic relic with cold water and flung into the “dung heap.” Time to awaken from the slumber and the rightful place on the journey.
    • Manjack (18/06/2026, 13:14) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Bro, Leonard Animal Farm, you took a serious, deep dive. No doubt, the Crown Dependencies are viewed and treated different from Overseas Territories, especially the Caribbean Overseas Territories, ie, Anguilla, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands and Virgin Islands ( British). Facts are facts. Pretending facts do not exist or do not suit or meet a narrative still mean facts are facts and no revision though some may work to can change fact(s). Racial hierarchy, social ordering, exploitation, and control are powerful vibes.
    • @E. Leonard (18/06/2026, 16:23) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      @E. Leonard, you giving muscle unnecessarily to Dr. Hon Premier Natalio D. Wheatley, R-7 , MoF, beef with UK on equality. Patriotism should be cherished and wisely employed for sensible purpose. Nonetheless, its use is a choice.

      What is a, “ little more equal “? Is that the same as something being more square? Something is either more square or not? We must be bold, clear eyed in our communication.
  • LOL (17/06/2026, 11:00) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Probably something to do with the level of corruption and lack of governance here vs those other places haha duh
  • @E. Leonard (17/06/2026, 11:07) Like (11) Dislike (11) Reply
    Nice words, but who is responsible for the lack of progress, opportunity, and failure to make change? Will you blame the UK/Governor and Colonialism System? The BVI can have whatever it wants, but with authority comes responsibility.
    • E.Leonard (17/06/2026, 13:48) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
      @@E. Leonard, historically, victims are often blamed for their failures, current conditions, etc, situations, etc., and not the powerful whose actions resulted in they (victims) being in their current conditions, situation, etc. No doubt some local behaviors, actions, lack of actions, disunity, planning, etc, may have contributed to current situations.
      • School mate (18/06/2026, 04:11) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        Balanced assessment, calling balls and strikes. Keeping things real—-Major Bay Primary ( Williard Wheatley) alumni way.
  • facts (17/06/2026, 13:26) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    We locals ask the same question about government
  • blame game (17/06/2026, 14:45) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Take responsibility and stop blaming others. UK provides plenty including warships. And Head Coach pays his mates to use barges…
  • If we the public had given (17/06/2026, 15:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Head coach a mandate for independence he’d have claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to his nefarious ways and led us to being recognized as a narco run independent country where would that have left honest business and the tax payer! Think before you put your future into the hands of greedy unprincipled fools or should I just say the HOA.
  • Hmmmm (17/06/2026, 17:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Interesting question - Why are some citizens of the BVI treated differently? Because they are not "One Ah We".
  • passport (17/06/2026, 17:04) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    They want a British passport, British money, hurricane relief, but none of the obligations. Even heavily restricting work permits for Brits. You can’t have your cake and eat it
    • where? (17/06/2026, 18:38) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      British money? British hurricane relief? Please tell me where to look. Pure jokes. Come again.
    • @passport (17/06/2026, 20:04) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      What British money? Britain doesn't even have the money to fund its armed forces, much less defend the Virgin Islands as is their obligation.
    • Macky (18/06/2026, 10:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is how colonization works though. We didnt demand these things, all roads lead to Rome & all colonies were Roman citizens. That is the tradition. However, the premier has failed to realize that you cant look at a calendar and say we as a ppl should be at this point by now. Just as we the ppl have realized that the premier is not matured to the point where he should be by now. We can't force maturity so let us shelter under the UK umbrella until we are strong enough to manage things on our own. We are not there yet and will not be there until we have more complimentary relationships between the ppl and the govt.
  • guy hill (17/06/2026, 19:22) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    The consent of the Governed needs to be addressed and respected.
  • passport (17/06/2026, 23:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do you have a British passport? Enough said. Shhhhh
  • BuzzBvi (18/06/2026, 06:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    In a place with VIslander and Belonger and the rest you may want to be careful about asking questions about equality.
  • Onetwothree (18/06/2026, 07:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Be careful what you wish for. Get the same status as the Channel Islands and all UK citizens will have no restriction on buying property and residing here!
  • Brad (18/06/2026, 09:23) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are treated differently because they own us. Cut your elementary novice reasoning. Get wih he times accidental Premier.
  • UK (18/06/2026, 13:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why would we want to be buy flimsy property here with so many racist locals.
    • ramong (21/06/2026, 20:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @UK.. I dare you to name all the racist locals and I would neme the racist UK bastards.
  • Truth (18/06/2026, 13:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You getting some of your own medicine you crying out, but look how you treating the people of this country and up to yet you cant pay out remaining increments, roads are at their worst and water cant even stay on fir atleast a week and we have to vote for independence as the uk say, you cant come and force it on us
  • Priorities (19/06/2026, 10:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How about you stop complaining about the UK and: fix your roads; fix your electric grid; fix your water; lower prices for groceries; provide well paying jobs for locals. Blaming others and focusing on gay marriage is a smokescreen.


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