Albert O. Wheatley contesting 9th District
Mr Wheatley made the announcement via a press release to media houses on the evening of April 30, 2015, the same day that Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith announced the House of Assembly would be dissolved on May 1, 2015, paving the way for elections in either late May or June.
Noting that he decided to contest the elections after much thought, prayers, consideration and discussion with his wife, children, family and friends, Mr Wheatley said his decision to seek political office as an Independent Candidate would allow him to “represent all of you, the residents on Virgin Gorda and Anegada in the next House of Assembly regardless of your party affiliation.
“When an individual decides to join a political party they often must support the party in whatever decisions that party makes. I have worked with both the VIP and NDP administrations, I have and I will continue to work with any government. As an Independent Candidate it allows me as a member of the House of Assembly to freely support any matters that are in your best interest and oppose any matter that may be otherwise. Our people must be our priority,” Mr Wheatley said in the release.
Early election hardly affects campaign plans
Asked whether the sudden announcement of the dissolution of Parliament and elections less than 60 days away have affected his campaign plans, Mr Wheatley answered in the negative as he noted he always suspected early elections.
“No not really, no. My overall plans pretty much remain intact. We knew this was coming for a while. We kind of had some suspicions that it would be sooner rather than later so it doesn’t really change a whole lot. We just need to tweak it a little bit now that we know. So we are ready,” Mr Wheatley told Virgin Islands News Online.
Asked when his public meetings and other campaign exercises would begin, Mr Wheatley said his committee is finalising plans for that.
“Well we just heard the news today (yesterday) that the House will be dissolved tomorrow (today) so we are in the process of finalising those plans and as soon as we have those finalised very soon I will be in touch with all of the media houses.”
Experience, exposure & educational background
The 9th District candidate said his experience, exposure, and educational background would help him to make a difference as a representative.
Mr Wheatley holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from Johnson and Wales University in Providence Rhode Island USA, class of 1986. He began his hotel career as a Front Desk Receptionist at Little Dix Bay hotel in 1980 and worked in the hotel/tourism industry for over 30 years. His past employment includes working as the Restaurant Manager at Jackson Lake Lodge in Jackson Hole Wyoming, Food and Beverage Services Manager at Carambola Beach Resort on St Croix, trained at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs West Virginia USA General Manager of Drakes Anchorage Resort on Mosquito Island, Deputy Director of Food and Beverage and Resort Manager at Peter Island Resort.
The Virgin Gordian has also held the posts of Deputy Director of Tourism as well as Human Resource Manager with the BVI Tourist Board.
“I believe my extensive career and work has prepared me well to serve as your next representative.”
Attitude of gratitude to Hon’ O’Neal
Mr Wheatley also offered thanks and appreciation to the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE who has represented the 9th District for the last forty years.
“Mr O’Neal has contributed significantly to the district and country and has laid a solid foundation for us to build on. In recent times I know Mr O’Neal would’ve loved to have done more for the district and his people but due to circumstances he was not able to. I embrace the opportunity to pick up where Mr O’Neal has left off in representing you the people of the 9th district.
“I have worked with, prayed with, and helped many of you over the years and I have great relationships with many of you. I pledge to continue to be that person I have always been. I will not just fight for you but will fight along with you as we seek to address and fix the current issues in the district.”
Mr Wheatley also took the opportunity to highlight some of the areas he would place immediate focus on as the 9th Dictrict representative in the next House of Assembly if elected.
Those areas included staffing and operational issues at clinics on Anegada and Virgin Gorda; Measures to reduce off season; Ferry service to and from Anegada; Tourism development for the district; Proper waste disposal on Virgin Gorda; Restrooms and commercial activity at Savanna Bay; A Hospitality, Technical and Entrepreneurship Training Facility on Virgin Gorda; 24/7 water supply for all; Unemployment on Anegada and Virgin Gorda; And a New ferry terminal on VG.
Mr Albert O. Wheatley will be coming up against the Virgin Islands Party candidate Elton L. Sprauve aka All Out, the National Democratic Party candidate Dr Hubert O’Neal, Independent Candidate Dr Rawle R. Hannibal and the People’s Empowerment Party’s Faye J. Reese-Charles for the 9th District seat to be vacated by Hon. O'Neal.
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40 Responses to “Albert O. Wheatley contesting 9th District”
Remember, he who owns the Land, owns the Wealth.. Be Vigilant with your Vote.
Tiro you right! Ask why he ain't preaching no more.
I guess he will advocate against domestic violence... Boss you run when the people call you to run, not when you get up and decide to run.