Former Chairman of the VI Festival and Fairs Committee Khalid A. Frett has said he believes Miss BVI should be gifted a vehicle in order to fulfill her duties throughout the Territory. Photo: File

An article published on October 15, 2024, on Rosemary L. Rosan’s aka ‘Cindy’ website accused Premier Wheatley of favouring Miss BVI 2023 Anika M. Christopher by overstepping and allowing for the award of a vehicle to her as part of her winnings following a decision by the organisers not to award such a prize. Photo: Facebook/Anika M. Christopher

Rosemary L. Rosan aka 'Cindy' has been relentless in her bashing of Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and has not stopped short of trying to publicly embarrass him by attending press conferences to ask personal questions. Photo: Facebook/File

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has reportedly refused to meet Rosemary L. Rosan's request for over $1M as settlement for being made redundant in December 2020 while employed at the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission. Photo: Facebook/File

This time, she accused Premier Wheatley of favouring Miss BVI 2023 Anika M. Christopher by overstepping and allowing her to receive a vehicle as part of her winnings following the organisers' decision not to award such a prize.

However, are the accusations laid out in Miss Rosan’s article, ‘Premier Oversteps Protocols/Abuses Power In Favour Of Miss BVI Anika Christopher’, based on facts?

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to former Chairman of the VI Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) Khalid A. Frett who said to us that a vehicle, preferably one with four-wheel drive capabilities, for Miss BVI is something he believes should be provided.

This he said will “ensure she can fulfill her responsibilities across the territory” adding that while a vehicle prize is not mandatory, he is strongly in support of the idea “especially when finances allow for it”.

Frett added that during his tenure on the committee, 2019 (as Vice Chairman) to 2021, they successfully partnered with local dealerships like TAG and VI Motors, for “exceptional rates” for the vehicles for Miss BVI, adding he was grateful for their support.

He also said, “The Miss BVI pageant is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the region, and we want to ensure that the queen can confidently meet her commitments without having to rely on others for transportation. Overall, providing a vehicle reflects our commitment to maintaining the pageant's excellence and the queen’s dignity during her reign.

No formal decision to reserve vehicle prize for every 5 years 

In her article, Rosan claims, “The Government and Miss BVI Committee has established that they would no longer provide a car to the winner of Miss BVI annually, except in cases of special year celebration i.e every five (5) years. They certainly agreed that the prize of a car should be reserved for the winner of the 70th Emancipation Celebrations. “

According to Rosan, it was the understanding of her newsroom that the Premier went “above the Committee’s head” making the funds available through his office to the BVI Tourist Board for the purchase of Ms Christopher’s vehicle prize.

However, Mr Frett clarified to VINO, “No formal decision was made during my tenure to reserve the prize of a car every five years. While recommendations can be made, such significant decisions should be approved by the relevant Minister and the relevant policy and minutes should be there to back the claim.”

Frett also said that a long-term decision such as this one could pose a challenge given that the appointment period is only three years, and a new executive could change the decision.

“Additionally, if Miss BVI encounters any difficulties during her reign, I believe it's important to explore accommodations that can enhance her experience as our queen,” he said adding, “Carrying the crown of Miss BVI comes with substantial expectations and obligations as a national ambassador for the territory, and we should strive to support her in fulfilling those responsibilities.”

Relentless Rosan

Rosan has been relentless in her bashing of Premier Wheatley and has not stopped short of trying to publicly embarrass him by attending press conferences to ask personal questions. 

It was recently discovered that Rosan wants over $1M in settlement for being made redundant in December 2020 while employed at the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission.

Premier Wheatley has reportedly refused to meet her request.

Meanwhile, VINO's attempts to reach former Miss BVI Anika M. Christopher were not successful.