‘I am very unhappy with At-Large system’- Doug Wheatley
During the programme aired on ZBVI 780 AM on Friday, June 2, 2017, Mr Wheatley stated, “We had a legislation of nine and then we asked for four At-Large and so we now have thirteen. My own review as I said the other day, is that I don’t think that we have benefitted tremendously from having four At-Large.”
According to Mr. Wheatley, “The whole idea behind enlarging the legislative council, was so that you would have better debates. Instead of debates being very, very narrow, you would have a broader spectrum of advice and views being put forward on the floor of the House.”
The talk show host emphasised that this has yet to happen and it has not worked out.
“The four At-Large members who, the idea was that they would be able to present independent thoughts on particular issues but what happened, they have become a part of the party structure. When they speak, they speak just like all the other members of the party. They don’t bring any new views or different views to the discussion of topics. The At-Large members are just members of the party and they support the party all the way. That has defeated why we wanted to have a larger council.”
Mr Wheatley observed, based on the constitution, that the At-Large system has failed the VI with regards to executing its responsibilities.
“That was the hope. That was the aspiration when the At-Large membership was brought about. It has not lived up and measured up to that assumption that it would have helped.”
The current At Large Representatives, all members of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration are Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton, Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn and Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Archibald C. Christian.
‘I’m not buying that.’
Meanwhile, a caller to the programme mentioned that the problem surrounding the At-Large members can be simply rectified based on the constitution.
“The point of the At-Large members, it seems to me that, that could be easily fixed. It seems from what you read, what it was intended to be, it can be solved by just making sure that those people come from an independent pool of people… So that shouldn’t be hard to change. I’m not buying that.”
In response to the caller’s remarks, the host commented that, “In moving forward, we will know how to chart our course based on the parameters that have been set up by the British government. We will know how to proceed bearing those things in mind.”
He added, “The key to any of this is for the people to come together on these matters and so far we have not been really coming together as a people on these matters. We are scattered like sheep. We need to spend more time discussing these things and looking out as the way forward for the BVI.”
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20 Responses to “‘I am very unhappy with At-Large system’- Doug Wheatley”
Has the At Large system worked for you?
Why don't you call the show so we can discuss it on air. I am critical of the bad because things are not good and people are hurting and feel voiceless, but I will let you have a voice on air if you have something you feel the community should hear. We can disagree but let's not be silent, call in and share your views.
Many people want to run but can they do the job?
Moreover, the BVI has too many elected reps. for such a small population. With a population of 30000-40000(2010 Census was a disaster and embarrassment), there are 13 reps. Rediculous! Inspite of a growing population, communications and transportation improvements lessen the need for less reps, not more. At 30000, it is 1 rep to 2308 souls; at 40000, 3077. Why is East End and Long Look a seperate district? There are other districts that can easily be merged and represented by 1 member. The US has a population of 315M and a 100 senators and 435 House of Rep members.
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