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Premier Wheatley rejects proposed transfer of Immigration & Customs to Governor
In disclosing this, however, Premier Wheatley firmly rejected this recommendation, describing it as a regressive step towards colonial rule.
Premier Wheatley made these revelations during an appearance on Da Morning Braff with host Floyd P. Burnett, aka 'Heritage', on Tola Radio VI on February 4, 2025.
Speaking to concerns about the secrecy surrounding the report by an independent agency appointed by the United Kingdom (UK), Dr Wheatley acknowledged the existence of the recommendation but dismissed any notion that his government would accept it outright in its present iteration.
Wake up
“It’s my understanding—though I haven’t read it myself—that a recommendation was made by this independent agency. That’s a recommendation that I do not agree with; that’s a recommendation that you know, I think the people of the Virgin Islands have to understand is moving in the wrong direction, in my view," he stated.
The Premier also used the occasion to reiterate that the Territory should use the moment to recognise the need to work towards more self-governance and not further transfers of power to the UK, saying, “In my view, we are supposed to be moving in a direction where we take away responsibilities from the Governor and give it to local representatives and local institutions. We should be moving further away from this colonial mindset”
Describing the decision as a stark call to action for Virgin Islanders, he was adamant, “I would just say to the people of the Virgin Islands: wake up! I gotta wake up! I’ve been speaking about this colonialism thing for some time. Some people don’t want to hear about it but we are as capable as any people of managing our own society.”
'We have laws'- Premier
Pressed for further clarification on whether the proposed merger and transfer of control were indeed true, the Premier responded in the affirmative, saying, “Yes, yes, it is true, that it is being proposed—suggested—by the independent agency of the UK that conducted this review, that Immigration and Customs not only should be merged but should be removed from the oversight of local government and placed under the Governor.”
He was quick to point out that he was adamant that his administration would not accept such a measure, and it was "rejected by this government".
With this in mind, the Premier reminded of the domestic legal framework governing the operations of both agencies, making it clear that any such move would require legislative action unless imposed by an Order in Council and unless that is done, "the Legislature still has the responsibility of making laws".
Divulging too that previous discussions with the Governor had reinforced his administration’s stance against an Order in Council—which would grant the UK direct control over the Territory's governance matters—Premier Wheatley lamented, “That is why we didn’t want to have an Order in Council, even though some persons were still calling for it—persons who are Virgin Islanders, which to me is very sad.”
Data security
During the discussion, host Burnett also raised concerns over speculations that former UK police officials would be involved in overseeing the merger, as well as the potential relocation of sensitive immigration and customs data to the UK.
While the Premier did not explicitly confirm the latter, he reiterated that the upcoming Law Enforcement Review would soon be released, allowing the public to examine the findings and recommendations themselves.
“Persons should read the document and then be able to come to their own conclusions about it,” he said.
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8 Responses to “Premier Wheatley rejects proposed transfer of Immigration & Customs to Governor”
Recommend disbanding Customs completely and let the RVIPF secure the borders and control goods being imported or exported. Governor should oversee and control the Immigration of all people to and from the BVI so that local department needs a complete overhaul when taken over by the Governor.
True, we the peiple of the B.V.I di need to undergo some reforn to our constitutjon and uograde our political standard, but in this world of educational enkightening what has cause the UK governrment the Anglo Saxtuon people are the master ethnic people on this earth, and that they have the right to hild hostaged under their racist system?
Waz it not said many time by the UK givsrnor the we have a political partner relationship between the Uk and our local polititians that represent the BVI political order?
Since when skin colour elevates some to believe that that white is right and black and other people of differenr skin cilour step back? This Can't work bully, if in facts true.
Putting it under the auspices of the Governor will be a step in the right direction and a sigh of relief.
Moreover, in regards to the VI, a slow motion coup is in motion. The control, the coup includes having control of internal security, ie, RVIPF, jail, judiciary,; civil service and civil servants. Now Mount Olympus sight is focused on the finances/revenue, Customs, and more personnel, ie, Immigration . Let’s us summarize what the UK-appointed Governor wants to control for a full take over: internal security, including, RVIPF,, Jail, Judiciary,; civil servants, external affairs,,defence,,customs and immigration. If Virgin Islanders don’t want to be taken back under the anachronistic relic—-colonialism —, they better wake up from their slumber and unite or else be reconquered and recolonized.
Lots of discrimination and no follow up on several issues.
Let’s not even speak of those putting in applications for Residency and Belonger status and not receiving a call back for YEARS!
The Premier isn’t concerned, he just doesn’t want to give up the “power” - let the Governor try his hand at it! Can’t be any worse than now.
Give Romney the position at Customs. Wade ain’t coming back as he won the case - so give the Customs Department more structure and stability.