Radio talk show host Doug Wheatley said that despite the negative vibes being received from many naysayers, the NHI Concerned Citizens and Residents Group will not pre-empt Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith as to his response to their petition asking for the National Health Insurance to be returned to the drawing board. Photo: VINO/File

The petition was handed to the Premier on Tuesday October 13, 2015 in what has been described as a good natured meeting. However two weeks after there has been no feedback from the Premier’s Office. Photo: Provided

Wheatley said that the decision of the Premier one way or the other will determine what other action the group is prepared to undertake regarding the NHI. Photo: VINO/File

Speaking on his 3D Show aired on Friday October 23, 2015 on ZBVI 780 AM, Wheatley said he and the other members of the group prefer to play it cool and await the Premier's response.

"I know that there are persons out there who are anxious to dismiss us. But we presented the petition to the Premier and so we will await an official word from the Premier."

"We will not pre-empt him. We will not prejudge him. We will not do any of those things. We know that the Premier needs time to discuss with his Caucus, discuss with his Cabinet," said Wheatley.

The petition was handed to the Premier on Tuesday October 13, 2015 in what has been described as a good natured meeting. However, two weeks after there has been no feedback from the Premier’s Office.

On a previous show, Wheatley had said that persons on the street have expressed to him that they fear that despite the efforts of the group, the NHI might have already fallen to the 'done deal' fate.

He said that two young men met him on the street recently and expressed to him their fear that the government may just go ahead with the scheme as is, with the justification that hundreds of persons have already been registered.

He had said that despite the various towing and frowing taking place in the community in the discussion, the members of the delegation believe that the government in all honesty look very carefully and seriously at what they put forward for the people of the Virgin Islands and that they make decisions in the best interest of the people.

“We are sure that when the Premier has done all of the checking he wants to do and all the analysing that he wants to do he will get back to us and let us know what the verdict is concerning our petition,” Wheatley said.

He added that the decision of the Premier, one way or the other, will determine what other action the group is prepared to undertake.

The controversial National Health Insurance is slated to come fully on stream on January 1, 2016 with registration having begun on September 1, 2015.