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'Some people want to see a confrontational relationship' with UK– Premier Wheatley

- Unity Gov't looking to maintain a positive image & relationship with UK
Virgin Islands(VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Whatley says despite some persons wanting to see the VI in a confrontational relationship with the United Kingdom Government, his government of National Unity is looking to maintain positive image with the UK. Photo: Internet Source
Premier Dr Wheatley was at the time speaking during a Joint Press Conference on the Commission of Inquiry Recommendations Implementation and other Government Matters on August 10, 2022, alongside Governor John J. Rankin, CMG. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Premier Dr Wheatley was at the time speaking during a Joint Press Conference on the Commission of Inquiry Recommendations Implementation and other Government Matters on August 10, 2022, alongside Governor John J. Rankin, CMG. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Virgin Islands(VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says despite some persons wanting to see the VI in a confrontational relationship with the United Kingdom (UK) Government, his government of National Unity is looking to maintain a positive image with the UK.

Premier Wheatley was at the time speaking at a Joint Press Conference on the Commission of Inquiry Recommendations Implementation and other Government Matters on August 10, 2022, alongside Governor John J. Rankin, CMG.

Maximizing benefits of VI/UK Relationship - Premier  

“I think it's important for us as an overseas territory to seek to maximize the benefits of the relationships we have with the United Kingdom. Some people want to see a confrontational relationship with the United Kingdom where we're at each other’s throats and we're fighting.”

He said maximizing the benefits; however, could include education, technical support, access to UK government policies and other resources that can benefit not only virgin Islanders living in the UK but those in the VI.

“It's important for us to make sure that we represent the interests of the BVI very strongly, but I believe it's in the BVI's interest to have a collaborative relationship with the United Kingdom, many benefits to be accrued there and so that has been my focus,” he added.

UK will continue supporting VI - Governor 

Meanwhile, Governor Rankin said as part of his job, he will continue to support the VI as it relates to helping the territory achieve what it wants on its development agenda 

He said when it comes to financial support, the UK government will continue its support of the territory in areas such as law enforcement.

Governor Rankin also said when it comes to supporting major projects and infrastructure, more discussion will still have to come with the hopes that the VI and UK can come to a constructive conclusion for assistance where appropriate.

33 Responses to “'Some people want to see a confrontational relationship' with UK– Premier Wheatley”

  • asura (12/08/2022, 07:45) Like (16) Dislike (19) Reply
    This slow man at it again, in other words let me stay a puppet so I can remain as Premier
    • Some people want to see a confrontational relationship? (12/08/2022, 09:30) Like (13) Dislike (12) Reply
      No…some people wanted to see you have a little backbone! Worse Leader in the VI Ever! Election is taking too long!
    • Rubber Duck (12/08/2022, 16:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes they do, they are called the government.
  • Agree (12/08/2022, 08:55) Like (13) Dislike (13) Reply
    This guy is a colossal waste of time.
  • Sad (12/08/2022, 09:06) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    Who are the 'some people'. Just worry about you and do you. Elementary vibes.
  • Well then… (12/08/2022, 09:44) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    I hope when all is said and done, he pack his Georgie-bundle and fly off to live with them seeing that he’s so connected!
  • Freckle (12/08/2022, 10:43) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
    Some people want to see leadership. If you call that confrontation relationship then just as well we go back to riding a jackass.
  • The TRUTH (12/08/2022, 10:44) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    No, we want a relationship where the will of the people, identity, culture etc. are respected.
  • josiah'sbay (12/08/2022, 11:09) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    We are not looking for a confrontational relationship with the UK but a respectful one. It's not confrontational to demand the respect that you are due. To give up your rights for fear of confrontation is poor leadership. There are rules and rights in place that we all must honor. If the fear of confrontation keeps you from ad hearing to the existence rules of the game then you are failing to represent the people in your truest capacity. Besides if you are in an adversarial relationship and there is not agitation it's one of acquiescence and you have failed the people whom you represent. Keep in mind that the only real challenge we can mount against the UK is political, legal, propagandizing and humanitarian issues. If the UK do the right thing and we do the right thing there should be no need for confrontation.
  • WOW (12/08/2022, 11:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    look who is talking
  • history lessons (12/08/2022, 11:59) Like (11) Dislike (12) Reply
    Young leader hear me out, the British are not your friends! I’ve stated before but let me reiterate, Africans we’re the slaves of the British, until recently when it became economically costly to maintain then it was abolished in the form chattel system!

    Pro African Caribbean policies will not be aligned with Europe, that’s just facts! We are in all measure a different people with unique prospects of our future liberation and achievements!

    Anglosoxons of Europe cannot and must not dominate our future, and disconnect us from our ethnicity heritage and culture! We cannot be recolonized !

    We are not a natural enclave of Europe, we are the offspring of Africans who through terror became under British power!

    Tell the Governor we want the British occupiers out of our country! The Gun to the head was already confrontational, we been at war and we demand liberation as sovereign citizens!!
    • josiah'sbay (12/08/2022, 17:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Check your likes and dislike and you will realize that it will be a monumental task to educate our people to the historical facts of our colonize relationship. If you ask them now about our relationship with the UK, many will tell you it's about a constitution and some sort of partnership, while we foolishly pledge our allegiance to the Queen and her heirs. How silly is it to be on a self-determining track but pledging you allegiance to the one we a trying to get away from. If we don't educate the following generations when they are young to the truth of our relationship with the UK, we will consistently have to battle and debate the colonize mind as to whom you owe you allegiance.
  • $ (12/08/2022, 12:20) Like (2) Dislike (26) Reply
    Well said.
  • WOW (12/08/2022, 12:57) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    what a change of direction from last year....even earlier this year when he was spouting anti uk rhetoric, anti colonializm.

    how people change their spots when it suits their own agenda

    sad...real sad
  • Exceeding expectation.. (12/08/2022, 13:37) Like (9) Dislike (12) Reply
    This Premier surprise me. He is performing beyond expectation...Better than Smith, Better than O'Neal, better than Fahie..U all give the man some credit.. Don't let power and greediness cloud your minds.
    • Really? (12/08/2022, 19:36) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Exceeding expectations…for the white man’s agenda. He has no integrity. A true disgrace to his race.
  • Leacwtheyoungmanalone (12/08/2022, 13:38) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    Some of you have verbal diarrhea. Place in a similar situation you would do the same thing or worse. Calling for the ball and when you get it can't even score.
    • @Leave the young man… (12/08/2022, 19:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      That young man need to stop shining the Master’s shoes! The polish is making him simple minded!
  • Yes to UK (12/08/2022, 14:14) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Natalio D. Whatley, Its you and your government who started all the trouble with the UK, don't you remember all the things you said about the UK? don't you remember complain the the UK to whoever will listen, you sure change your tune very quick.
  • Yes to UK (12/08/2022, 14:22) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    @josiah'sbay, Respect is not due to anyone, respect is earned.
  • P (12/08/2022, 14:26) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    @history lessons, You are a jacka$$
    • Hello P (12/08/2022, 14:56) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Would have been good if you said why you disagree with the piece.

      “We are not a natural enclave of Europe, we are the offspring of Africans who through terror became under British power!”

      This is for you P, and all the little clowns who sold us out!
    • @p (12/08/2022, 19:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      No, you all wish to ride us like a jacka$$ but Sowande is the only one giving you all a ride on his a$$.
  • P (12/08/2022, 17:20) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    @Hello P, You yelling me3 that you were sold in 2022 WOW.
  • @ history lesson (12/08/2022, 21:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I constantly wonder if the light of day will ever dawn in BVI.
  • So Disgusting (12/08/2022, 22:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    that all the horrendous and horrific acts of barbarism perpetrated by those who purport to have the higher moral standing are swept under the rug. Wa uno tek man fa.
  • Smh (13/08/2022, 11:07) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    You’d comments are showing who you are. You are not a legal premier for yout government was not legally elected by the people. You are no leader. You got that position by default. We want election now for you do not understand how to lead. The people in this country are suffering under your so-called leadership.
  • Ja rules (14/08/2022, 00:12) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    What people want to see is UK taking full control of the BVI and turn it around and let y’all political people go to the dogs
  • big youth (14/08/2022, 17:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    All the puppets who wants to go to war or a confrontation with the UK is under your wings ,when your puppets master said anything , you all humbly agreed ( csc , the bishop , the VG Queen , eDu , ( those holy boys , turned ghost lately / even 2 smart mark trying AH TING ????


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