‘The people deserve better’- Mark H. Vanterpool
The State of the Territory Address was delivered by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. During the address titled ‘Keep Moving Forward: Building a Sustainable Nation’, the premier gave Virgin Islanders an update on his government’s work over the past year.
“We heard about lots of big things from the government. Tourism, financial services, digital transformation, economic development, climate trust fund, blue economy roadmap, climate change, homeowners’ affordable housing initiative- lots of things promised in the coming weeks and months,” Vanterpool said in his response a few hours later.
VI not better off after 8 years of a VIP gov’t
The former legislator said the Premier came out to speak about these things “only now”, after 8 years of this government and a $550 million 2026 national budget.
“After 8 years, are Virgin Islanders feeling this $550 million on their tables?… Are we where we should be as a territory?… Are our roads really better than they were nearly 8 years ago? Are our schools better than they were nearly 8 years ago? Is our health care better or worse than it was nearly 8 years ago? Is the cost of living better or worse than it was 8 years ago? Are our young people seeing the opportunities they deserve? Are businesses finding it easier to invest, expand, and create jobs? Have we solved the challenges surrounding water, sewage, airport expansion, transportation, and other critical infrastructure? The honest answer is no.”
He said the VI is a resilient nation, with an extraordinary people, extraordinary resources and potential; however, the people have watched as opportunities passed by.
The people deserve better
“Projects stalled, decisions postponed, promises repeated, and investor confidence weakened by your inability to move major initiatives forward. For 8 years, the people have heard announcements about roads, schools, airport expansion, ferry terminals, economic development, housing initiatives, and public infrastructure.”
Vanterpool said too many projects remain unfinished and delayed, accusing the government of now giving some projects urgent attention as another election approaches.
“The issue is not whether projects are finally beginning. The issue is why it took so long. The people deserve better. Not because this is an election season, but because the people deserve leadership that delivers consistently, not only when elections are approaching.”
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17 Responses to “‘The people deserve better’- Mark H. Vanterpool”
He takes credit for a pier park that caused a coi!!! He needs to go Angulla