As the Members of the tri-party Opposition tried their best to justify their pursuit of a No Confidence Motion against Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), left, during their nearly 3-hour long live radio event on Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024, their most experienced member, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), right, repeatedly came out in support of the young premier. Photo: Facebook/File

The Opposition talk show on October 15, 2024, was moderated by former National Democratic Party (NDP) supporter Eileene L. Parsons, OBE, whose allegiance now lies with the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM). Photo: Facebook

Veteran legislator Hon Julian Fraser RA, cenre, with members of the UN Special Committee on decolonization (C-24) during their visiting mission to the Virgin Islands in August 2024. Hon Fraser strongly supports Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley’s passion for self-determination. Photo: Facebook

Opposition merciless against young premier

The talk show moderated by Eileene L. Parsons, OBE, saw Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) paint a bleak economic situation in the territory and claim that what Premier Wheatley is concentrating on is doing nothing to help the situation.

Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) claimed that the Premier was not taking tourism seriously and that he had no plan for it.

Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) said the government is incapable of stimulating the economy.

Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) said the Wheatley-led government has no plan for the territory and is only reactive to what the Opposition says.

Hon Mather claimed that the public wants a no-confidence motion against the Premier.

Hon Fraser goes against the grain!

Hard stares were on Hon Fraser; however, when he did not thread along the path of only bashing Dr Wheatley.

Hon Fraser said the incumbent government lacked experience but it was a good thing there were experienced legislators on the Opposition side in the House of Assembly to ensure that any bill that passed through the HoA and became an Act held true to the constitution.

The longest-serving legislator in the current House of Assembly then defended the need for an extended airport runway, telling his colleagues they wouldn’t get to see the development they wish to see if the territory can’t get proper airlift. “We need a runway.”

The Wheatley government has managed to get American Airlines to return to the Virgin Islands and has been attracting several regional airlines to the territory, including Caribbean Airlines. The Wheatley-led government has bravely committed to extending the runway to attract more flights and visitors from the mainland USA and Europe.

Hon Fraser has a reason to ‘roll with the Premier’

Strong support for the Premier also came on the topic of self-determination.

“I have a passionate feeling for the Premier because he is one person who believes in something that I deeply believe in, and if it’s for no other reason that I will roll with him is that, because of that passion that he has for self-determination.

“And I am one of those persons who will not stop until I see something happen in that direction,” Hon Fraser stated.

Meanwhile, Hon Fraser was also of the opinion that the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex should be reopened swiftly so that the various arms of government could be in one place for the public’s convenience.

The Opposition intends to bring its long-awaited Motion of No Confidence against Premier Wheatley to the House of Assembly on Friday, October 18, 2024.