The time to talk about the future of the VI is now- Doug Wheatley
Speaking on Tuesday April 4, 2017 on the radio programme Speak out BVI on ZBVI 780 AM, Wheatley’s remarks came following the Premier of the Virgin Islands (UK) Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) shooting down the claims, which he said are far from the truth.
VI at a serious crossroad
According to Mr Wheatley, it is important that the parties come forward and begin to talk to the people about the future of the Virgin Islands. “Because we are at a serious crossroad now and I think if we ever needed to talk, the time is now,” he said.
“So I hope that in the next couple of weeks we will hear the good news that VIP is having- Let’s talk, the NDP will continue with their Monday evening programmes and of course Conrad Maduro calls in on various programmes and makes his point of view known.”
Mr Wheatley added that, “In terms of the rumour, I don’t know if there is any substance to it, but I am a very patient person myself, and following what happened the last several days in terms of the Governor’s actions I will just wait and see where it leads to and what happens next. I won’t get over-anxious about anything, I will just bide my time and see how this matter unfolds as time goes by.”
VI doesn’t need rescuing- Premier Smith
The Premier, following a nudge from Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) said on the radio programme NDP Radio on ZBVI 780 AM on April 3, 2017 that the VI is not in need of rescuing and pointed out that it was rescued when his administration took the reins from the Virgin Islands Party in 2011.
According to Premier Smith, there has been “something going around” on WhatsApp that some senior person in the British government is asking the Governor His Excellency John S. Duncan OBE to tell the premier of the VI that they must call elections in August or else they will have to intervene.
“But let me say right now, that is absolute rubbish. There is no such thing, this government, and this country is progressing well.”
He surmised that the “rumours” are attempts to undermine the electorate’s confidence in them.
“Since we got into office in November 2011 I think we have been making good progress based on all the comments we’ve had over the years. There have been others who would like to see the government that is now in office not do well, and not even continue in office,” Premier Smith stated.
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21 Responses to “The time to talk about the future of the VI is now- Doug Wheatley”
1. Premier D. Orlando Smith MoF. 6. Marlon Penn JM Trade
2. DP Kedrick Pickering MNRL. 7. Archibald Christian JM Tourism
3. Ronnie Skelton MHSS
4. Mark Vanterpool MCW
5. Myron Walwyn MEC
Backbenchers: M. Turnbull, Delores Christopher, Alvera Maduro-Caines, Hubert O'Neal.
If the Premier were to reshuffle the cabinet, who would go where? Here is my team:
1. D. Orlando Smith MoF (Only because he cannot give it up finance now) [If Mark is MNRL, Marlon JM (Trade)]
2. Ronnie Skelton MCW (only engineer in the caucus; brother Jeffrey may have to move from PWD)
3. Kedrick Pickering MHSS (remain Deputy Premier)
4. Marlon Penn or Mark Vanterpool at MNRL
5. Myron Walwyn ( But Big ? mark)
***Delores Christopher JM MEC (culture, need diversity, training opportunity)
***Archibald Christian JM MoF (Tourism)
***Alvera Maduro-Caines (unofficial JM MNRL, training opportunity)
Something similiar can occur in the VI, engaging voters and giving a greater say in how, when, where, on what and why money will be spent on capital projects. At least, a plurality of voters will decide what capital projects get done and how they will be paid for.
The late former Chief Minister Williard Wheatley took us somewhat off of the UK's breast by making us self supporting financially since the 70s. Did the negotiators in the last constitutional review drop the ball by signing on to a deal that made the Governor the de facto Premier, and the big hefe, giving him veto power over all things? Wat ah ting! The Guv pimp slapped we government, though we agree to give him the power to pimp slap us.