(L-R) Co-host Damion C. Grange, Co-host Violet Thomas-Gaul, Dr. Charles H. Wheatley, and Co-host Elvin Grant during Talking Points on Monday, November 25, 2024. Photo: Facebook

On Sunday, November 24, 2024, hundred re-enacted the Great March of 1949 through the streets of Road Town. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Dr Wheatley was a guest on Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, November 25, 2024, when he discussed the events leading up to the Great March of 1949.

Co-host Violet Thomas-Gaul asked their guest, “When you look back and you look at us today, we seem to be so afraid to go forward with anything. Do you have a thought on that?”

VI sold out to others- Dr Charles H. Wheatley

“You sellout yourself to other people”, was his simple answer to Mrs Thomas-Gaul’s question.

In expounding, Dr Wheatley said, “In other words, the BVI is infested with favouritism and all those kinds of things. Those things are enslavement because the people are not free.”

He added this was one of the reasons he did not enter politics, stating that no one owns him. “People think even in politics, they own you and it is true because you sell yourself to them for a vote, you expose yourself to them, you have to abide by them.”

Conversations about history important- Damion C. Grange

Meantime, Co-host Damion C. Grange said conversations delving into the Territory’s history are important.

“Learning the history on which you stand as Virgin Islanders you should know that what you have was fought for by the generations before you...it is why you should not sit idly by this day and watch present generations squander such rich history.”

The VI commemorated the Great March of 1949 on Sunday, November 24, 2024, with a march through Road Town beginning from the Road Town Bandstand and proceeded to Sir Olva Georges Plaza, along Main Street.

Sunday’s march was held under the theme ‘A Milestone and a Movement’ and saw participation from hundreds as they re-enacted the Great March.