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'VI must solve its own problems instead of looking for somebody to blame'– Premier

-calls on members of community to come together & find solutions to challenges
Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has called on members of the community to use their talents to find solutions to local problems. Photo: VINO/File
The 70th Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival will be held from July 14 to August 10, 2024. Photo: Facebook
The 70th Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival will be held from July 14 to August 10, 2024. Photo: Facebook
FAT HOG’S BAY, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has called on members of the community to use their talents to find solutions to local problems.

The Premier was at the time speaking on the June 24, 2024, edition of Da Morning Braff radio show on Tola Radio 100.5 FM hosted by Floyd Burnett aka Heritage.

“We’re getting ready to celebrate our 70th Anniversary of these emancipation celebrations and also our freedom from slavery, which as we know we here in the wider British Caribbean got their so-called freedom in 1834… in places like Nottingham Estate, we got our freedom in 1776. So I just want to recognize the celebration of our freedom,” he said.

The Premier added, however, “And we have to continue to push and continue to build. What we are seeing right now, is a nation-building exercise and our nation-building is a team sport.”

He said for local challenges, the solutions can be found right in the country. “So often when we run into challenges and problems, we're looking for somebody to blame. But instead of blaming somebody, what we have to do is come together and work together to solve our challenges and our problems.”

'We all have a role to play'- Premier

Dr Wheatley said if the VI people use their God-given talents and available resources then persons can play their particular roles in our community and bring solutions to issues.

“That's not just limited to politicians, as everybody, including yourself, we all have a role to play, to build our community and once we build it, you know, we'll be just fine,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Premier said that the VI should also give gratitude to God for all his blessings that are oftentimes ignored as people tend to focus on the negative aspects of the VI.

“But even those negative aspects and those tests are necessary for us to really become who God intends us to be,” he added while calling for people to get into the mindset of working together to build the community of the Virgin Islands.

20 Responses to “'VI must solve its own problems instead of looking for somebody to blame'– Premier”

  • resident (25/06/2024, 08:33) Like (46) Dislike (2) Reply
    we blame you because you are in charge
  • Josiahsbay (25/06/2024, 08:51) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Two concerning issues in the territory are raising more revenue and managing it. Resourse-capable districts can be catalysts for revenue generation and their progression. Take the shackles off those districts with the potential for self-management and let them flourish. The government will not lose power but will gain more efficient and progressive districts.
  • YOU FINALLY BEGINNING TO GET THE MESSAGE (25/06/2024, 09:12) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    We hope blondie will take care HINT
  • The Buck (25/06/2024, 09:16) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stops at your door not at Gods gate.
  • lol (25/06/2024, 09:22) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Says the man who steady hiring outside consultants
  • NB (25/06/2024, 09:36) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    it takes a highly qualified ignorant man to continue to make such statements. You are the problem, you are responsible for the problems. You are blocking the solutions so tell me saar, what’s the plan to move forward?
  • Really (25/06/2024, 09:49) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Says the man who always say "that person did it first"
  • blame (25/06/2024, 11:27) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    We will remind you of this next time you blame the UK
  • ... (25/06/2024, 12:09) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    All this is telling me, this is my interpretation, is that he is not going to be addressing these pressing issues any time soon. Doesn't even sound like there's a plan to even address them. So now, the issue falls on the people that he's supposed to serve. Although his point is valid, it is at the same time off putting as nothing is seemingly being done by elected officials.
  • Lucky (25/06/2024, 12:16) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    ITS SAD TO SAY BUT WHEATLEY you and your government is the biggest problem for this country.
    no accountability
    no leadership
  • E. Leonard (25/06/2024, 12:33) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    We seem to be in an age of increasing polarization, division, tribalization, etc. Democracy, debate, civil discussion are under threat. Democracy can work with dissent if there is respect for other point of views..Nevertheless, there is a tribalization of views, viz, politics, social, economic, and political problems, ie, immigration, labour, trade, taxes, infrastructure, public safety, health, education, etc and what to do about them, resulting in nothing getting done. It seems to be in Dickensian times of Hard Times with the rich, wealthy, elites, etc, facing off against the have nots, marginalized, lower class, poo,? etc with few resolutions in sight. Politicians across the globe continue to feed the anger, distrust, lack of confidence in, polarization, division, us versus them, etc, making it difficult to make progress, ie, talking to, thinking together, doing something. It seems to be a vicious, not a virtuous circle.

    Moreover, despite the wrongheadedness of the Regan-Thatcher revolutions of government being the problem , not the solution, government is legit. Government is much maligned , caricatured, etc until needed, ie, during, after a disaster, etc. When the going get rough and tough who is called and expected to show up. Nevertheless, government must do its part but cannot do it all. An economist wrote, “ It is untrwsoble to expect markets to always deliver outcomes that are fair, acceptable or even efficient.”
  • @ Lucky (25/06/2024, 12:43) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with you 100%, this guy got some cahunas. Clinics closing because no electricity, this guy & his croonies taking the tax payers money & blowing it on frivolous, unnecessary crap. Look in the mirror sir.
  • Stealth (25/06/2024, 15:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Premier, undoubtedly the VI’s mission is to solve its problems with its available resources. All the territory’s action should envelope this mission. That is stating the obvious.. Every leader must put planning as its number#1 priority, prioritizing time, money , labor and other resources.,The top priority right now is fixing the BVIHSA-BVIEC SNAFU.
  • @ mr E LEONARD (25/06/2024, 15:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    we love the way you broke down
    POLARIZATION - TRIBALIZATION etc ■ BUT WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR MONTHS NOW FOR YOU TO EXPLAIN TO US ABOUT THIS ( ISLAND PEOPLE SAGA ) WHAT OR WHO ARE YOU AFRAID OF ? PLEASE DON'T BLAME AMNESIA , EVEN THE PREMIER HAS TO ADMIT THAT THE BLAME GAME SONG HAS BEEN OVERUSED / TOO MUCH PEOPLE IS USING IT TO COVER THEIR TRACTS , AND THE PEOPLE HAS GOTTEN WISE TO THAT BROKEEN RECORD EXCUSE , TELL THE TRUTH SIR AND FREE YOUR MIND OF ANY GUILT , IF YOU GOT THE BALLS
    SAGA )
  • Really? (25/06/2024, 15:58) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    We know we have to solve our own problems, we knew this months ago, but it look like you have forgotten because you only now reach home! Stop wasting time creating footage telling us what we already know. Do some damn work for a change that don’t require you using a plane, camera or hotel. We need to start seeing what we paying you for!!
  • CONCERN. (25/06/2024, 22:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    All this talk, talk, talk, talk. So, why you all keep voting them in? You’ll just as bad. Guilty conscience needs no accuser. Action speaks louder than words.
  • l (26/06/2024, 23:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have been complaining and drawing maps of locations, and nothing has been done to protect us. There are squatters, not from here, living on family land because the owners don't live here. There are more of them than we who are from here. Complaints were made, and since the owners haven't put in vacate notices because they live abroad. These illegal people look at us as though we are the invaders. It looks like little Jamacia. A lot of them have no working papers because they expired months and some years ago. The takeover is so visible and no police raids or deportations have been done in a long time. So how can we take care of our neighborhoods without publically protesting with signs and getting exposure for our safety? More guns and drugs than there are Police Officers and BVI landers!
  • Patriotic (27/06/2024, 17:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    WE CANNOT SOLVE SIMPLE PROLEMS LIKE BEAUTIFICATION AND FIXING ROADS MUCH LESS BIGGER ISSE
  • right (28/06/2024, 13:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Glad you noticed. So why don't you answer to me and apologize for taking your problems out on me when I
    was living in the BVI? Return my property and the money donated. I'm just a poor American. What the hell
    did I do to you but spend on you and get taken advantage of? Clean up your poop, Mr. Premier. Brian the Fox


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