‘We are not xenophobes, we are just patriots’- Premier on immigration reform
Premier Wheatley was at the time debating the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill 2025, and was unapologetic in his stance that while “...there may be some persons who think we are making it more difficult for them, we have to do what is right and in the best interest of the Virgin Islands.”
Discord & Division
Responding publicly to the growing public discourse surrounding the immigration reform initiative and directly addressing accusations levelled in the media, Premier Wheatley vehemently defended the amendments as necessary steps to safeguard the long-term interests of Virgin Islanders.
Referring to reports in the media criticising Opposition Member Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) for his stance on protecting Virgin Islanders, the Premier defended his HoA colleague’s public sentiments, which had been labelled xenophobic, as patriotism.
“There are some particular news sites, and it seems like their only purpose is to sow seeds of division and discord; Then there are some people who get on those comments… and their only intention is to sow seeds of discord for their own best interest.”
According to the Premier, such commentary often misrepresents patriotic intentions as xenophobic, as he specifically addressed the criticisms aimed at Hon Skelton.
Broader Context
“I see that on the news media some persons were calling Honourable Skelton a xenophobe and, Madam Speaker, I know Honourable Skelton and his family well enough to know he is far from a xenophobe.”
To this end, Premier Wheatley quipped, “Perhaps the same persons who would call him a xenophobe would call me a xenophobe. Madam Speaker, Honourable Skelton, myself or any other patriotic Virgin Islander, we are not xenophobes. We are just patriots.”
He did, however, caution that without mature and thoughtful handling of immigration matters, society could inadvertently nurture xenophobic tendencies.
“If we are not careful, we can have some xenophobic views which take root in our society because we are not managing immigration reform in a mature way,” he acknowledged.
As such, he encouraged residents, including those without ancestral ties to the territory, to understand and even embrace the reform’s goals.
Some people wouldn't like it!
“What some persons recognise as xenophobia is an effort to safeguard the interests of the Virgin Islands people, and that is a process that I invite persons who do not have ancestry to not only understand but embrace,” Premier Wheatley said.
Addressing the broader context behind the reforms, and the need to future-proof the Territory’s youth and ensure they are not marginalised by economic developments and foreign influence, he was adamant “...we are building an economy where we are inviting people from elsewhere to invest in the BVI, to work in the BVI and live in the BVI.”
According to Dr Wheatley, “If we don’t safeguard the interests of our children, they will be left behind and they will be watching everything happen around them; They will just be on the corners, sitting down and watching everybody else benefit from the BVI except for them.”
He was adamant, “Some people wouldn't like it. But we are here to safeguard the interests of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands people. I am a respectful person, and I don't mean to degrade or demean anyone.”
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24 Responses to “‘We are not xenophobes, we are just patriots’- Premier on immigration reform”
Instead of blaming (never a good strategy) others with ad hominem attacks, would it not be better to offer a reasoned factual defence of any perceived online slights? Shutting down the press is how tyranny begins.
cuz even toward yall own you ill treat them
only people who trearted properly are yall family and friends and who ever in yall circle
"And if a man from another country is living in your land with you, do not make life hard for him; Let him be to you as one of your
countrymen and have love for him as for yourself."
- Leviticus, 19:33-34