‘We need unity & sacrifice’ to get through challenges- Ag Premier
Those challenges he said include the detainment of Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) over alleged drug conspiracy charges, and the sweeping recommendations of the recently released Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report, which proposes UK direct rule and a suspension of the local constitution.
Touching on the matter of the Premier’s arrest in Miami, Dr Wheatley said, “It is not difficult for anyone to say that the actions which are described in the affidavit are deplorable, are disappointing, are shocking and we denounce those actions without a shadow of a doubt.”
Speaking to the people of the VI, Dr Whatley said the 49 CoI recommendations included a proposed and unwelcome recommendation, which is the suspension of the local constitution.
'We have to hold ourselves & each other accountable'
He said if the VI wants to avoid that unwelcome consequence, leaders have to look at themselves and renew their commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, accountability, and transparency.
“We have to recognise from the very highest office, including myself, straight down to every citizen in the Virgin Islands, what we can do better to improve our home because we all have a role to play,” he said.
The Acting Premier said he has done some retrospection and concluded that the VI must hold ourselves accountable and to hold each other accountable.
“Now what I can say without a shadow of a doubt is to get through this moment and to save our Virgin Islands, ww need unity, and we need sacrifice. You have to be willing to unite and we have to be willing to make sacrifices.”
It remains unclear what sacrifices the Acting Premier was referring to, or whether the removal of the Speaker was a 'sacrifice' that was proposed by the UK officials.
United front needed- Dr Wheatley
However, Dr the Hon Wheatley has called on the people of the VI to put aside differences and have a united front in the face of threats.
He said the VI opposition and government will also unite in the face of a possible UK takeover and to address the issues in and outside of the CoI report
“We have a responsibility to all those who love the Virgin Islands and call it home and we have a responsibility to coming generations.”
The Deputy Premier added, “I am committed, and I know my colleagues are committed, and I believe that we should all declare that it is a new day in the Virgin Islands and allow this crisis to be an opportunity for improvement and to become a better society.”
18 Responses to “‘We need unity & sacrifice’ to get through challenges- Ag Premier ”
that was a well crafted and well presented statement that was much needed at this time. it will take a steady hand and clear head to get us through this.. do what needs to be done to get us through this...throw political ambition put of the window for now. a critical time ahead .
full support.
From police to customs!
The local governments do NOTHING for the country. The only clowns who want y’all to still rule is the ones who been making millions year by year from you crooked politicians. The majority of the population don’t even begin to see what these clowns do for the country. Down here need shaking up, I hope the Privy council make the wisest decision for the BVI, which is not to allow individuals who have never made laws to safeguard people living here from the very corruption that they engage in to continue to run this place.