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'We take trips because we are fighting' for the VI people – Premier Wheatley

- says Beneficial Ownership matter is one such issues that was fought & won due to gov't travels
Noting that the government has to continue fighting for its local financial services sector, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said flights out of the territory by members of the government continue to bear fruit. Photo: GIS/File
Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, and Overseas Territories Minister, David H. Rutley at the BVI & UK bilateral meeting in November 2023. Photo: GIS
Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, and Overseas Territories Minister, David H. Rutley at the BVI & UK bilateral meeting in November 2023. Photo: GIS
Premier Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), speaking at the Sixth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, said the VI has made it clear to the United Kingdom (UK) that public registers cannot be imposed in such a way that violates the privacy of clients in the financial services sector. Photo: YouTube
Premier Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), speaking at the Sixth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, said the VI has made it clear to the United Kingdom (UK) that public registers cannot be imposed in such a way that violates the privacy of clients in the financial services sector. Photo: YouTube
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Noting that the government has to continue fighting for its local financial services sector, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said flights out of the territory by members of the government continue to bear fruit.

The Premier, speaking at the Sixth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, said the VI has made it clear to the United Kingdom (UK) that public registers cannot be imposed in such a way that violates the privacy of clients in the financial services sector.

'We have held off impending danger- Premier

“And we have been successful in persuading them that we could not impose it under those conditions, that is a victory. And we did that after flying up to the United Kingdom and we must not encourage people that these trips are just some sightseeing trips.”

“I've been to the United Kingdom several times. I don't need to go up there in the cold to sightseeing. Go up there, your lip get chapped up, your nose running. I prefer to be home here in the Virgin Islands…. We take these trips because we are fighting on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, and as a result of that fight, Mr Speaker. We have held off impending danger.”

Dr Wheatley said as a result of government officials going to the UK, an Order on Beneficial Ownership that was supposed to be imposed on the Overseas Territories, including the [British] Virgin Islands, in December was successfully defeated.

Even the Opposition travelling!- Premier

The Premier said politics has resulted in persons unfairly criticising the government's travels to important events; however, even the Opposition Members have been travelling and understand the importance of travel as most of them were Ministers of Government before.

"In fact, even as a Member of the Opposition, persons are traveling to go to Ghana and to go to the United Kingdom and to go to Turks and Caicos. You have to get on the plane, nobody swam,” Dr Wheatley said. 

The Premier reminded that the government needs to travel to fulfill the government’s mandate in the best interest of the people of the people VI.

“We must encourage persons to be mature enough to understand when you have to travel and why you have to travel, and how it's in the best interest of the people, as opposed to allowing politics to allow us to feed our people this narrative. That is going to hurt everybody. You know, the Opposition of today could be the government tomorrow,” Dr Wheatley reasoned.

39 Responses to “'We take trips because we are fighting' for the VI people – Premier Wheatley”

  • 2023 (21/12/2023, 13:36) Like (33) Dislike (4) Reply
    the united kingdom already makes international decisions for the British Virgin Islands: His Grandfather already put this Territory on the Map

    what needs doing for the people is fixing the public roads| pockwood pond| making sure the people have water 24 Hours| Correct the Sewage| fix the high fuel charges on our light bill

    these days people simply google and right there they see what they need to know about our country

    fix the place for the people mr premier using some that ticket money) hotel money) dinner) lunch) transport money)……then go on your paid vacation trips
    • Yes to 2023 (21/12/2023, 17:07) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Agree 100%
      • 2023 (22/12/2023, 09:35) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ Yes to 2023: have nothing personal towards the leader of government business

        But a good father takes care of his children first before hooking up @ the club

        home come first

  • fish (21/12/2023, 13:44) Like (1) Dislike (38) Reply
    Brother you keep traveling don’t mind those crazy people from that morning show
    • @Fish (21/12/2023, 19:30) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      He can continue to travel all he likes as long as the money comes from his own well greased pockets.
  • GD (21/12/2023, 13:46) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Fight to give us our half-day Christmas even day, why do you all take it back
  • Rubber Duck (21/12/2023, 13:55) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    ... so will the Deputy Premier please donate all her airmiles to charity?
    • Rubber Duck (21/12/2023, 19:56) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
      How that's become your business. Give your savings to charity. The Deputy Premier needs to travel because she could represent.
  • hmm (21/12/2023, 14:06) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    hilarious.
  • Native Tongue (21/12/2023, 14:34) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Weak
  • Xxxx (21/12/2023, 14:47) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    You gave away the BVI Charter business to the USVI and Lorna wants to give away our Financial Service to Guiana. One is slow and one has dementia.
  • GateKeeper (21/12/2023, 15:05) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    In the public square, public space, public sector as in the private sector, perception is reality. And politicians must be aware of this. I, along with other bloggers,, have harped that in small cities, small countries , small territories, etc., which are remote from large metropolitan areas, major institutions, major agencies, major events, etc travelling is a sunk cost..Government reps must travel effectively to serve the public good. But any travel must be essential and smart. Government must have a travel plan in place with specific criteria for travel and such a plan must be specifically strictly enforced during tight fiscal/budget years. In such years and situations, the Premier and MoF should bottom line any travel, putting in place a travel freeze.

    I started out this post with real talk that perception is reality in the space. The perception now floating around from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke to Peter Island to Guana Island to Virgin Gorda to Tortola to other locales is the Dr. Hon Premier Natalio Wheatley, R-7, MoF, leader of government business, is spending more time abroad than at home visiting with folks in District 7. It may not be totally accurate but it is the perception. And perception is what…………..reality, not can be reality.
    • @GateKeeper (21/12/2023, 18:48) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      @GateKeeper, you have to be an external consultant or personal advisor with your sunk cost bull crap for travel for the public good? Are you feeding at the trough and sucking endlessly and painlessly on the taxpayers nipple? Sucking on nipples hurt. Are you one the nepotism posse? Doctor Air Natalio surpassed Doc Picko. What is it about D-7 Reps and the love affair with first class luxurious travel?, eh?
    • @GateKeeper (22/12/2023, 06:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @GateKeeper, a sensible, reasoned, realistic blog. We need to come to terms with how the wheels of government turns and functions. Along with Virgin Islands History, finance , shop( electrical, plumbing, Mason, welding, carpentry, IT,, etc, government needs to be added to the high school curriculum. Let’s stop churning out functional illiterates. Human capital is our primary resource so let’s maximize its output.
  • Nothing but jokes (21/12/2023, 15:21) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you want to enjoy flying first class on some of the worlds largest airlines with upstairs and down stairs, 5 star luxury accommodations and unlimited perks? become a local Politician.
    • @Nothing but jokes (22/12/2023, 07:20) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Now you understand why so many of them be cutting each others throats during election time? Everyone want that spot.
  • Air France (21/12/2023, 15:34) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    Fighting for the VI people? AHHAHAHAHAHA. You got addicted to those first class seats or are you going to book one of the private compartments on the plane that comes with a private shower on your next trip because you are to important to fly in coach or economy class with the lower grade class? But seriously the people that is paying for your travel junkets deserve to know how much of their monies is being spent?
  • ReX FeRal (21/12/2023, 17:06) Like (0) Dislike (17) Reply
    Pure jealousy because some of you will never be elected to fly on government; set of moo moo through the place blogging pig droppings
    • @ReX FeRal (22/12/2023, 00:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Could tell you are extremely miserable lol.
    • @ReX FeRal (22/12/2023, 14:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are so miserable the Grinch don’t want you nowhere near his A..
    • Real ReX FeRal (23/12/2023, 22:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      At ReX FeRaL Man name up and get your own call name. Stop embarrassing me with your so so bull shit chat. Chat.
  • Liar, liar, pants on fire (21/12/2023, 18:06) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    We don't see an positive manifestation of any of these trips.
  • It ain’t cheap to fly (21/12/2023, 18:08) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I recently took a trip to Monaco, my airline ticket not first class was $3,675.00, hotel per night was $500.00
    Per night, car service, $100.00 per day and other expenses. Just imagine if this was my bill and I did not fly first class or stay in a five star hotel.
  • Really (21/12/2023, 18:24) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Really pu..y you are traveling and fighting to depopulate the people of this island. This climate control crap is wicked to All humans. Full control of our lives. This prime Minister needs to go to jail
  • NB (21/12/2023, 18:53) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    ***sigh*** I am fluent but this one has me dumbfounded.
  • Reliable source (21/12/2023, 19:25) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    If the cost of the trips that the ministers, Premier, spouses, delegations and the side pieces male/female were made public, you guys stomachs would hit the floor . Hundreds of thousands of the tax payers money is being used. Some of the trips adds up to more than the money that was used for the free ghetto party not to long ago. Watch those Civil Servants with 20 set of different eyes. He is going to give them the money that is owed to them for votes in the next election. And of course the dumb bush A..es is going to vote him back in.
  • Just WHEN!!!!!!! (21/12/2023, 20:11) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Are they going to start putting these politicians in jail? This may sound strange but a true OG once told me, you don’t allow power to control and guide you, you control and guide the power in the best way or the power will bring you down.
  • resident (21/12/2023, 20:27) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    pure b.s, due must they we were born yesterday
  • ................................. (22/12/2023, 06:34) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    The Premier and his government are working to be the tip of the spear to bring new projects and solutions to the country, finance them and impower our people. Please stay focused commenters
  • Vision (22/12/2023, 07:14) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Noel Lloyd didn't have to travel across the sea to make progress. Some of yall ain't have the guts like Noel Lloyd. Yall fighting to make the rich men happy.
  • Still trying to figure out (22/12/2023, 07:27) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    What was the purpose for the District 4 Rep to be on the Monaco trip. Still trying to figure it out.
    • @Still trying (22/12/2023, 09:24) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Monaco Yacht Show is promoted as an International Superyacht event, it has nothing to do with the BVI. I can only surmise that some of our politicians are looking to invest their Greedy Bill Money in a Superyacht.
    • @Still trying to figure out (23/12/2023, 09:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Exactly, what was the purpose for her to be on that trip. Then she had the nerves to get attitude when asked certain questions at her press conference. If you ask me her and the D1 REP IS JUST A WASTE OF TIME. Those two have no idea.
  • Genius (22/12/2023, 08:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What the premier needs to do is show the voting public that they are actually improving the territory and thus, the lives of its citizens. So far, they are doing a poor job at this and that is why there is so much criticism. People want value for $$$. So far, all we are seeing is $$$ disappearing.

    I think that the premier is also failing to acknowledge that the emphasis is on unnecessary traveling. They don’t need to attend every conference. They need to be more strategic and stop using the public’s purse for their joy rides.
  • independent next in 30 years (22/12/2023, 08:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    wow some real bat in the BVI
  • Won? (22/12/2023, 09:11) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The shift in the guidelines regarding Beneficial Ownership was not a result of our politicians travelling the world, it was the result of a recent ruling from the European Court of Justice! Please stop cheating on the public and treating us like idiots.
  • Query (22/12/2023, 09:43) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ghana??
  • show me the money (22/12/2023, 13:23) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can you show us your expense report bills? Just put it out in the open. All the defensive nonsense just makes everyone wonder what is going on.
    There is no reason that you can't travel and represent the BVI. Just be honest about it. Did anyone else go on the BVI's dime??
    • Eldread (25/12/2023, 19:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      But he could do zoom conference with fahie,, can't he he do zoom conference for these meetings? Even president Putin do virtual meetings, but been a PHD as he is titled, meant his brains has been harvested in reference to a coconut, brown outside and white inside, so he has to go fraternize with his white brothers, the white man university teaches the black man to be responsible handler of power, always respect colonialism.


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