BVI must oppose more power for governor — Premier
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has urged Virgin Islanders to reject recommendations that would grant greater control to the Governor, warning that such proposals would return the territory to colonial rule.
Dr Wheatley made the remarks in the House of Assembly during debate on the second volume of a law enforcement review conducted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
The 289-page report outlines 375 recommendations, including proposals for agencies such as Customs, Immigration, the Financial Investigation Agency, and the prison service to fall under the direct control of the Governor.
“The people of the Virgin Islands must rise up and say no. We will not give more responsibility to the governor,” Dr Wheatley declared.
He argued that these areas of governance — currently overseen by elected officials — should not be transferred to an unelected official with no mandate from the people.
“This suggests that all of these areas should be moved under the ambit of the governor, the unelected governor… that is taking us in the opposite direction,” he stated.
The Premier likened the recommendation to a controversial proposal in the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, which had called for the partial suspension of the Virgin Islands Constitution and the transfer of executive and legislative powers to the Governor.
“The first recommendation of the COI spoke about the suspension of our Constitution… fundamentally, that’s what we call colonialism,” Wheatley said.
While the COI had recommended two years of direct rule due to concerns about corruption and poor governance, the United Kingdom later agreed to a framework that allowed for locally led reforms instead.
Dr Wheatley argued that the territory has historically advanced when granted greater autonomy, not less.
“Our history has been when we’ve been given responsibility, we’ve thrived,” he said. “Colonialism doesn’t lead to greater security. Colonialism leads to an inferior state of security.”
He also questioned the timing of the review’s findings, saying some of the identified deficiencies should have been addressed long ago.
“Why is it that we wait till 2025 now to realise that that is something that needs to take place?” he asked. “Some of the deficiencies… should have never been allowed to continue for so long. That’s a reflection on those who are responsible for internal and external security.”
Dr Wheatley maintained that law enforcement and internal security should be placed under the control of local elected officials, not the Governor.
“My very firm view is that we should actually do the opposite of what is being suggested here,” he said. “Now is the time… to move forward.”
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This would not have been an issue had BVI governments done a halfway decent job of governing over the years instead of fomenting cronyism and corruption that have been described in the BVI Beacon since the early 90s.
Governments have let the BVI down especially the last governments, andrew fahie government, unity government and now natalio wheatley government. if sowande admit he dont know what the hell he doing and let others help that is the first step in the right direction.
S!0wW@nde and the A$$C!0wn brigade (including the opposition) may have some trouble inspiring people to even start a card game because they enriched themselves by way of the greedy bill. Tip: Repeal it and let’s see, but until then S!0wW@nde better off screaming in a paper bag. Really sad
Honestly, I’m more afraid of the powers our government has at the moment. They are not utilizing it for what is needed but only for their own gains and personal agenda.
BVI needs a liberation day from corrupt politicians.
You have been acting like you have the last say in everything, the UK should just take over. If the government was doing their jobs instead of throwing parties it won’t have come to this. I hope I speak for most of the BVI we say no to you we don’t agree with you. I hope you are finished. The COI had recommendations your Government didn’t follow. You just kept doing the same things over and over.
due to all the corruption in the BVi government and its blind leaders.
I agree with you on this one but why you went on stage with Kartel, the governor did not did that he was looking at you with a murderer from Jamaica
As an anti colonialist, but, how’s that been working out? Elected politicians with family and friends everywhere nearby, controlling things like customs? Prisons? And other areas of society that should be impartial and dispassionate?
Ports Lady and Andrew gave the lie to the idea that this little community can run things in an impartial way.
In this picture natalio Wheatley is more whiter than the white governor by his dressing in all the jacket and thing, he should be wearing African garbs to intimidate the governor, I really wonder whose brains is colonized at times.
Leadership in the BVI leaves much to be desired. While I am not in favor of more powers for the Governor our elected representatives need to step up their game. There is too much foolishness taking place with political parties as if everyone is only looking out for their own personal interest. This attitude is becoming the downfall of the country. A more serious approach with more cohesion and direction is urgently needed. This is so embarrassing.
This writer would suggest it’s perhaps time for the BVI to decide whether it wants to remain British, and, that decision should be made by the citizens, not the politicians. Remaining British citizens clearly comes with responsibilities along with UK dictates which they have clearly spelt out. Suggest it’s time for a referendum on the subject so the government can deliver what the populous decide.
Unfortunately, the. greater majority has the political understanding, comprehension and developed political consciousness to that of a child ten years or less.
There exist with that majority the same psychology that their ancestors were forced to accept centries ago. The daily comments prove beyond a doubt that in existence here are mere house negroes, who have no desire to be freefrom the yolkof colonialism.
This is why the UK is noe emboldened to come and take over everything.
But, this is a democracy and like all democracies the people deserve the government they get. So, for better or worse the populous should decide their own fate as against politicians decking it for them. The only way to achieve that is a referendum.
your clairvoyancy has shown you correctly.
What then is being orchestrated to divert and stop those insidious moves, policies and people from taking us and the terrritory back centuries?
Indeed, it is now time to act firmly. It has become imperarive that the nation be protected from the fangs of colonialism.
LOoking at the gentleman it is clear that he is a stoned cold colonialist whose only concern is collecting more booty for the empire.
You must ensure that none of their plans succeed, Mr. Premier.
Just had to repost this! Honestly, “I’m more afraid of the powers our government has at the moment. They are not utilizing it for what is needed but only for their own gains and personal agenda.”
https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2024/08/06/former-bvi-premier-sentenced-prison-conspiring-import-cocaine-us
Much respect to Jeremy and Peter twist… Peter is a veteran in this field.. very smart man. . . I respect him a lot.. good to see his son Jeremy taking a leadership role in the business.. well done guys.
We are tired of the HOA putting down the little guy and wasting tax monies
When you were under Andrew leadership you eithet stood silently by or encourage what he did
Too late
They are basing their corruption tactics based on Andrew
You see how he got exposed or set up!!
The Governor will have all of you soon under police lock and key on the rights of citizens.
You see they arrested two citizens for speaking out
They call it slander
This dude head done swell and looking more power. Shit! still can’t pay government employees their increments from yesteryear! But looking power to do what? When is the next General election? Or better still, dissolution of council. There is nothing being done or transparent to the benefit of the Territory.
Born in Vincy , living on the BVI. I can say corruption is also rife there . When you have the prime minister son as the minister of finance it doesn’t not get any more obvious than that. Vincy people don’t be hypocrites because our island is not better. We are independent and that why noting will be exposed. Our leaders have no one to answer to.
I would go as far as to say Vincy is more corrupt than the BVI . One of the most corrupt in the Caribbean next to Jamaica and the Domincan republic. Just being honest.