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CARICOM leaders respect BVI because of regular attendance

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness.

Amid calls for the government to cut its budget for duty travel, Dr Premier Natalio Wheatley has signalled that regular attendance at CARICOM meetings has earned the BVI much respect among leaders in the region.

Speaking at the recent CARICOM meeting in Jamaica, Premier Wheatley said it would be “in poor taste” if the territory chose to decline CARICOM meetings while being an associate member of the regional bloc.

“The reason we’re well respected by CARICOM is because we’re here consistently. It’s in poor taste to be part of these organisations and not participate. We have to decide whether we want to be part of these organisations or not,” Premier Wheatley stated.

The Premier added that the BVI gains tremendous benefits from being an active member of CARICOM and other organisations, saying the regional group has advocated for the BVI at critical points.

“Now we need the help of our brothers and sisters more than ever to help us to build capacity in areas such as security, responding to the recent grey-listing (financial services), and governance. We just have to ensure we are here to access the benefits and the relationships,” Premier Wheatley added.

The Natalio Wheatley administration has built a reputation for international advocacy, which many believe has helped to stop the United Kingdom from imposing an Order in Council over the territory amid political tensions between the elected government and the colonial power.

However, many believe that international travel is excessive and needs to be reduced, as the territory has numerous challenges that could be funded with the capital allocated for duty travel.

Residents have expressed concerns about the government’s legislative duties, saying sittings of the House of Assembly are being affected by the globe-trotting habits of the Cabinet members.

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14 Comments

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  1. BuzzBvi says:

    Ha ha ha ha.

    We doing good with Caricom because of our excessive travel and they won’t mind us not treating them as equals and being racist to the their people and only doing this so they will get behind our push for Independence against the will of our people.

    Ha ha ha ha ha.

    Anything to justify their travels!!!!

    Ha ha ha ha ha.

    Like 13
    Dislike 2
  2. Salty Fish says:

    Well, if this cat knows anything, it’s how to do things that are in ‘poor taste’, that’s for certain!

    Like 9
    Dislike 2
  3. EGO says:

    Respect man, Respect, Ya man, Respect

    Like 2
    Dislike 0
  4. Resident says:

    this dude is delusional, most of these places don’t even know where we are

    Like 11
    Dislike 2
    • @Resident says:

      They obviously know where we are. Otherwise, we would not have so many people from so many “well known” countries living here. The BVI has well over 100 nationalities living here. What does that tell you?

  5. The Source says:

    CARICOM countries respect is an insult not a compliment.
    They are a compilation of all what is negative and perfect examples to the World of all that is
    disgraceful and expected of Black folks.
    Been self governing for well over half of a Century and are the murder capital of the North poverty production their commodity.
    Their people are all over the Workd seeking bread and sheltering in every prison where they land and proceed to live as cannibals.
    What their presence has done to these VI …for starters,school graduates are barely literate,we are inundated with additional foreign police and
    dire need of another 1ortwo prisons…
    ReallySowande…get a grip,,Respect is a foreign concept to the collective CARICOM. Starting with self respect which is absent…CARICOM countries are an embarrassment and disgraced to Black upward mobility and human decency,

    Like 12
    Dislike 3
  6. TruDat! says:

    AND WHEREAS the Premier and Minister of Finance continues to squander public resources on matters that bring no financial returns to the people of Virgin Islands including; his non-stop party following the inaugural flight of American Airlines from Miami to Beef Island, the failed Virgin Islands Music Festival 2024, approximately $300,000 USD to sponsor the Vybz Kartel show, the constant international traveling by him and his colleagues compliments of the public’s purse with no results to show while other important initiatives remain unfunded or underfunded.

  7. BVI? says:

    CARICOM meetings has earned the BVI much respect among leaders in the region.Who gives a rats As$ about CARICOM all of them are cr**ks just like our *, birds of a feather.

  8. Eldread says:

    When I was going school my teacher liked my frequent attendance, after all I am there to learn, and teacher Andrew will appreciate your attendance,after all you paid one a his teacher Vybz Kartel quarter million USD. And he is looking after a rookie who had no call in every meeting there is, bringing you up to speed, you won’t be able to benifit the BVI until you are much mature and in your senior years.

  9. EV says:

    To the/our elected brothers and sisters from. first through to the ninth..

    Your legacy speaks for your antecedents.

    A Leader’s Legacy is Measured by the People’s Response to Their Absence

    As a leader, your true legacy isn’t in the titles you hold, the wealth you amass, or the commands you issue, it’s in how people feel about you when you’re no longer around.

    Never live a life that would cause people to erupt in joy at the news of your demise. That alone is a tragic indictment of failed leadership.

    When the people you led breathe a sigh of relief instead of shedding tears, it means your reign brought more pain than peace, more fear than freedom, and more oppression than opportunity.

    A great leader leaves behind a legacy of love, respect, and gratitude. Even in your flaws, the people remember your efforts, your vision, and your heart for them.

    So ask yourself today:

    If your chapter ended now, would your people mourn… or would they celebrate?

    Let your leadership heal, not harm. Let your memory inspire, not haunt.

    Take care of those who have selflessly served before only enriching one self.

  10. @ The Source says:

    Yes Israel US France UK and the other Europeans who murdered and stole everything out of Africa are the ones we should look up and bow down to. You idiot.

  11. Dave says:

    Oh good, a participation trophy. A true sign of excellence.

  12. What!!! says:

    Are we a member of Caricom or is this just one of his all to frequent trips on our dollar?

    • @WHAT!!! says:

      BVI is Not even a member of CARICOM but is an associate member with limited voting power but is exploring full membership etc.

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