Don’t use people’s pain to score political points
Health & Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley has added his voice to mounting criticism from government members over Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn’s budget presentation, warning that elected leaders must not exploit the territory’s socio-economic challenges for political gain.
Speaking recently in the House of Assembly, Wheatley acknowledged that the BVI continues to grapple with long-standing issues such as water and road infrastructure, electricity, the cost of living, wages and access to healthcare. However, he stressed that these challenges are not unique to the territory and shouldn’t be weaponised for partisan purposes.
“The world’s a very challenging place right now. It’s difficult all over the world. It’s not unique to the BVI,” Wheatley said, pointing to regional and global examples to underscore his argument. He referenced St Vincent and the Grenadines, where voters recently changed governments in hopes of economic relief, noting that leadership changes do not automatically resolve deep-rooted problems.
“What I don’t like is when this is politicised and used to gain political points. I think it is wrong,” the minister added. “You cannot use the people’s pain to score cheap political points.”
Wheatley said genuine concern for residents must go beyond rhetoric, calling instead for collaboration and practical solutions. “What we need right now is to come together and find solutions and go get the work done. Finger-pointing won’t solve any problem,” he told the House of Assembly.
His comments come amid an ongoing public debate over Walwyn’s delivery during the budget debate and other presentations in the House of Assembly. While some residents and political observers described the Opposition Leader’s presentation as rude, disrespectful and unparliamentary, others argue that he is forcefully performing his role by holding the government to account and giving voice to public frustration.
Since Walwyn’s presentation, all members of the government have pushed back against his tone and approach, accusing him of being unnecessarily harsh and dismissive of the administration’s efforts. Government members have consistently maintained that the current administration is doing a good job under difficult global conditions and say the opposition leader’s criticism ignores that reality.
Wheatley also drew on international examples to reinforce his point, referencing ongoing economic pressures in the United States. He noted that even US president, Donald Trump, has faced criticism for unmet promises to quickly reduce prices, highlighting how complex and persistent cost-of-living challenges can be.
“If these problems were easily solved, they’d be solved years ago,” Wheatley said, reiterating his call for unity and solution-driven leadership as the territory navigates its challenges
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Vincent shut your trap up.
you have your district so divided where you not helping people if they aren’t indigenous to the country and that is a sick way to think.
you keep forgetting that these people children can vote? you n your party would not be getting them votes next election
We need you to go there are other persons that will represent the whole population of the 9th district
Why are you looking down and not assisting the people that born in the district but not indigenous to the country why because you married to Ralph * O’Neal daughter?
What you guys need to understand is people are born every day and people die every day the same indigenous people that you claim saying you’re trying to overprotect they will one day die out
so you have to start checking for the next generation of the island stop that bad mind nonsense you guys doing especially from that S*****s lady that works in your office
we getting rid of you next year vincy
This is competely false and you are the mouthpiece for a particular Family that is anxious to get in. But fortunately the people are not with youy and see through BS.. Dont be salty because of your own political misstep . What is perplexing is that you mention who he is married to ? What does that have to do with anything? To the best of my knowledge the man has been married for over 30 years.
Can someone show me the sense in what Hon. Wheatley is saying because I don’t see any.
the problem is that myron get under you all skin and pull out the truth. We have seen what needed to be seen. your popularity is dwindling and so you are working to register those Wheatley who don’t live here. note that not all wheatleys are for you.
is on the loose , after what he joined with the drew to watch how people work honestly to make a living and he come up with a plan to double tax them, using money gram and western union – we done know we are dealing with an e**l man ,
Those are exactly the words and pain that the Opposition must use. They have limited tools and can only cry out on behalf of those of us who did not vote for you or for the VIP. They have to cry out for the woes of the people and must use our pain to sound off! It is exactly their jobs!
You dingleberries will eat whatever Myron wants to feed you all. Myron has nothing more than a loud, obnoxious voice yet he can’t get (3) persons to follow him as leader (apart from the district cowbirds).
Myron in 2026 reflect (if you can) and humble yourself dude. Empty vessels make the loudest noises – what does that say about you Sir?!?!
Your insecurities are glaringly obvious – wuk on dem.
Opposition is weakened even more lately…so he has all the right to point to social woes and any or everything he has..your seat is safe for the next fews years sir so stop complaing and get to work sir.
Interesting this Administration never wants to own up to its failings, when ever their short falls are mentions they say oh don’t use that for political points, but the fact is this administration has failed to correct any of the issues mentioned to create a better life for the people of the Virgin Islands.
Keep the fire turned up…. you are doing your job… you are not in there for them to like you…. but no matter what they say I truly believe they respect you and they know that they can’t pull the wool over your eyes….keep their feet to the fire.
So you hot another new name for the new year, but it’s still the same sh*t different day/ so wiggie you haven’t improved , you getting rusty , try some WD40
DO NOT LIE ON PEOPLE TO SCORE POLITICAL POINTS ESPECIALY WITH THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE CLOWN