Elected leaders must control all areas of governance — Premier
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has emphasised the need for elected officials to take control of all areas of governance, arguing that full authority is necessary for effective leadership and decision-making in the territory.
Speaking in the House of Assembly recently, Dr Wheatley outlined the historical progress made in self-governance but stressed that the current constitutional framework still leaves key areas outside of the elected government’s control.
“We, as a people, must aspire to have control of these remaining areas of governance that are presently not in our hands,” he stated. “We must believe and demonstrate to ourselves that we can effectively manage these subjects.”
The Premier pointed to the existing division of power between elected officials and the governor, who retains oversight of several key areas, including security and external affairs.
“Despite this progress in self-governance, the governor still retained control of the public finances,” Dr Wheatley said, referencing past constitutional developments that transferred authority from colonial administrators to elected leaders.
The issue of self-governance has been a recurring topic in BVI politics. A United Nations visiting mission in 2024 examined the territory’s status as a non-self-governing territory, prompting renewed discussions about self-determination.
The UN report recommended greater public education on governance options and suggested that a referendum could be held to determine the territory’s future direction. In his address, Dr Wheatley acknowledged that any shift in governance would require consultation with the public.
“All of the advances in self-governance I earlier outlined have always followed consultation of the people,” he explained. His comments come amid ongoing constitutional review efforts, with discussions on whether the BVI should seek greater autonomy or remain under its current relationship with the United Kingdom.
The government is expected to hold public forums to discuss the future of governance in the territory. Dr Wheatley has maintained that any move towards greater self-determination must be backed by public support.
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This is obsessed with independence for his own selfish means.this is up to no good.he want to dictate.
If independence is S!0wW@nde’s priority he needs to massively improve his performance
This man is very obsessed with independence, he is trying to force us into it.look at the other Caribbean neighbors, see how they are are struggling.let’s not repeat their mistakes.
Premier is dreaming as usual. There will always be a UK Governor who will always oversee the security, external affairs and public finances of the BVI.
If a man is to scared to rule his own house because his neighbor struggles with ruling his, he is no kind ah man ahtall.
His existence will will always be at the mercy of others including his greatest enemies.
He who is afraid to walk into the future will leave his children wollering in poop of the past.
Fools reap foolishness. Idiots perish. Research history.
The simple minded selfish envious attitude of many voters will ensure that these islands remain a colony. The sad part is that many couldn’t care less as they hold dual citizenship and are only interested in the financial benefits to be derived from these islands. Sooner or later there will be confrontation.
None sense.stppps.
Tell us then your solutions… we wait.
Historically speaking, what did the house slave say to field slave when he was approached about running away?
Psychologically then, aren’t those the same mental maladies being expressed within your prose?
Are those the kinds of thinking expected from a progressive and forward thinking people?
Corruption in the Bvi government is so high for such a small island.you cannot take that kind of risk with this present government.see an increase in crime,drugs, prostitution,gun running,poor infer structure, and the list goes on.same problem affecting Haiti right now.lets start the thinking.
So in other words you are saying the government of the BVI wants independence from the UK, so the governor will be here as figure head or maybe you want him gone back to the UK?
Populist leaders exploit democracy to consolidate power, dismantle institutions and sideline expertise, threatening stability, even in the virgin islands and globally.
The Government of the Virgin Islands needs to take a Page out of Trinidad’s Interim Prime Minister’s Book. Integrity, Inclusion, Accountability are what is missing with this Government. Self-Determination, Independence, or whatever will be decided by ALL the people NOT some. So the V.I. Government and Others MUST be mindful of this and not think that it will only be a Hand-picked few deciding for the Populace.
Start with controlling some basics. Maybe prove govt can maintain a road, or provide water and sewer and just maybe keep the lights on. This government couldn’t arrange a goat screwing without consultants and parties.
Ah, more of the independence push. Next the push for a new airport to put our ferries out of business.
Never a push to make the VI a better place for people to live.
Does the BVI pay its loans? Yes. Has the Government ever defaulted on a loan? No. Does the UK pay the salaries of public servants? No. Who pays the salaries of public servants? The BVI Government does, since 1978. Does the UK run the financial services industry that funds Government? No. The BVI does. Does the UK run the tourism industry that provides jobs? No. The BVI does. So what then is the problem with self-determination? The people against it sound like they just don’t personally like our political leaders. That is petty.
Do our politicians abuse persons who don’t support them? Yes. Is there a recourse? No. Do we want independence under this leader? No
Natalio why would we want you to have more autonomy when you do not care about the people in your district some of whom have to go in the garbage to eat. All you care about is representing yourself and your families and cronies internationally because you don’t speak on behalf of the people. Most people here do not want independence because they believe you don’t represent them as you have no empathy for those in your district or the wider population. Some already feel that they have no where to turn when they can’t get work, aid from the government or from victimization so why would they want to give you more power. The governor already don’t listen to us the people so what is the difference when he is not in the equation a dictatorship. That’s not what we voted for. We are sick of the disrespect abuse and being excluded from important decisions that affect the public.