‘Enough about your grandfather,’ Walwyn tells Premier
A heated exchange erupted in the House of Assembly recently after Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn interrupted Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley for referencing his grandfather while responding to questions about employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.
Walwyn had questioned why the government, despite its $550 million budget for 2026, had not introduced employment opportunities for differently abled adults, pointing to similar initiatives in neighbouring Caribbean countries. He also highlighted the challenges facing families in his district, saying loved ones were desperately seeking employment opportunities for them.
Dr Wheatley began his response by highlighting his family’s historical contribution to special education.
“It was in 1972, under my grandfather’s government,” Dr Wheatley stated, referring to the late Chief Minister Dr Willard Wheatley and the establishment of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre.
Walwyn interrupted, objecting to the Premier’s historical account and insisting that he address the question. When challenged to identify the Standing Order supporting his interruption, Walwyn maintained that the Premier should answer without referencing his grandfather.
“I don’t want to hear about his grandfather,” Walwyn declared.
“He did quite a lot; he shall be remembered,” Premier Wheatley fired back, defending his grandfather’s legacy.
“That’s fine, but not tonight. Answer the question,” Walwyn responded.
The Premier continued, pointing to the government’s investment in a new $4 million Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre and a draft employment policy intended to improve opportunities for vulnerable groups.
Walwyn, however, maintained that those measures did not address his central concern.
He charged: “You promised two years ago that you were gonna do it. And now you come talking about your grandfather. Why don’t we have an employment programme for differently abled persons in this country? Why can’t they go to work like ordinary persons?”
Walwyn argued that educational facilities were no substitute for employment opportunities and accused the government of failing to deliver on its promise to include persons with disabilities in the RATED employment programme.
In response, Premier Wheatley acknowledged that the proposal warranted consideration but said the programme was not currently structured to accommodate it.
“I don’t think the RATED programme is in the correct state to be able to accommodate it right now,” the Premier explained.
He suggested that planned reforms could eventually allow differently abled adults to participate.
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Walwyn is right and I was glad he did it. Imagine a question is ask about why people with disabilities can’t get work in the BVI and Natalio start off talking about his grandfather started some school years ago. How is that helping the situation with the question?
WAS A REAL DECENT GENTLEMAN , BUT YOU ARE NOT SO DON’T TTY TO USE HIM FOR LEVERAGE , YOU CANNOT EVEN WALK IN HIS SHADOWS , YOU IS SOMETHING ELSE (YO AIN’T BORN HAE BRO ) ACCORDING TL CLAUDE .
@ Mr.Williard, who you think you are talking about Myron ain’t born here?, you so dunce you can’t even see too, that Myron didn’t ask nobody about dem Grandfather??
@ Mr.Williard, who you think you are talking about Myron ain’t born here?, who ask about Grandfather??
@ mr.williard , hush your mouth, and go back to sleep.
He talking about his Papi who was in government nearly 40 years ago and wouldn’t answer the question. What does his grandfather have to do with the question about employment for people with disability that he is responsible for?
Speak of your own accomplishments not those of your grandfather who used to have people starving just like you. People used to be hungry and couldn’t wait for Lavity to get back in to release the money to help them.
Enough of this Premier 487.