Gov’t must get ‘F’ grade for first-year — Skelton
Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton has given the government a failing grade for its first year in office, creating a stark contrast with the optimism expressed by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley.
Skelton articulated a grim view of the current state of affairs under the Virgin Islands Party government. “They must be given an F and a blind man with wooden glasses knows this,” Skelton remarked, suggesting widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
Pointing to the numerous challenges faced by the territory, Skelton argued that the situation has deteriorated since Wheatley’s administration took power. He said infrastructure, healthcare, and basic utilities like water and sewerage are worse off than a year ago. Additionally, the government’s spending priorities have come under fire, with Skelton criticising lavish expenditures on “parties” amidst economic strife.
“We kept a $250,000 party. We now gonna keep a $670,000 party,” Skelton said, questioning the justification behind these expenses at a time when residents struggle to afford essentials.
The Opposition Leader also pointed out the lack of economic relief for small businesses and inadequate social support for the needy, suggesting a disconnect between government actions and public needs. According to Skelton, promises made have remained unfulfilled, leading to a potential call for drastic measures, including a vote of no confidence against the government.
Premier Wheatley, however, painted a different picture earlier in a statement marking the government’s first anniversary. He acknowledged the hurdles but maintained a positive outlook, citing advances in tourism and financial services and ongoing national development efforts.
“My confidence is buoyed by a fervent belief in the capabilities and good nature of the people of the Virgin Islands,” Wheatley stated, emphasising his administration’s commitment to a transformative agenda aimed at sustainable growth.
Dr Wheatley said like many small territories, the BVI faces a long road of hard work ahead. “I stand before you today with a steadfast belief in our ability to not only complete this work but also to continue as a leader among nations,” he added.
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And the opposition gets a F-
And you get a double F as opposition leader.
Lamest administration of all time tbh. Who else beat them for most useless? Not even trolling really who was more useless?
All past and present parties get an F
big fat F
dunno how we still in the same pothole for the past decade but somehow yall got early retirement package and still raise their wages that was already livable… madness in this place.
lol Skelton makes me laugh he just dgaf
DEM FULLAH F YEAH
because the country gone further backwards
Now this statement from the premier shows clearly that he is cl**less. The BVI suffering from severe religious p***hosis a leader among nations. Incinerator can’t fix brand new asphalt plant not working sewerage in a mess roads are a nightmare nothing is properly maintained…from every angle we need help we are not up to the task but we are a leader among nations….this is so embarrassing.
“second to none”!!!!!!! “the qualities cant never be denied”!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t like Ronnie but i down with what he says. I give them a x
Why does it matter who said it? Whether it is Hon. Skelton or somebody else? The Goverment is not performing. They did not even continue the things that they came and met in the pipeline and are clearly unsure how to start anything new, whether it is projects, programmes or whatever to assist the people where needed.
Yes there is a concentration on completing the things ordered by the COI, but each year lots of money is being spent and even the smallest upgrades in the country are not seen. So Hon. Skelton is saying what all of us are saying. and we have to remember that he is a part of the HOA but not the Government. Moneys were handed over to Social Services. Put things in place that that Department has what it needs to continue to assist the truly sick and needy, unemployed and elderly in our society. Whether it is staff or programmes. Start a proper pantry so that the elderly can go and collect basic needs. But you have to start somewhere and this Government seems to be too busy doing everything else. A good shake of your behind may feel good for the two hours it lasts, but after that is all over, then what? Government is not in the party business. Music Fest and shows of this nature are not a bad idea, but you have to choose, roads, water, electricity, AC in the class rooms at the High School etc over all of that.
So those who find it necessary to come on here to bash Hon. Skelton, it’s sad. Very sad indeed. As he said a blind man can see things are not moving or being managed in this country at this time.
Focus on the message and not the messenger! Whether or not you support Skelton or the Opposition, the question is did he lie? Is it not true what he said? Put the attention where it needs to be! Our country is suffering! This govt gets an F whether Skelton says it or Jesus come say it!
Thanks Son!
I am convinced that there must be a serious disconnect between what we the people see as reality and the reality as seen by Premier .
Something has to be ..Things are becoming worse moment by moment but somehow Sowande is frozen and cannot raise a hand so he continues and proceeds with numbing and distractions ..parties and noise getaways
escapes..Something is just out of kilter.surely he cannot be naturally that dense.
It is the bad minded behaviour of Ronnie and Mitch that cause this F grade for the government. Ronnie is too old to be acting this way. He lost the NDP elections and let that power hungry Mitch lead him astray to form PVIM. To me, he has no credibility to judge what is going on since his behaviour is responsible for it.
While I agree with Hon. Skelton that the Government gets an F, the Opposition gets an F as well.
Ronnie and the rest could not even organize themself to form a government but they want to pass grade on others. Go siddong
So what role did Lorna play? GTFOH! She wanted power and hats what she’s got now eh?!? They do anything for clout and look what it got her – dummy!
who siding with Skelie , should try and find out where his mouth was before he took over as opposition leader / what he talking about , didn’t happen overnight – DUHHHH , he only going along with the crowd now because everyone is hollering out , so he hollering too , up to now he not talking about the reason for the COI or if it was justifiable and who begged for it or how about the country’s name was tarnished , and if we all cannot see the hypocrisy in these wannabe politicians , then more power to them while guns , murders , drugs and corruption has been going FOR YEARS NOW , he was one of yhe master minds that created the implosion in the NDP , isn’t there claims of whats going on now was going on the then , ( hence ) the plead for the same COI
The BVF.
Ronnie Mitchell Fraser F
Mather Marlon D
Myron C
My take: Ronnie, Mitchell and Fraser – F
Marlon – D
Myron, Mather – B
If Ronnie & Mitch didn’t act like spoiled little kids back in 2018/19 we would’ve never had to deal with Fahie or Wheatley, that is a fact and it doesn’t matter who likes it or not, IT IS A FACT!! I don’t want to hear anythin from these guys for without their selfish actions we would’ve never had a VIP administration for the last few years. Then guess what? THEY DID IT AGAIN for 2023 elections despite the pleas of many voters and now here we are. Mitch also gave Hon. Wheatley a vote of confidence via the Governor with the Unity Government co-signing for him to be Premier. So Wheatley was good to be Premier as long as Mitch was able to be a Minister, but now he is not fit?
Wheatley et.al. have flunked out! The malfeasances of grey clouds hovering over this VIP government is like a cat 5 hurricane waiting to touch us all. The fact remains that they (incumbents) are lost and abject failures. Why hasn’t Sharie, Kye and the lot been made to account for stealing government funds during Covid?!?!
The opposition get a B in my book for keeping the fire on these b@tty rangers and their clown antics. I want a vote of no confidence sooner rather than later. Lorna is a lame duck as she only talks and has very little action due to her being an outsider and will be further handicapped before the next election! Is she going to run again at her age? If not; why doesn’t she cross over as a leader and person who wants more for the territory than presently being doled out?
Who got the b@lls to tell Natalee she needs to do like Damion and disappear?