Let’s press for full measure of self-government
Although he has denied pushing for the BVI’s independence, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley this week urged residents to progress towards self-government, saying the territory will be better off when the people are able to choose their own destiny.
The Premier made the call on November 27 as the territory commemorated the Great March of 1949. The leader said residents should be guardians of the democracy that the territory’s ancestors fought for, even as discussions ramp up for the new BVI constitution.
“Let us not forget what Faulkner, Fonseca, De Castro, and the 1500 marched for when our democracy is threatened, and even in the midst of our negotiations for a new constitution, let us not drop the baton that was handed to us in an advanced position,” the Premier stated.
He continued: “At the end of the day, whatever happens, our unique identity, culture and heritage, must be protected and our people must truly be rendered better off – and that means progressing to a full measure of self-government, and, ultimately, the ability to decide our own destiny.”
Premier Wheatley – like his predecessor Andrew Fahie – is a vocal proponent of greater autonomy for the Virgin Islands. He’s advocated for the territory at United Nations’ convention, as he calls for the international community to show support for the BVI’s sovereignty despite being a territory of the UK.
Although many believe the Premier should abandon his push for greater autonomy, the leader maintains that full self-governance is ultimately inevitable and a status the territory must take deliberate steps to achieve.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Headline should read “politicians push for unfettered access to public funds”
This guy can’t even manage to change his underwear let alone manage a territory. Pot hole management would be a great start..
People please be reminded that:
– Natalio gave his full support to Fahie contracting CSC, barges, securities and even praised him after he went to jail.
– Natalio defended the current health and education ministers who clearly stole from us under the covid grants.
– Natalio has been a minister for more than 5 years with absolutely zero accomplishments. To be accurate, the territory looks the worst it has ever looked (and let’s not blame Irma that was 6 years ago). Education is in absolute shambles.
– Natalio has tried to sensor media
– Natalio blames everything but the kitchen sink on every topic imaginable.
– Natalio thinks he represents God.
Self determination at some point absolutely is the way to go. But not as long as guys like Natalio are in charge.
They did the above with oversight, can you imagine what he will do when this oversight goes away?
What the Fawk were ppl in Llook thinking? What metrics do they look at before casting a vote for this guy.
Brother you have to understand that most people don’t vote for country. They vote for, “what can I get?”, “what’s in it for me?”.
I don’t think you all realise that the BVI voted by landslide in some cases for 6 VIP candidates. And almost outright gave them the majority by voting for an at large man who for the most part was non-existent. I never saw any VIP at large in my district unless it was a VIP event. Now both gov and opposition at large reps are heading down the same road. District reps heading down the same road. They are invisible. It’s as if they forget what they were voted for, what they campaigned for. But they always, always there for the photo op.
But I glad for all ayo. I am not a VIP supporter, but I want them get back in so they can finish kill ayo for being stupid.
wee eye pee, k!(( uhm.
First learn how to set an annual budget, then how to pass and enforce laws and then how to grow and maintain an economy, deal with social issues fairly, and then possibly start a conversation along the line of let’s start a 100 year plan towards independence
Zplease guys,don’t this trick us into going independence please.they want corruotion.
Lol his this man for real lmaf ,he can’t even move us forward form this COI he here talking about self government, this primier got to be crazy ,we can’t trust ayo politicians here in the bvi ,so get away with your self govern .as of right now we sticking with the UK cause our local ain’t ready
When he going to realize the public not with him on this? Actually prove you can make the BVI a better place first, That you can actually run a country.
The Bible has a perfect example of how you can seek greater control over the country, which should of course, be the ultimate goal – show that you can manage the basic stuff first. By this measure, Governments for the past 30 years have lacked vision and competence and so do not deserve to be given the opportunity to manage more. The present Premier has shown no ability to manage the country’s affairs properly either.
No
Premier please stop travelling all over the world with your entourage and use the money to fix our roads and schools.
No f…… way, thank you.
Of course he wants self government with no one to check on thieving and dishonest politicians.
The money grab!
It’s gone so well, so far.
Head Coach’s trial coming up, and woeful infrastructure and public education and training.
What have we got for the billions in Government revenue since the 1980s? Where did the money go?
Any more self-government and we’ll be like Haiti! No thank you.
Given the choice between less power for this incompetent self serving government and more power, I am pretty sure I know which way people would vote.
Check the recurrent expenditure in the 2024 budget and then look at the budgets going back you will realize that most of the budget goes to pay salaries and bills. Until those earning those big salaries can produce something of value and not just be bumps on a log we will continue to fall further behind and eventually into debt when the prospect of self determination and independence becomes a fleeting illusion to be pursued but never attained. BVI needs a leader who is not just along for the ride but is forward thinking and strategic planning as we navigate through what will be a very challenging and constantly evolving global situation.
All of them fighting to gain independence for the own self gaine and to do what they like with the Government purse, make laws like subjugations of the people into more oppression
A greedy set of people who dont know their ars. From their elbow
They have a little knowledge in a field and believes that give them the expertise and experience to run a country
They cant control their own children or rule their household how can they rule a nation successful . This country in deep shi…
You already have “self Government”, just making a mess of it.
What you politicians really want is no accountability..smh!
I agree with you 100%. This Government is Not ready for Self- Governance. I must say it is time to start the conversation which will not happen overnight and by the time it becomes a reality this Puppet of a Government should be no where around. This is by far the worst the BVI has ever been with these unqualified Bunch. I bet you there are some educated youngsters who would do a far better Job than these.
From the moment AF got his party together in 2018, the Scammers strategically put themselves forward to FU** up this Country. Don’t you think what happened in 2022 was a flouk? Every Member of Government seated at the time of the COI should have been up Balo. The VIP needs to GO and GO now!! This Country needs to move forward. It’s time enough. They are too selfish. Which District getting all the Meat off the Bone? That’s an easy one to answer. Districts with Representatives on the Government side are suffering so wha De Heck? I am hoping that Gov. Rankin’s farewell message be one of dissolution of the HOA and Fresh Elections.
He talks like the UK are trying to prevent independence. The UK have always said they will respect the will of the people, through a referendum. Like they did when they left Europe. So call a referendum on independence and see what the people say. Simple. Just stop going on about it like you’re being oppressed. UK will be glad to see the back of BVI I’m sure. Nothing but a headache.