Nat’l Unity Gov’t does not mean the end of political parties — Premier
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley sought to clarify that the Government of National Unity is simply a coalition government and that the partnership does not mean political parties will start disappearing from the political landscape.
In a statement earlier today, Dr Wheatley said the unity government is a big departure from the composition of previous administrations over the last 36 years. As a result, he said he has received several questions about what this means and how it will affect the political makeup of the territory.
In providing some clarity to the situation, the Premier explained that the Government of National Unity is a coalition comprising elected representatives from three political parties in the House of Assembly.
“Represented are the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), National Democratic Party (NDP) and Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM). We are partners in Government, which is also reflected in the makeup of the Cabinet,” Dr Wheatley stated.
“To be clear, this does not mean our respective political organisations have been amalgamated into one. They remain individual political bodies. However, at the Governmental level, the members of the Government of National Unity comprise one unit. While this is the case, we want to reassure the public that political parties in the Virgin Islands will continue to be an integral part of representative democracy here in the islands,” the Premier added.
Dr Wheatley explained that in the formation of the Government of National Unity, the members of the House placed the country above party and above self. He added they are working together in the national interest, as opposed to engaging in partisan divisions that serve no one’s interest.
“We are demonstrating our maturity and determination to make the fundamental changes needed for a new era of democratic governance that will place the territory on a new development trajectory. A coalition government puts the Virgin Islands in the strongest possible position to reform and renew our precious democracy,” Dr Wheatley stated.
“The recent dramatic events and developments in the United States and here in the territory were a test of our national character and whether we as a people could rise to the occasion to meet our challenges. I believe we have taken the right initial steps, but there is much further to go,” the Premier continued.
Tough Decisions
Dr Wheatley said his government already made some tough but necessary decisions to take the territory into the dawn of a new era.
“We have been tough on statutory boards. It was in the public interest to dissolve those that are no longer in place. We are also in the process of shifting social assistance away from elected officials directly to the Social Development Department. These were the right things to do,” the Premier said.
“Reform is not simply about what Sir Gary Hickinbottom has recommended or what the United Kingdom and governor want to see. It is about us wanting better for ourselves. There are more difficult decisions ahead, but we are prepared to make them. And that is why we are coming to your communities to discuss reform and to get your feedback,” he continued.
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So we are not in a one party state? Just lots of people working together to protect themselves until the danger goes away and then back to business as usual? Dictatorship for now and then you can all get back to your old ways. UK please save us!!
UK can’t even help themselves. They have their own drama going on.
Trust me, UK handles their business because they have actual policies in place to deal with their ppl unlike here where we just shove it under the rug and then it’s business as usual. Everywhere has its problems yes but it’s who actually deals with their problems and we don’t.
Hopefully it will be the end of all the cheese shop rats who currently compose the government.
I wonder which one of them will be first to set foot in the USA.
Political parties in the BVI are dead now and forever. It’s independent candidates now for the 5 elected at large HOA candidates. NO more HOA district reps either. Get used to it or leave.
Unfortunately , independents will soon form themselves into factions and parties. Always have, always will.
It might not be the end of political parties but it is certainly the end of you and every member in the house political career.
Will someone please give this young lady a makeover, her appearance is just too boring.
So you are saying that when we vote for male candidates, we should consider the tightness of his trousers?
Take your two cents and buy a single brain cell to double your intelligence.
And no, I don’t trust Ms DeC because I don’t trust
her party – or the other party – or this BS ‘Westminster’ Colonial xerox handout system we seem to think we need – but we def. don’t need mysogyny mucking up our necessary political reform.
Sit DOWN!
Well someone should advise them about those dreadfull shiny and stripey suits. Looks like a car salesmans convention.
The Political Parties did not disappear, but those who went from the opposition to form the so-called government of national unity only did so because of their position in the government, turning their backs on their districts, that is the political end of each one of them
They closed ranks because their overwhelming common interest is to try to stop the UK ending their gravy train.
They wont.
Said it best for these wan k ster s:
… All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go
I’m standing here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say, “Goodbye”
… But the dawn is breaking, it’s early morn’
The taxi’s waiting, he’s blowin’ his horn
Already I’m so lonesome, I could die
… So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you’ll wait for me
Hold me like you’ll never let me go
… ‘Cause I’m leaving on a jet plane
Don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go
Adios Amigos….Don’t let the HOA door hit yah where the good Lord split yah!!!
Why Marlon as leader of the opposition didn’t come to us constituents to discuss his new role?I honestly think he should.have said-demanded that I marlon.leader.of the.opposition need to next to U.premier for.all.the time I’ve kept ur.feet to the fire..Now will Marlon come forward and tell us what he dig up on Carvin like wise what Mitch have on
Vincent
fire
Cr**ked politicians trying to appease the masses wrath by showing a good front . We cannot be fooled .
Underneath the cover of reforms you would be pushing your image as the Moses of the BVI.
People don’t be fooled !!
Welcome to NETFLIX BVI
everyday a new season
Breaking Bad – mark 2
Used toilet paper has more value than VIP and NDP parties. I don’t want to see or hear about them
BVI WE ARE IN TROUBLE
“Dr Wheatley explained that in the formation of the Government of National Unity, the members of the House placed the country above party and above self. He added they are working together in the national interest, as opposed to engaging in partisan divisions that serve no one’s interest. ”
Is it just me, or should this have been the attitude all along?
If this is the right thing to do now, why not at all times?
Didn’t we get into this mess specifically because people put party above country?
Self before constituents?
Personal gain over national growth?
Why is it that every new government meets the Treasury “broke” and then proceeds to spend like its raining dollar bills in a club?
Why do the good ideas and initiatives of the former government get stalled or shelved while we try to reinvent the wheel just so that next election we can say “Look at what the [insert Party name here..] did?”
I say… if we don’t start thinking and acting differently, we will end up in the same place again… and we will have no one to blame but ourselves. Time for CHANGE.
I hope it does. Then again is he referring to political parties as in a group or politicians partying, wich they’ve been doing for years at our expense
Used toilet paper has more value than these parties, VIP and NDP. Just shows how myopic and stale these politicians pictured here are.