Opposition still bitter over USVI Governor’s support — Premier

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatly

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has accused the parliamentary Opposition of harbouring bitterness over United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor Albert Bryan Jr’s open support of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) during the last elections.

The Premier shared his sentiments, highlighting the ongoing resentment Opposition members expressed regarding Bryan’s endorsement, as lawmakers debated during yesterday’s House of Assembly sitting.

“We have some of the same old gripes, persons who are still bitter with Albert Bryan. Whenever they get the opportunity, they’re talking about Albert Bryan,” Premier Wheatley remarked while referring to the Opposition’s frequent criticisms.

The USVI governor had publicly endorsed the VIP during a political rally at Huntum’s Ghut, which sparked controversy and accusations of political interference. Despite the backlash, Premier Wheatley asserted, “We are one Virgin Islands, and we don’t have to be having gripes with our brothers and sisters across the waters.”

The Premier’s remarks came after a swipe from Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn, who accused the government of being “up and down” with Bryan.

“The same Bryan — they’re up and down with him,” Walwyn said. “Bryan doing what he’s supposed to do and them doing nothing. Up and down. Bryan fixes his horse track.”

The USVI governor’s endorsement became a significant point of contention during the BVI’s elections, with critics from the Opposition accusing him of overstepping his role and meddling in the BVI’s political affairs. Nevertheless, Premier Wheatley defended Bryan’s actions and reiterated the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between the neighbouring territories.

Premier Wheatley further pointed out that, despite the Opposition’s complaints, the BVI’s economy has been performing well, particularly in the tourism sector. “We’ve had our best tourism numbers in the history of the Virgin Islands,” he noted. According to the Premier, these positive outcomes should be the focus rather than dwelling on past disputes.

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