Order in Council removal a major victory for Wheatley gov’t?
Despite criticism, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has scored what many see as a major political victory, with the United Kingdom’s decision to officially lift the draft Order in Council (OIC) that threatened to suspend the Virgin Islands’ constitution if good governance reforms were not fully implemented.
The decision, announced by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty, signals confidence that COI reforms have been completed to the UK’s satisfaction, and that the territory can maintain its constitutional democracy without external intervention. In welcoming the recommendations, Dr Wheatley thanked several local and regional partners who helped the government to achieve the OIC removal.
“I want to thank my colleagues in the Cabinet and the House of Assembly, senior public officers and the Governor and his team for their tireless work in implementing the 48 recommendations. I also want to thank CARICOM, OECS, the United Nations, the Caribbean overseas territories, the USVI, and all of our international partners who have stood by our side these past three years,” Premier Wheatley said.
The OIC removal comes amid praises from several Cabinet ministers who have been hailing Dr Wheatley’s persistence and steady leadership through a politically sensitive period which began in 2022.
Recently, the Premier was described by his Chief Advisor, Kedrick Malone, as a “visionary leader” who has placed the Virgin Islands on a path toward sustainable development and cultural empowerment. Malone highlighted Dr Wheatley’s focus on long-term planning and his success in representing the territory’s interests internationally since taking office in 2022.
Under Dr Wheatley’s leadership, the government has achieved several key milestones: restoring direct flights from the United States to the BVI after more than three decades, pushing forward the expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, securing a US$100 million loan facility for infrastructure improvements, raising the minimum wage, and enacting major reforms stemming from the COI process.
Still, the many victories come against a backdrop of ongoing challenges in the territory. Residents continue to raise concerns about poor road conditions, rising cost of living, strained health services, and frequent international trips by members of the government. Critics have argued that while sweeping governance changes have been enacted, more attention must be given to ensuring that elected leaders abide by the new standards set by the raft of reforms.
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How could that be a victory when the COI was caused by Natalio Andrew, CSC, Bevis and the rest of the gang? All the bad things they were doing with money coupled with their disrespectful relationship with the governor caused the COI. * was the lap dog for Andrew and followed everything he did and said. So * you are no hero, you caused the problem in the first place with your head coach.
When the calls for a UK takeover were at their loudest, I chose to believe that those voices were raised in good faith — that they were motivated by a sincere concern for the state of the Territory. I assumed they wanted what was best for our people and for our future.
But the response to the news that the Order in Council has been lifted has been telling. The silence has been deafening. One would think that when the very institution they placed so much trust and reverence in has affirmed that the Government is on the right path — that there is no rampant corruption, no parade of public officials in handcuffs — there would be some collective exhale. Not necessarily celebration, but at least a measure of relief that the worst fears had not come to pass.
Instead, what we have seen is telling. This moment has revealed that for too many of those detractors, it was never really about good governance. It was about power. It was about carving out their own share of authority. Because if their cause had been as noble as they claimed, surely we would now see some sign of reassurance, some recognition that the future of the Territory looks more secure today than it did yesterday.
Shut your lying mouth albino.
LEH MYRUN AND THE UDDER NAY SAYERS LIKE SINDEE TEK DAH
Comes in like you have plenty idle time on your hands. What this under my nose? Amouth!
The fact that this is even a question says it all. If the announcement was different, there would be no questions! There would be headlines saying WE WANT ELECTIONS NOW, VIP AND NATALIO MUST GO! This Government has a lot of problems to deal with and we need to keep their feet to the fire however, whether we support them as a party or not, let’s be fair. There is a lot of work to be done so we can’t get caught up celebrating anything but why isn’t the same energy applied to positive as negative? When the OIC was instituted and extended it was an indictment on the government. The UK said point blank unless they are satisfied that things are moving in a positive direction they will not lift it. Months later, they have lifted it and you are saying it’s not a positive for the government? I am not a VIP supporter but I support BVI and by extension the government. With the COI recommendations and OIC removed I am hoping to see things moving regarding water, roads, overall infrastructure, economy, tourism etc. asap!
Lizard tail I think you donot understand english well stop using Hmmmm…find another required name..What about your real name?
Ppl stop listening to this id**t. You woke up this morning and on the platform before 10am..don’t you have hardwork to do?
VICTORY. WINNER. Victorious.
They were never about becoming a better Government. Fixing things from what was learnt from COI.
They learnt nothing.
COI was to be defeated.
They have us right back where we started.
We need another one.
With teeth and consequences and prosecutions.
Nathalio and his allies in the OECS have managed to convince the UN to pressure the UK into lifting the Order in Council. But how exactly does this benefit the people of the BVI? Our tourism season lasts barely four months, our economy is stagnant and fails to attract foreign investment, leaving our young people with limited choices—often resorting to drugs or sex work just to survive.
The financial services industry, once a cornerstone of opportunity, is in decline, with more emphasis placed on hiring foreigners while many BVIslanders are sidelined, victimized by politicians and senior civil servants. Meanwhile, the Premier surrounds himself with countless advisors but spends more time collecting frequent flyer miles than focusing on solutions—attending events that other officials could easily represent us at.
This situation highlights that the UK has little regard for the struggles of BVIslanders, turning a blind eye to pressing issues such as the Bank of Asia scandal, the government’s outrageous 120% salary increase for themselves, and the neglect of seniors who receive minimal support. When those seniors seek help from Social Services, they are too often shamed or dismissed.
Businesses are buckling under the weight of excessive taxes and receive no financial assistance from the government. The reality is clear: while politicians benefit, ordinary BVIslanders are left struggling just to make ends meet.
These UK officials come here, get some sun and cocktail party, get more upliftment here than they get in UK and feel special and then start to become like the crooked government in BVI. All part of the koolaid.
Has the order really been lifted? Asking for the kindergarten crew.
Yes it is a victory but remember if we don’t police ourselves someone else will police us.
This gives me right to stay far and steer clear of all politico and i’m not VOTING
Well natalio boasting that he had his salary increased a 150% and paid Vybz Kartel quarter million USD and gave $5 million USD to bank of Asia and though being second in command to Andrew fahie where has to be cognizant of all that was going on in the background, the so call threat they fool the people into believe would hurt the people was so untruthful, but was a threat to these guys customary flamboyant life of traveling as frequent flyer and all the perks and money grabbing was coming to an end and they felt it, been getting addicted to power and luxurious living coming to an could have caused some in the VIP to commit suicide.
No difference. London stated they reserve the right to impose it back at anytime. It’s still there. The Gnat is just trying to take credit for nothing. UK NOW