People should know when to step aside for the greater good as I did
Amid ongoing tensions with BVI Health Services Chairman Ron Potter, who has refused his request to resign, Health Minister Vincent Wheatley has emphasised the importance of knowing when to step back for the greater good.
Reflecting on his own experience in 2022, when he stepped down as a government minister to facilitate the formation of a cross-partisan Government of National Unity, Wheatley expressed that he prioritised the country over himself.
While speaking in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, he stressed the need for individuals to recognise when to remove themselves from situations for the sake of the nation, encouraging others to make thoughtful decisions.
“Nobody asked me to resign. Nobody sent me any text or anything,” Wheatley stated about his experience in 2022. “I put my ego aside, I put myself aside, and I put country above self. Sometimes that is what we need to do — put aside the ego and the foolishness and choose sense over nonsense.”
Wheatley’s request for Potter’s resignation comes amid public backlash over poor healthcare services in the territory. He implied that, in a small community like the BVI, stepping down voluntarily might be preferable to being forced out. “Sometimes you have to remove yourself from situations to improve situations. I could have stayed right where I was and fought to remain a minister,” he explained.
Wheatley also referenced the by-laws that allow a Minister to revoke the appointment of a board member with Cabinet approval if they are not satisfied with their performance.
He went on to discuss the formation of a National Unity Government, where the governing Virgin Islands Party would collaborate with the opposing National Democratic Party and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement. This government was established for approximately 10 to 12 months under Dr Natalio Wheatley’s leadership until the general election in February 2023.
Minister Wheatley reiterated that his decision to step back was based on his judgment to prioritise the country over personal interests.
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Missed the “k” in “now”.
On the topic of Ron Potter’s performance, at a minimum the BVIHSA website should display the members of the board and leadership of BVIHSA. Also, board meeting minutes should be published unless there’s a reason not to. If these basic steps of good governance can’t be established you’re not fit for the roll as head of the Board. What are we even talking about.
Fun fact, head over to the Office of the Auditor General (link below) and see how many Statutory Bodies meet the standard above. Also interesting is from the second link referenced the government stopped operating after 2021. 🙂
Have a blessed day,
https://www.auditbvi.com/auditing-portal
https://www.auditbvi.com/statutory-board-s-accounts
As inept as I think the Health Minister, Vincent Wheatley is, how can the BVI Health Services Authority’s Chairman, Ron Potter, a non-elected role, refused to resign at the behest of the Minster of Health. This is why the COI recommendations and reforms are needed within government, especially as it pertains to under-performing statutory bodies. The immediate solution is for 24-hour medical services to be provided on Virgin Gorda, even if one of the other clinics on Tortola must close. Long-term plans should include the current Minister of Health, the Chairman, and the Executive team at BVIHSA being removed from their post as its clear they are ineffective and incapable of doing their jobs. I do not get why we are so reactive instead of being proactive. How many serious incidents can one organisation have before someone with power make changes for the betterment of the people it serves.
a minister cant just fire somebody like so. what are the reasons why the minister is asking the chairman to resign? what are the reasons? why he aint telling us this. what are the reasons.
is the minister saying he ask potter to resign because molito was fired. so he can fire potter the same way.
so if this is the case then the minister looking to fire potter for something else.
Everyone has their own selfish opinion. The focus now is on Virgin Gorda as if it’s the only outer island with residents and businesses. I think the same could be said for Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, but I guess it’s being left for them to experience the same faith before there is a focus.
I think both the minister and the chairman should step aside. The chairman has an accounting firm to run with lots of audit work that is way pass due. He has no time for any other boards, but some of us do not get enough and enjoy being under different spot lights.
Vincent, you were fired as Labour Minister. When Sowande called you on the ferry to VG to tell you were fired, you couldnt get off the ferry with disbelief.
Oh my lord, Vincent saying he cares about the greater good.
He allegedly gave money from Covid grants to friends and family. No need to say more.
Glad to hear that. Please step aside as Minister of Health.
Was thinking the same
Ayaaaa could acknowledge the reader and say THANK YOU
It shows You are ONLY human
VW lie, whether he stepped aside or not we do not know. What we do know is that he was the weakest link then as he is now. He already knew then that he would have been t the first one to go the same now. VW remains the most inept MP ever. I am still amazed that he was given minister he should have been junior minister at most. It shows the distance and the authority and respect that others hold this square peg in round hole Excuse for a legislator. Who is to blame namely slowande and the people of D9.
Stop it you are willfully misleading. In the BVI stretch out your arm and there is friends and family it is impossible to help the people on wide scale with that mentality especially as minister or anyone who is well known.
Oh please. Without documentation we should not hand out money just because we can. Actually, it’s called corruption.
It was made ABUNDANTLY CLEAR at the time that he could NOT be a Minister!!
Sir we need you to do it again.
Why do politicians put money in white envelopes? Done seen the….
At the root of this is the fact is that the Iris Oneal Clinic was closed for the evening when a patient fell into distress……..people this is reeking of cost cutting due and sepaks to the economy of the VI. We all can see a shortage of those who are gainfully employed since the passing or Irma/Maria, which means less contributions to the SS/NHI which means the Govt is tasked w a tremendous cost in the health services arena……yet we are all over the place talking about resignation and other fodder.
ironic i wish all ah we politicians step aside for our greater good
Please tell the whole VIP government this please and thanks.
Natalio fixing the road for the UK official visit
Shame on you
Is saying )> mahnn I should of walked with my Kenny Rogers’s CD ” KNOW WHEN TO HOLD ON – KNOW WHEN TO LET
GO ” AND PLAY IT
FOR THEM , WHILE AH
SIP ON MAH WHISKEY
The whole Government needs to go period.
These guys can’t even operate a candy store much less a country/Territory. This is why everything is in shambles. The D9 rep is the worse of all he too was bankrolled to get elected, so as the others.
It is rather amusing to observe the frustration of those, primarily from Tortola, who try in vain to persuade the people of Virgin Gorda that Hon. V. Wheatley is an ineffective leader. The reality, of course, is that the people of Virgin Gorda are not so easily swayed by such transparent attempts at manipulation. They are thoughtful, discerning individuals who can recognize sincerity when they see it. Hon. Wheatley, while not without fault, has demonstrated genuine care for the well-being of Virgin Gordians—something his detractors cannot credibly dispute. So, let the disingenuous attacks continue, if only to fuel your frustration. One thing is clear: the people of Virgin Gorda know whose interests you truly serve, and it’s certainly not theirs.
Please step aside from your ministry and perhaps try Honourable Dawson. Thanks in advance
D9
Minister VM is the worst! Since he allergycan’t sell out the lands to his friends, he really got care
Wheatley you are doing a great job at creating the narrative and public opinion that the chairman is responsible for the young man’s death and not you who refused phone calls to get the doctor and open the clinic, all it was with potter he was so camera happy to be seen on TV that his smile got him into trouble.but you the politician want to get away unscathed and get re-elected.
Why is he talking as if he’s a saint?