Premier alarmed over ‘us versus them’ politics
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has raised alarm over what he described as growing political division in the Virgin Islands, warning that it threatens the territory’s legacy and unity in the face of external challenges.
Speaking in the House of Assembly during a recent debate, Dr Wheatley cautioned against the narrative that divides residents based on their ancestry or political allegiance. He referred to recent comments from the Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn reportedly suggesting some residents without ancestral ties may not defend the Virgin Islands if called upon.
“That alarmed me,” Dr Wheatley said. “It sounded to me like the Leader of the Opposition was speaking on behalf of those who don’t have ancestry in the Virgin Islands, saying that because of how they believe they’ve been treated or regarded, they won’t fight with the rest of us when we make the call.”
He stressed the importance of national unity and inclusiveness. “I promote unity. I believe in unity. I believe in the Virgin Islands. We must forge a common identity,” he asserted.
Dr Wheatley highlighted the legacy of political collaboration in the BVI’s past, referencing leaders like H Lavity Stoutt, Willard Wheatley, and Ralph O’Neal, who set aside party differences for the good of the territory.
“These leaders who paved the way for us were mature enough to understand that they had to walk together for the good of the territory,” he explained.
His remarks came amid heated debate over the recent law enforcement review, which includes controversial recommendations such as centralising control under the governor and shutting down ports.
“We categorically reject them,” Dr Wheatley declared, saying the recommendations would damage the local economy and undermine self-governance.
The Premier called for a formal, unified response from the House. “It would be appropriate for a letter to be drafted, signed by all members of the House, addressed to the governor and copied to the Minister of Overseas Territories… to make it very clear that we reject the implementation of a number of these recommendations.”
Premier Wheatley also urged naturalised citizens to see themselves as defenders of the Virgin Islands.
“You may have had a home before, but you have another home that you have to defend now… You have to become patriots for the Virgin Islands, and when the Virgin Islands is under threat, you have to be ready to fight,” he stated.
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Who is the us versus them. All I see is a society where people vote politicians on both sides of the aisle who do not look out for BVIslanders only themselves their family and their cronies. Also they put legislation in place that make life harder for the people of this country. They travel all over the world on taxpayers dollars and when taxpayers fall on hard times they turn their back on them. They have no respect for the senior as they have not raised their retirement funds in years yet the politicians have the audacity to raise their own pay even after setting up themselves for life with the greedy bill. They have government vehicles driving all over the place and they don’t want to pay for gas. They have all kind of allowance. They come to the people when they campaign and full their heads with all kind of lies. When they get in they treat the people like crap.
The politicians do not look out for the people. what about us who looking for work and can’t find, those that have no food to eat and are insulted by politicians who give us a can of tuna and a sardine.
It is also a slap in the face when you talk about the late great lavity Stoutt and Ralph t Oneal who make sure that BVIslander were working and treated with respect.
Persuade are elected officials and civil servants once elected / employed they haven’t inherited a right to be corrupt because others have been before them . It’s not a tradition the electorate wants sustained. That’s how we can all defend our Virginia Isles.
With Myron walwyn around you will always have that kind of desperate divisive politics
Shut your untruthful mouth. It is the other xenophobic people probably including you that cause division. We are we such a dishonest set of people. Tell the truth for once. It is likes of JW, CC, RS, JC and others who do this.
But yet you and your gang laughed when Ronnie sought to embarrass Myron about his heritage. A genuine and decent leader would have condemned it. Instead when you spoke you called Ronnie and patriot and chided Myron for talking the truth.
You are a hypocrite.
On Thursday I listened to a few of the speeches and Marlon Penn caught my attention. He spent the better part of his contribution on such an important report talking about his family lineage. I found it very strange and unnecessary to do this at length. He referred to Premier being his cousin about three times. He referred to Hon. Skelton being his cousin etc etc. I thought for a moment there that they would be having a family reunion in the parliament. Then I thought about it more and realized that it was a way to show certain persons that he belongs more than them. Following which cousin Ronnie came and made his so called joke about Myron’s parents. Then cousin Natalio calls Ronnie a patriot without condemning his most insensitive and inappropriate comments.
We will continue to have these challenges because some of our hearts are dirty and we are filled with hatred for people who are not originally from here.
Well said
Do not talk about the church where love should reign. One lady told an expatriate to get out of her seat at church as there is where she has been sitting … the person was not sick or disadvantage it was the feeling of entitlement and the right to sit…
Leaders have the right to stand up to principles for every single person in the BVI
You set the standards and regardless of your personal feelings When you are in the public space, everyone matters .
Premier you married to an expatriate and nothing is wrong with that, but to pretend that you do not think there is discrimination aganist your Caribbean brothers and sistets is the Highest form of Hypocrisy!!
You feel comfortable telling such a bold face lie? Myron has done no such thing. It was Ronnie Skelton who did that.
but Ms Parkson told us not too long ago that if we dont have bvi parents dating back 3 generations then we not consider a real bvi lander even tho im related to half of the island and need to look outside to avoid inbreeding
and the divide goes in further cuz those in power only seem to look out for their friends and family who are alrdy well off. To hell with the rest population it seems… #grants #greedybill #renting2family #contracts #poorroads #noPriceControl
This boi is a perfect m**m**
WE SHOULD HAVE NOT ALLOWED NO OUTSIDER TO RUN FOR POLITICS MUCHLESS TO HAVE A SEAT IN OUR LEGISLATURE
Maybe the “indigenous” will fight for the BVI.
You want a two tier policy on rights and benefits of being a BVIslander then there will be consequences I’m afraid.
If you embrace all as equals, then you will get the response you want.
And we continue with the divisive nonsense while those with a bigger agenda continue to chip away at us. Are we just f**king stupid?
All of you all are going to die one day….. None of us leaVING HERE ALIVE. LOOK IN THE BOX FOR YOUR SOUL……IT’S NOT THERE. GET RIGHT WITH GOD. THE CREATOR OF ALL. You want Belonger StaTUS…iT IS FREE NOW. GET AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, BUT CHECK THE BOX FOR YOUR SOUL….IT IS NOT THERE.