Premier defends Long Look senior facility amid concerns
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has defended plans for a proposed senior facility in Long Look following public criticism and concerns raised by a resident, saying the project has been discussed openly for years and will continue to be shaped through dialogue with the public.
Speaking after a meeting with Long Look residents, Dr Wheatley said the government remains committed to engaging the community before moving forward with the development.
“So I’m going to continue a dialogue with the community because this is being done on behalf of the community. This is being done in the community. And the community must be pleased with what is taking place,” Dr Wheatley stated.
The Premier said suggestions that residents were unaware of the project were inaccurate, noting that discussions about the facility date back to his first term in office. He said the government had publicly outlined the purpose of the land after acquiring it and had discussed the project at public meetings and during election campaigns.
“This project has been happening since my first term in office. I’ve addressed it at many meetings. I’ve had many public information campaigns speaking about this project,” Dr Wheatley stated.
He also questioned objections being raised at what he described as an advanced stage of the project.
“To come at this particular stage when the project is so far advanced and to raise an objection at this particular time, we have to question what’s the motives behind that,” Dr Wheatley stated.
His comments came after criticism from community activist Amberly Crabbe in a social media post about the proposed facility.
Asked whether the issue could become politicised, Dr Wheatley said he hoped it would not, adding that he respected Crabbe’s commitment to the community. “I know she’s somebody who has a passion for the community,” Dr Wheatley stated.
The Premier said discussions with residents highlighted several concerns, including potential effects on property values, security arrangements, the types of residents who would use the facility, and whether proper planning procedures had been followed.
However, he stressed that the project is intended to assist vulnerable members of society and said the facility would operate under professional management.
“I was able to educate persons and inform them that this facility would be a managed facility, not a facility where persons are just left to their own to cause challenges to their neighbours,” Dr Wheatley stated.
The government acquired land in Long Look to develop a facility providing accommodation and support services for elderly and vulnerable residents.
“I believe that we are in a good place now, and we’re going to continue the dialogue,” Dr Wheatley stated.
Copyright 2026 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
I saw the Premier in a NY picture with other caribbean politicians…..
Why can’t you send someone else at times……..is it that they aren’t capable of representing us.
All the other countries will sent other people to represent there country…..
You’re just manipulative because you’re not the only capable person on the VIP.
So its a senior facility now?
This was never initially proposed as a senior facility. It was initially stated to be a rehabilitation center. Check the other press releases. Given its proximity to WWPS this piece of land should never have even been considered.
So many empty promises before election time.
You think we are all fools?
From a drug addict facility to now a Senior Citizen facility? Do you have that many seniors in 7/8 without facilities? If the people are saying they are unaware then you clearly did not communicate effectively enough. You clearly chose the wrong mediums! You clearly are out of touch with your own district and do not know what they want or need. But we quicker blame the people and not take accountability and responsibility for the problem.
“he stressed that the project is intended to assist vulnerable members of society and said the facility would operate under professional management” Operative word – Vulnerable. That takes in a host of people from elderly to homeless, mentally ill and substance dependent. That’s a complicated mix requiring people who understand aging, mental illness, substance abuse, etc. It requires security and counselors. These facilities require people who know how to manage them. Obviously a home for the elderly requires a different management than drug abuse or mental illness. This sounds like Peebles all over again where everyone that doesn’t have a place to be housed are kept in hospital on a floor with people who have physical ailments. The more things change the more they stay the same.