Premier denies D7 neglect, promises ‘greedy bill’ repeal
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley struck a buoyant tone as he sought to rouse constituents at his campaign launch in the Seventh District last evening, assuring them that despite mistakes made, he remains their best option to deliver on the issues that impact them.
“I have made mistakes and District 7, that ‘greedy bill’ was a mistake… on the first opportunity I have, the first piece of legislation that we will repeal will be that greedy bill,” the Premier promised.
The ‘greedy bill’ is a reference to the Retiring Allowances (Legislative Services) Amendment Act, 2021, a law passed by the Premier’s Virgin Islands Party (VIP) that has received intense backlash from residents over its excesses doled out to lawmakers even when they are voted out of office.
Dr Wheatley and his VIP have been locked in a war of words with members of the National Democratic Party (NDP) since the NDP criticised a section of the so-called greedy bill and promised to repeal those parts of the controversial legislation, if the were elected into government.
But even as he acknowledged the numerous issues that continue to trouble residents and members of his own district — including poor infrastructure, high unemployment, mounting piles of derelict vehicles, and escalating crime — Premier Wheatley denied that he was at fault in any way or that he had been ignoring his constituents and focusing on national issues to their detriment.
The VIP Chairman instead portrayed himself as the problem solver that will fix their ails, arguing that he was well equipped to lead the reformation that will deliver the progress the district desperately needed.
“The challenge is not with your district representative,” Premier Wheatley assured. “The problem is with the system. We are being failed systematically.”
Premier Wheatley shared plans to negotiate with landowners to identify land for a community project, construct new facilities such as a basketball court and playground, address unemployment and infrastructure issues, and establish district councils and awards to encourage community service.
He also mentioned the need for implementation of the National Sustainable Development Plan, completing the various outstanding Commission of Inquiry (COI) reforms, and developing a new constitution.
But in order to deliver on those plans, Dr Wheatley told residents he must be voted in with a majority government. He also assured residents that he will hold his team accountable as he expects to be held accountable once the VIP is re-elected.
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Ha ha ha ha
Wheatley You have been in there for 4 years please tell us what you did in that time.
The Hon Premier Natalio Wheatley, PhD, TAP was at the feet of the Dishonourable Premier Fahie learning very well. Imagine, you are the Minister of Finance and the Premier and look at the condition of your district. It has not benefitted from any of that. What have you really been doing? From all indications, nothing except, like your predecessor, responding to and engaging with every petty little inconsequential thing while the country you are charged with leading suffers from poor immature incompetent non-leadership, and thievery.
I won’t be voting for anyone who knowingly support the GREEDY BILL and because they want to get re-elected now talking about repealing it . We are politically intelligent now, we won’t be fool anymore. My vote will be based on track record. As a matter of fact if politicians have a good track record and do what is right by the people, their work should speak for itself, no campaigning would be needed to convince anyone to vote for them!!!
Here is my problem, when he was minister of Education he ran the education system into the ground. The sport courts, fields and whatever came under his ministry were in shambles. Then he became premier and did a horrible job.
When he did not get a favorable response from the UK where he kept the discussions with them a secret, he seeked the united nations on them. Because of their bad spending, the COI was created where he and the VIP were so rude.
People that morning when Fahie was arrested and the UK met with Natalio everybody in this country wanted a new election or the VIP gone. They are praising Natalio for a job well done when he has proven that he is out of his depth.
It seem for some reason some of the voter’s minds have forgotten the destruction this group has done to the country. (high Science) allegedly but I encourage all of you, especially the people of the 7th to do the right thing.
People don’t be fooled by the Rhetoric of Natalio being a premier and Pauline will be a backbencher at most. If you put Natalio back to run this country you all will regret it. Natalio needs to help it’s over his head and face the truth. He will not be Premier again. He is ineffective.
Natalio there are so much decent people from long look you could have put to MC. The man even says he is from the 8th and not the 7th. Look at how the party has fallen to such a low level. A man who was imprisoned for Govt corruption was appointed head of the airport authority and another is running with the party.
And most unfortunately another who was allegedly imprisoned and deported from the United States was the Masters of Ceremonies. No wonder you all behave the way you do supporting Fahie in all the Government nonsense he did bringing disgrace to this country. But some of the people don’t want to see clear handwriting on the wall.
Excellent launch lastnight Natalio! It helped to hear about all the initiatives that have benefitted the people of the District. I like Pearline, but she not ready for the job. Wheatley for the win! Four more years!
Correction. Even before HOA dissolved, Natalio proposed repealing the bill and he did not receive ANY support from the the other parties of the Unity Government. He said this publicly but you choose to hear what you want to hear and be deaf to what you want to be deaf to.
I left the launch last night feeling inspired. What a powerful night full of hope and inspiration! The choice is clear. Natalio you have my vote. I am confident that you are better positioned NOW to carry the 7th district and entire territory forward.
Look at his launch. He presented it right there, but of course that wouldn’t be the news headline or story.
The people who are the loudest are not even in the 7th district!
A promise is a comfort to a fool
Please don’t forget that he voted to pass it in the first place. He only spoke of repealing it when he knew the election was coming up.
The ‘greedy bill’ is a reference to the Retiring Allowances (Legislative Services) Amendment Act, 2021, a law passed by the Premier’s Virgin Islands Party (VIP)
yes, please get rid of that and then your party
How in God’s name can an incumbent premier seek reelection with the roads in his district in the awful state that they are in. Wake up dude fix the roads fill the potholes this should be a territory wide project especially in your district. Every time a motorist drop in a pothole and damage their vehicle it reflects negatively on you and your party. Promises and excuses will not cut it. My friend it’s do or die time get with the program.
I admire you courage to speak the truth and admit your mistake but listen :
1. In a country we cannot allow such flounder . This is over 30 thousand lives affected — You must go
2. You did not apologize to the Territory for what the Head Coach put this country through – disgrace
3. You sack two of your members from your team from their Minestrrial position and now you want us to put them Gn back ? VIP must go
4. How many unemployed youth you give work from your district ? VIP must go ?
5. The rated program is 3 month not a permanent placement . VIP must go …….
Mr. Premier, school children want to know if Gov’t workers getting them increments before April 24th??? It’s a Shame if they don’t get it.
Hon. T.B. Lettsome didn’t have any degree but he had common sense to work for his people. The one now has so much book sense that the common sense flew out the door. Here we are at the mercy of simple COI reform matters that VIP allowed to happen and now asking to go back in to allow UK to fully take us over. Can’t even get the reform matters finalised. No way; you all had your 4 years, Covid or not. There were things you all could have done during shut down besides give away unnecessary dollars on barge and contract and cronies.
Position don’t do work, people do. From the time the college student said they couldn’t get a college grade out of natalio for months that was a clue. He should stick his degreed English self to poetry. We need representation and it is not Natalio.
Mr. Premier, retired sun set people want to know if they will get their increments before April 24th??? It’s a Travesty if they don’t RECEIVE THEM…They are broke and impoverished. WILL THEY RECEIVE WHAT THEY HAVE ALREADY WORKED FOR?