Premier denies seeking independence without approval
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has pushed back against comments from Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn, who recently asserted that the government has been pushing independence without a clear mandate from the people.
At an October 23 press conference, Walwyn stated that while the Constitutional Review Commission had made 54 recommendations, the government’s debate centred primarily on the issue of independence.
However, Premier Wheatley rejected that assertion at his own press conference last week, stating that the constitutional review process has been a collective effort by all members of the House of Assembly and that their focus has been on securing full internal self-government—not necessarily independence.
“I must express my disappointment in the last press conference of the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Myron Walwyn, which in my view sought to politicise the constitutional process,” the Premier stated. “A committee of the House has taken a position on next steps to self-determination, which is inconsistent with what the Leader of the Opposition expressed in his last press conference.”
Dr Wheatley said the committee discussions in the House have concluded, and a report on the constitution will soon be tabled for public release. According to him, the position of House members has been “clearly and widely communicated” — that the Virgin Islands should be pursuing a constitution providing for full internal self-government.
The Premier added that uniformity of position among local leaders is essential for success in the upcoming constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom. “Our constitutional process must be free of partisan politics and the likelihood of success is enhanced with uniformity of our position,” he said.
Dr Wheatley noted that he intends to name members of the BVI’s negotiating delegation soon and that he will be proposing dates and a framework for the talks in an upcoming bilateral meeting with UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, David Doughty.
BVI legislators generally support greater autonomy over the territory’s affairs, but tend to differ on how far the territory should go in seeking greater autonomy from the United Kingdom.
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Hon. Natalio just taking us for fools. His brother is constantly meeting with the UN on decolonization of the BVI. Never once has Natalio as Premier asked the people of the BVI what they wanted. They invited the UN hear to talk about independence and only a chosen few were invited in the rooms. The masses were left out. Are we too stupid yo think for ourselves? Every time he speaks he speaks of independence. Everything his government members get up they speak about independence especially Hon. Vincent Wheatley and Hon. Lorna Smith. Hon. Julian Fraser claims that he join Hon. Natalio because he is on the road to independence and he could ride with him. Claude Cline who is apart of their clique is saying that the BVI doesn’t need to have referendum on independence. All their actions show that they would do this without the people. We have to keep our eyes on those people.
He has his brother searching high and low for some sort of loophole giving them the authority to do it themselves in the house with a vote.
VIGILATE
I say over and over again, instead of a government that butts heads with the UK, they ought to learn to work with and take advantage of the UK relationship.
Instead we have a gaggle of pols that chafe under the oversight of the UK, and remain deeply offended that the COI called out their failures, outright cheats and ignoring their own laws.
I shudder at the thought of this lot being given free rein!
The pressure hit him how so he backpedaling. If they doing the things they doing now could you imagine what they would do without the UK looking? No independence under the VIP. I sorry
You want to see people come out to protest? Let the Premier seek independence now. He will wonder where all the people on the streets come from. It is simple. We have no confidence in a government that does not want to be held accountable and refuse to hold themselves accountable. We don’t want NO MORE parties!! Said it loud and clear. But he’s not listening.
There would be pure chaos in the land after independence.
There will never be government audited accounts or accountability if these politicians force independence
Why not first do ten years of audited accounts and a balanced budget until 2035 and then discuss a vote on this topic….
Myron in he skin. No wonder he miss Skelton. LOL. Keep him on his toes Myron
An Open Message to Sawonde
Sawonde, why are you saying the Opposition is lying? You claim you want England to give you more power by allowing the BVI to go independent — but England, please don’t listen to him. Sawonde’s desire for power is not about helping BVIslanders; it’s about feeding his own ego and doing whatever he pleases. He has shown no empathy, no compassion, and no love for anyone outside of his inner circle. Those he dislikes or who dare to speak out against him are intimidated, threatened, and victimized.
Is this really the kind of person who should be trusted with more power? Absolutely not. He should be removed from the House of Assembly altogether. Let’s be honest — he only won the election by a narrow margin because he allegedly brought in people from abroad to secure votes.
Meanwhile, the people in his district are crying out. Walk along 42nd Street or near Fine Foods Supermarket, and you’ll see residents begging — unable to find work or afford food. They’re too ashamed and afraid to approach him for help because, as they say, he mocks and belittles them instead of offering real assistance.
Sawonde carries himself with arrogance and pride. The people gave him a chance, and he repaid them with contempt. He treats them as if they are beneath him — like they are dust or doormats — while he sits above them like a king. His attitude is wrong, harmful, and deeply disappointing.
When he goes to Long Look, he cannot sit among the people comfortably, because they are angry and feel betrayed. He has forgotten the very people who lifted him up. Maybe he thinks he doesn’t need them anymore — that he’s already secured his wealth and position. But he should remember this: karma has a way of coming full circle. The Bible reminds us that pride comes before destruction.
He treats the people of East End and Long Look as if all they’re good for is cutting bush — through his so-called “Rated Programs.” He ignores their education, skills, and potential. While he sits in his suit, pretending to be a leader, he has no real background in political science, finance, or economics. Yet he wants control over an entire country.
Worse still, he is a hypocrite. He criticizes the Governor and the white community in public, but in private he smiles, dines, and laughs with them. He thrives in their company, eager to feel accepted among the affluent, while looking down on his own people.
And now, he marches under the pretense of justice — but not for love of country or people. It’s not about “Jackie” or any cause; it’s about building a martyr and seizing control. He doesn’t want accountability — he wants dominance. He wants to decide who leads security and defense. That’s the kind of power he’s after.
But let’s be honest about where we are. The BVI is struggling financially. We are borrowing money just to stay afloat, yet he demands more authority. England, please — do not give this man more power. The people are weary of politicians who serve their own interests while ordinary citizens suffer.
To the protesters who plan to gather on Friday — you have a right to protest. This is a free country. But remember, others also have the right to protest against this government — against intimidation, victimization, and the mistreatment of our own people. Many are suffering silently, unable to provide for their families, some even dying from the stress.
Now is the time for real leadership — not ego-driven power plays. It’s time to stand up for fair wages, justice, and compassion. Sawonde, the people of this country deserve better.
I wish the Premier and his negotiating team well in their talks with David Doughty. (Hedgehog Man)
David Doughty From Brandon, the writer of Robo Hog – A New Superhero for Nature” is launching a charity “SOS Hedgehogs” to support hedgehog rescue and conservation, used positivity and fancy‑dress to help lift his spirits and others suffering from cancer.
It will clearly be a very interesting Bilateral meeting.
While they are doing that, if there are any serious future leaders of the VI that would like too take the VI forward, with focus, vision, transparency, application, attention to detail and respect, perhaps they could join me in Bilateral meetings with Stephen Doughty, the UK Minister for Overseas Territories.
We could take the Constitutional Review Commission Report 2022-2023 with us as the basis for discussion. This would probably be much better than the discussions the Premier is having with the Hedgehog expert as the Report was largely ignored and contradicted in the HOA and they sought largely to push the Independence agenda once more.
I am sure Hedgehog man will be interested, but we will discuss with Stephen Doughty the recommendations from the Constitutional Review Commission Report 2022-2023 that we appointed to advise us.
Virgin Islands Petition Agreeing with the Governor’s Commissioner Decision
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THIS PETITION is presented on the 17th day of November 2025 to the Governor of the Virgin Islands by the Petitioners whose likes and signatures appear below and represents the often silenced People and residents of the Virgin Islands.
WHEREAS it is acknowledged that the Governor has the constitutional right to manage, in the best interest of the People of the Virgin Islands, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
WHEREAS it is noted that on 6 November 2025, the Governor provided a press release to the People of the Virgin Islands informing them of his decision to return the Acting Police Commissioner, namely, Ms. Jacqueline Vanterpool, to her highly respected ‘substantive’ position of Deputy Commissioner by 17 November 2025. It is further noted that the Governor announced his recommendation for the appointment of an interim Police Commissioner, namely Richard Ullger, a non-resident, UK national at the no cost to BVI.
WHEREAS it is recognised that the decision of the Governor has caused concern for some People of the Virgin Islands, we understand your decision making process and believe it aligns with the desires or best interest of the People of the Virgin Islands. We agree that the vetting of the police force is essential for our safety and understand that unfortunately despite a year as acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool was unable to achieve this.
WHEREAS the Acting Commissioner, Jacqueline Vanterpool, is a qualified Virgin Islander who has risen through the ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and has acted in the role of Commissioner of Police for one year we are in favour of a qualified non national with no experience or family ties in the Territory as provided by the Governor to try and achieve this most important police vetting process for transparency and as anti corruption guardrails for us the people of the BVI.
WHEREAS it is our understanding that the Governor did not take the recommendation of the Police Service Commission, and we understand that the decision of the Governor appears to be a unilateral decision within his powers under our constitution, we see it as a blatant attempt to bring the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to the vetting process and protect the People of the Virgin Islands.
NOW THEREFORE we the People of the Virgin Islands HEREBY PRESENT this Petition to request that the Governor of the Virgin Islands continue to protect the people and have united here to ensure the best interest of our beloved and beautiful Virgin Islands as this time.
We the People of the Virgin Islands.
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the day he decides to do it, i am gone, this place is already a mess, without the u.k to keep the c rim in als in check we would be the new haiti