Premier described as a visionary leader
Chief Advisor to the Premier, Kedrick Malone, has described the territory’s leader as a visionary committed to the cultural and economic advancement of the Virgin Islands.
Malone offered commendation for Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley during the Territorial Address held on May 20, where the Premier provided an update on the state of the territory.
Malone said Dr. Wheatley is dedicated to ensuring the progress and prosperity of the Virgin Islands.
“He has served as Premier since 2022, bringing a visionary approach to governance, economic resilience and cultural preservation,” Malone said while introducing the Premier to the stage. “As Premier, Dr. Wheatley leads with steadfast commitment, sustainable development, economic strength and cultural empowerment.”
Malone further noted that Premier Wheatley’s efforts aim to position the Virgin Islands for long-term success, while preserving the territory’s natural beauty and representing the country at international conferences, diplomatic meetings, and policy discussions.
However, Malone’s glowing introduction contrasts with ongoing public criticism the Premier has faced from both the parliamentary Opposition and some sectors of society. Critics have accused Wheatley’s administration of failing to adequately address critical issues such as infrastructure development, education reform, and tourism enhancement.
Although Malone emphasized the Premier’s commitment to cultural preservation, government-sponsored festivals have drawn disapproval from some members of the public, who argue the events are an unnecessary burden on the public purse.
Opposition members have also taken issue with what they describe as Premier Wheatley’s lack of seriousness in handling the proceedings of the House of Assembly, especially when compared to former leaders.
Despite the criticisms, the Premier’s administration has achieved several milestones. These include the return of direct flights from the United States to the BVI—a development not seen in over three decades. Under Dr. Wheatley’s leadership, plans are also advancing for the expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, a long-discussed project that had stalled under previous administrations.
Additionally, the Wheatley government has been credited with securing a $100 million loan to address long-overdue infrastructure improvements—funding that past governments had reportedly avoided due to concerns about increasing external debt.
His administration has also pushed forward on key reforms, including implementing recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry (COI), increasing the minimum wage, and advocating globally for the BVI’s right to self-determination.
Still, some residents argue the administration could have achieved more if less emphasis had been placed on international travel and entertainment events, which they claim offer limited economic returns.
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Who described S!0wW@nde as that? His Brother, Mother, Cousin, Stooge, who? Any independent person looking over his record wouldn’t even call him competent
V ision
I ntergiry
P rogress
Unfortunately all of those qualities can be measured objectively. If they were subjective I could say okay but that’s not the case. S!0wW@nde and the A$$C!0wn Brigade fail miserably
He definitely has visions of grandeur and plenty of ideas about parties and trips overseas. Afraid I haven’t seen much else.
Visionary! The statement is a contradiction in terms and beggars belief.
To whom, the blind?
Ha ha ha ha ha. So Kedrick Malone is the problem. Ha ha ha. He the one advising Dic1 he doing a good job. We in trouble with advisores like Kedrick Malone!!! Ha ha ha.
NO
NO
NO
I have to assume that the Good Gentleman making this Comment is a Realist. Why? Because I believe Him, as an Advisor to the Premier behind closed Doors He calls it like He sees it. But in the Public Domain he will pretend to make the Premier looks Good. I am also a Realist. But the difference is, I wont go in the Public Domain and Chat S#it about NO One who is an Azzolay.
Visionary when it comes to sitting in first class seats on a plane sipping on champagne, sleeping in five star hotels on Egyptian high thread count sheets, wearing designer clothes, partying and up in everything … face?
He’s in need of a white stick and a Labrador.
Besides self aggrandizement, exactly what is the vision?
Ayo better stop smoking whatever Ayo smoking. Nobody with sense would ever say such a thing. We are at the lowest denominator as a county now
I wish I could shake your hand through the screen and give you a professional hand shake for your transparent comment. I love and appreciate your comment.
Sarcastically, of course he is a visionary, he ever had a full time job? ever owned a business? or was ever noted for anything significant in this country? … he used poor people in long look to help him get in office and to ensure the greedy bill was approved so that if he served 2 terms he can receive a pension for the rest of his life.
What is he known for? taking care of his district? He doesn’t even know the people in the 7 district nor does he know their plight. He doesn’t see when the hopeless in his district hang out on the corner of fine food frustrated, hungry some in the garbage or begging every passerby for money. He has a bunch of advisers of which I believe you Mr. Malone is one of them and in total cannot come up with anything substantial to move this country forward. Of course he is your visionary as the one who signs your check. Concerning American Airlines return to the BVI this was already in the making for all Caribbean countries. Sawonde, his brothers or joker advisors did not negotiate anything to make this a reality. How many tourists does it bring any way considering that the season is only from November to April. Visionaries have empathy and compassion and concern for their people and bring foreign investment that would help us as a tourist destination to have tourism year round?
Imagine he and his cronies are the only ones talking about self determination because it would give them the authority to act as dictators if implemented. No one here wants to sever ties with the UK not even Bermuda and Cayman Islands which are far more advanced jurisdiction than ours are concerned about self determination.
what would be his legacy today as we speak? an economy at a stand still? almost inciting a trade war between BVI and USVI because of inc***etence? high prices since increasing the minimum wage. And please keep tariffs out of this as we are not currently being affected by this.
what vision, he is no lavity that is for sure
Kedrick getting he big paycheck any crap will steam out of you now what. Carvin must be rolling in he grave. Even Carvin allegedly wanted Natalio gone. Keep lining all you pocket and talk $h*t.
Wheatley may have his flaws but with all the other fighting going on he is possibly the best of the worst at this time and it’s sad, but who to blame?
This house n…. wil sing and say anything for his supper! Another long-standing politically appointed grifter that has been sucking off the government with zero returns. Just another highly paid crap talking sly cat.
Then the BVI is in serious trouble!!
Please UK save us from this blind ‘visionary’.
What an insult to these the people of the Vi
This mannish looking * currently designated as the Premier of the VI is an alarmingly b***nless se**ish blind and ine***ctive as a pair of reading glasses ….
Vibes cartel and “its” followers must be the author of this madeup description of the character of this … Premier.
When are they finishing the Hodge’s Creek road?
Who is Northam?