Premier fires back: I’m not the ‘party Premier’
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has dismissed claims that he spends more taxpayer funds on parties than on pressing national priorities, telling the House of Assembly that the “party Premier” label is political spin and not reality.
“Let’s talk about the quote-unquote parties,” he said. “There must have been at least 10 music festivals before I came along… the biggest sponsor has been government in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. It has always been the case. So this whole concept of a party Premier… that’s good marketing… it has nothing to do with the reality,” he argued.
The Premier has been criticised in recent years for spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on private entertainment ventures, including the Vybz Kartel concert held earlier this year and music festivals in previous years.
Much of that criticism has come from Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn, who rebuked the Premier for not focusing on legislative priorities. “The Premier has to settle down, stop the partying, stay off the radio from talking political nonsense, and get into his office and start to do some work,” Walwyn said earlier this year.
But Dr Wheatley defended the government’s investment at the time, saying the Vybz Kartel show was not “merely a party” but a strategic effort to boost entertainment tourism. “The entertainment industry is a valid and highly important part of our tourism sector and our wider economy,” he argued.
Dr Wheatley compared current festival spending to previous years, insisting it is not excessive. He said governments have long funded entertainment events and that such activities are part of the territory’s tourism product.
The Premier accused political opponents and some media outlets of manipulating information to mislead the public.
“There’s facts, there’s reality, and there’s manipulation of information and misperception,” he stated. He urged residents to “pray for discernment… seek the facts and the information… when you get the facts and the information… I believe you’ll make the right choice.”
The remarks come amid criticism over spending on the annual Emancipation Festival and major music events. Reports show over $1.2 million was allocated to the Festival Affairs Committee for this year’s celebrations. Opposition members have questioned whether such spending diverts funds from urgent infrastructure and social needs.
Dr Wheatley defended the broader economic impact of festivals and concerts, describing them as tourism drivers that benefit local vendors and performers. He called for unity during the emancipation season and cautioned against divisive political tactics.
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YOU’RE THE SPREEMIER
LOL. Walwyn really under he skin now lol
I don’t think you get it. Previous govts have supported festivals we know. The issue we have with this is that the state of the territory is such that we should be putting the money to better use. If you can’t see this as the premier then you should not be in that position.
Ok you don’t want to be called the party Permier, so how about the ‘Petty” Premier?
How about.. here are the accounts of how I shared the money with Steve.
You are not the party premier. You are the money man.
How to keep the money out of the infrastructure and with family and friends.
Can we see those accounts now.
Ask your Finance Minister for them.
And we still waiting for the Anti Crime Seminar and some money to combat crime and support young people!!
Steve admit he pull fleece on you. He said he will give back to Education departamento up to now. You are a total was te/lying individual
The angry birds are out early blogging against the Premier with the same tired nonsense.
You have those accounts.
You promised to let us know how much your party many months ago cost and how much was made.Hoping that if you just leave it we will forget? How dishonest of you.
The creative economy is no trivial pursuit. Festivals, concerts, and cultural events generate real fiscal spin-offs from tourism dollars to vendor income and can be powerful engines of growth. Government investment in this sector, when strategic, is not inherently wasteful; it’s economic policy with flair.
But a mature government must balance celebration with substance. The creative economy deserves investment but not at the expense of credibility or the provision of basic goods and services. And when criticism comes, especially from those who’ve walked the same political path, it’s best to respond with humility, not deflection.
Bossie, grow a spine like Gaston in Antigua and tell your haters which part to kiss.
I think you are mistaking a tail for a spine. Bad advice Premier. Please don’t bray like Gaston.
Where is our $5 million?!!!
And our $20 Million.
Kartel spirit on the loose. Out of all the artist. Set a example. Rompin shop.
Has anyone has a had the chance to serious look at the festivities that just took place, well to my observations it was the worst ever. i am sure the booth owners are sorry for getting a booth. But it shouldn’t be a surprise when Vibes Kartell went with all the tax payer’s monies so the BVI festival was garbage wash out the majority of the artist was washed out. The tourist board people them did a damn sloppy they were busy outside quarreling for position job. I am trying to understand why the private interties still competing with festival Steve needs to be shut down he’s too dan greedy but i was glad he had gotten flopped at a few events. Slowanda need to stop wasting the peoples tax money its about time this must stop.
YOUR ACTIONS, YOUR ACTIONS
YOUR ACTIONS, ACIDENTAL
Vip needs to take the photo of their former leader and teacher off HOA wall. They all continue to walk in this man’s footsteps.
Because they were when he was leader and are still crooks today.
What were their first political and legislative accomplishments?
(a) The Greedy Bill.
(b) The Raiding of Social Security.
(c) The disappearance of millions.
That same team minus one is still at the helm.
Who is their that is trust worthy and intelligent enough that might present themselves to redirect the name and future of this nation that has picked itself up from white slavery, colonialism and now neocolonialism?
They have three more years. And it is hoped that people will not take their evelopes next time and vote instead for a new political begining and direction, from where the government’s purse becomes a personal bank for elected criminals, swindlers and plunderers.
This is a crime in most countries in the world except BVI!
Let Hung him cartel killings and come here and he went on stage with him that the kind of man he is
– Roads
– Healthcare
– Crime
– Education
– Environment
Just naming a few topics that have gotten worse under Natalio.
The Alliance is on life support so their bloggers are out in numbers trying to create outrage againat the govt. Sowande has a long way to go and we hope he finds his way but Myron is NOT who we want so try your best. His recent behavior is unbecoming and it is clear his ambitions trump love of the country. Mitch and Mather are probably realizing they made a mistake which explains why Walwyn was left hanging and alone for the vote no confidence. Mitch left HOA and Mather faked an emergency.
You can’t tell we your bosses what to call you! This isn’t any opposition have you that name. It is we the voting public! You have earned yourself that name and also the absent premier and frequent flyer premier. If you don’t like these name then perhaps you should check yourself and do some soul searching.
Where are the facts? How much has Slowande’s administration spent parties relative to the Territory’s GDP? How much did previous administration spend? Adjust for inflation, and there’s your answer as to whether the Territory spends more on parties today than before.
This man acts like a lil child when the facts is spoken on him, if you is the party premier that is what you are, besides you slowande who else spend so much money on parties in the past, asking for the voting public
HOTEL ROOM FOR TWO. PUBLIC’S MONEY. GRENADA, GUYANA, JAMAICA, BARBADOS, ST. KITTS, ALL OVER THE CARIBBEAN….. WATCH ME WUK BABY!!!!!
some of these alledged Politrickians….
You are not the party premier you are “The Prodigal’s Son”