BVI News

Premier hopes coalition gov’t lasts beyond next election

Cabinet ministers in the newly installed National Unity Government.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has expressed hope that the current Government of National Unity administration will extend beyond the upcoming elections which are constitutionally due by early next year.

Members of the political Opposition coalesced with the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration to become part of the government following the release of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report months ago. However, the coalition was not without its share of controversy since at least one displaced government minister crossed the parliamentary floor to become part of the political opposition because of a difference in views.

Asked recently whether there are plans to contest the upcoming elections as a government of national unity or as members of separate camps, Dr Wheatley said it was difficult to say, but he noted that many persons in the community have commended his government for taking the necessary steps to become unified.

The Premier expressed that the while the move was rare in the region and persons may sometimes be required to let their egos take a backseat in such instances, it was necessary to do what was in the national interest as opposed to what was in the interest of any particular party.

“I think with the reforms and with the crisis that we face it’s a national issue and you want all hands on deck, and you don’t want partisan interests to take precedence over territorial interests,” the Premier said. 

Built-in transparency

Dr Wheatley further argued that he felt the Government of National Unity is an excellent way to go about implementing reforms. 

“It’s almost like some built-in transparency I would say, because of course, you know you cannot take decisions in favour of any particular party because, of course, the coalition would fall apart. It wouldn’t work,” the Premier stated. 

“I surely hope that the coalition lasts even beyond the next election, because of course sometimes when you’re arguing and fighting, you really forget how like-minded you actually are,” he added. 

Opposition’s role crucial

The Premier said Opposition members who came across from different party groups all agreed in more ways than they disagreed and he felt it was in the best interest of the people for them to continue working together. 

“What form and what shape that takes in the future? I’m not quite sure. But I do know that we need everybody working and being on the same page,” the Premier said.

The Premier also stated that he was not discounting the role of the Opposition since it played an important part in holding the government‘s proverbial feet to the fire.

“You’ll always need an Opposition to be able to do that. But of course I like the idea of all hands on deck and everybody working together,” Dr Wheatley added. 

 

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21 Comments

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  1. Rubber Duck says:

    Now they want to make the one party state permanent.

    No way Dr Slow.

    Like 19
    Dislike 2
  2. salty fish says:

    It won’t!

    Like 16
  3. indian says:

    Enjoy your last dance as chief

    Like 16
    Dislike 1
  4. hell no says:

    Ayo not representing us to the fullest

    Like 13
  5. Joker says:

    All he is interested in is remaining Premier. This statement says everything. I worked under the now Premier and from what I witnessed he would not even qualify for a middle management position in the civil service. He has no work ethics or discipline. He has no plans for anything. He is absent even when he is present. He does not know one single thing happening in his ministry. He is the perfect person for the UK because he is fast asleep and they could have their way.

    Like 16
    Dislike 3
    • Hmmmm says:

      You’re speaking the truth. He’s like that. It’s so sad. Persons blamed Andrew for micromanaging but what can you do when you have people like this on your team? He just wants the title.

      Like 14
      Dislike 1
  6. SHM says:

    Not under your Watch! No Way!

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  7. STAND DOWN says:

    The ones who benefited ,partnered, enabled, dumbly stood by or those who didn’t even attempt to expose all the known corrupt wrong doer’s in short the lot of you.

    Like 12
  8. Work for the people says:

    Government jobs are public servants .you work for the people not a party. So Don understand why they would still think or mention that concept. ?. Come on .Change is change but if mindset still the same then no real change

    Like 10
  9. BVI constitution says:

    might not exist by the end of this year. Elections may occur in the distant future but not during this time of direct UK rule threat in 2023 and 2024.

  10. lala land says:

    typical moo moo to even think so. You really never know who a person truly is until you hand them power. Then the true person is exposed. Here we go again

    Like 13
    Dislike 1
  11. Jane says:

    Such naivety! Good job we’re not independent yet, can you imagine how this joker would get manipulated by Russia, China etc if we were?

    No Sowande, it will not survive through the election, you’re new friends will stab you in the back (those that aren’t prosecuted for their many wrongdoings).

    Like 11
  12. lap dog says:

    I don’t know where he will find a job after he lose. He was a failure as a lecturer. Don’t know who would hire him.

    Like 10
  13. National Unity is the way! says:

    National Unity is the only way forward. Thanks for your example Premier.

    Like 2
    Dislike 10
  14. citizen says:

    No thanks… Unity government is basically the equivalent of direct uk rule.

  15. Hot water it is says:

    Don’t even think one of y’all will win back a seat if y’all run together

  16. West says:

    Tell da paper Dr go take ah seat up on the sticket!

  17. Webster says:

    Tell me when is next election and I’ll tell you if you’re hoping in vain, Hon. Premier.

  18. Only the truth says:

    We need the house desolved fast

  19. Mikey says:

    The suggestion can work for a territory of this size. Why fight? Just work together toward a common goal. The upliftment of the territory. Doh knock it till yuh try it.

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