Premier praised for collaborating with Dr Pickering
In a robust defence of his party leader and colleague, Deputy Premier Julian Fraser recently praised Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley for his collaborative leadership — particularly in the government’s expanding climate agenda alongside climate envoy Dr Kedrick D. Pickering.
Speaking in the House of Assembly recently, Fraser highlighted Dr Wheatley’s resilience amid sustained criticism from the Opposition Leader and sections of the public, asserting that the Premier has remained focused on advancing the territory’s interests.
Fraser reminded members of the House that Premier Wheatley defeated Dr Pickering in the 2019 general election. Despite that political contest, Fraser said the Premier has since brought Dr Pickering back into public service in a unifying role. “In 2025, that former opponent (Dr Pickering) stood on the stage with him, shaking hands, taking photographs. He was sent to Brazil to represent this country. That’s what the Premier did. That’s the bigger man he is.”
The reference to Brazil stems from events around the COP30 climate conference in Brazil, where Dr Pickering was part of the team that garnered international support for climate finance solutions. Dr Pickering, a former Deputy Premier and long-serving legislator, was instrumental in the original legislation for the Trust Fund and has been representing the territory on climate finance at international forums.
Fraser noted that Premier Wheatley’s approach — accepting and building on good ideas regardless of their origin — speaks to effective governance that has been missing from BVI politics.
“The tendency is ‘my idea is always better than yours, and I’m going to scrap it and start over.’ That’s what’s been happening in this country. That’s why we’re so far behind,” Fraser said.
Support for Pickering
Fraser specifically highlighted the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund as an example of continuity and good governance, noting that Dr Pickering has deep institutional knowledge of the initiative. “Even this whole thing about the climate change trust fund — he knows more about it than all of us,” Fraser said, adding that government members are not threatened by Dr Pickering’s involvement. “We don’t feel threatened by him being there.”
Fraser went further, openly signalling his personal support for Dr Pickering’s continued public role and even his potential return to frontline politics under the Virgin Islands Party banner. “And I hope that come next election, he’ll be standing on the VIP platform,” Fraser said, drawing chuckles from government members. “Whether as a candidate or supporter or whatever it might be.”
Fraser concluded that effective leadership requires humility and openness, stressing that progress depends on recognising merit regardless of political origin. “So a good idea is a good idea, no matter where it comes from. And if you are big enough to acknowledge that, then you are big enough to be praised,” he said.
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He is already campaigning in the old people homes.
Sowande roping them in and making sure they are concreted in with giggling children in the background. Noted.
Pickering just miss his rich, white friends. That’s all this is here.
Pickering is not good for this country politically. Natalio bringing him into the fold could cost you and your team the election.
YOU ARE KNOWN BY YOUR FRUITS ALL A THEM DONT PRODUCE NO GOOD FRUIT GET THEM ALL OUT
Election coming soon and them out in media showing them face begging for chance to get next to the people’s purse.
Hope them wake up and fire all ah dem! Change is needed.
The Greedy Bill and the recent raises are clear reasons why.
Resind the both the GB and roll beack the ridiculous raise and use that money to take care of things of more importance.
Sell outs, buy out are all in one the same.
What has eother of their governments done for the territory over the past thirty years? And where have the last thirty billion dollars made gone over the same amount of time?
The ceooks never think any other way, but some are seeing their games.
you can promote your All 13 must go crap. Some got to go, but it will not be all 13. 13 new-bies. Look at what happening now. 95% of newbies in Ministries. Your All 13 stories are brilliant though.
Are you surprised?
Follow the leadet
This is the mentality of educated men
Fickle, puny, dishonest, disloyal, disrespectful leaders in the History of thr BVI
Products of the SON OF THE SOIL
Yep , they a the ew breed of “ENTITLED ONES ” and that’s how they ROLL .
For collaborating with the ” mouth champ ” left the ” green house ” machines – equipments to rust , to hang out with the Bronie on his island sipping champagne / instead of putting AGRICULTURE back in place to feed the people who put him there , to represent them , what had he achieved when he was given the opportunity? •¿• he was missing in action , he days DONE .he know it too , he still trying to fight IT / after he realize he wasted the opportunity. by taking the people for idiots .what a Hypocrite
There were other people like Cassandra Oneal, who was fit for this position, why he chose this man, who did nothing when he had the chance and what is his salary?
Give him a chance and he’ll cross the floor too lol
See how many of the government members crossed the floor or jump around for political gains under the guise to work for the peoplr?
These men are unstable with jelly fish backbone.
How can we as a voting population trust them?
It speaks volume about the type of society of men and women we produce!! OPPORTUNIST, SOCIAL CLIMBERS