Premier pushes back on xenophobia claims
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has rejected online allegations labelling lawmakers as xenophobic, stating that efforts to reform immigration are rooted in patriotism and the protection of the Virgin Islands’ future.
Speaking in the House of Assembly during the debate on the Immigration and Passport Amendment Bill 2025, Dr Wheatley addressed public criticism from online commenters following recent legislative changes.
“I see that on the news media, some persons were calling Honourable Skelton a xenophobe,” Dr Wheatley stated. “Perhaps the same persons who would call him a xenophobe would call me a xenophobe… Honourable Skelton, myself, or any other patriotic Virgin Islander, we are not xenophobes. We’re just patriots,” he asserted.
He acknowledged that if immigration reform is not handled responsibly, “we can have some xenophobic views which take root in our society,” but stressed that the government is working to prevent that by managing the process with maturity.
The Premier warned that misleading online commentary could create unnecessary division, blaming unnamed news sites for sowing what he termed “seeds of division”. “There are some people who get on those comments… their only intention is to sow seeds of discord for their own best interest,” he claimed.
The 2025 bill aims to revise previous amendments that inadvertently extended the residency period required for Belonger status to 30 years. Under the new amendment, it reverts to 10 years for residency and another 10 years for Belonger status, aligning with the territory’s long-term immigration goals.
Dr Wheatley said the reform is about “creating a shared sense of identity” and ensuring that people who want to be a part of the Virgin Islands are genuinely committed. “Just because you have received a certificate, it doesn’t mean that you’re a patriot,” he explained. “Patriotism is something that the community and the nation and the leaders of that nation have to encourage.”
He pointed to practical issues arising from poor integration, noting that unchecked hiring based on national origin could create friction.
“We [may] put you in an HR position. And all of a sudden all the people who are being employed are from the same place that you had ancestry. Your background is from the Dominican Republic. All of a sudden only people getting jobs now from the Dominican Republic. Those things are dangerous,” he warned.
He maintained that the reform is designed to benefit all who lived in the territory. “What some persons recognise as xenophobia is an effort to safeguard the interests of the Virgin Islands people,” he argued.
Dr Wheatley urged persons without ancestral ties to the territory to “not only understand, but embrace” the policies. “When those individuals become Belongers… it’s those same views that will protect those children and grandchildren and safeguard their interests,” he said.
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He also pushes back on corruption claims.
Yet, actions speak louder than words.
(Or in his case, a lack of actions)
Styles is/maybe another one that thinks he is superior to Brown native and Black VIslanders, only we know he is not.
The xenophobia is obvious in the House of Assembly. Ronnie’s remarks were xenophobic and the Premier endorsed and supported what he said after his whole team laughed about it.
Rather than condemning the obviously offensive comments, the Premier then turned around and called him a patriot.
I found that most disgusting. So yes, you are a Xenophobe. Menu of you say one thing publicly and say something different privately.
He can push back all he wants. Xenophobia and xenophobes have a sound and it sounds like his views on this issue. Anyways that small mindedness is their problem, only God can change that
This cat can dish it out, but can’t take a single lick without tantrum and tears.
Ah OK. No corruption, no racism in the BVI. How fabulous. Good to know. Ha, ha.
let get real: the Virgin Islands is swamped by expats. In a tiny country with an even tinier native population, they have a right to be concerned. Then the clear misbehaviors by some in the expat community and the belief by others they are superior leaves a lot to be said. However, I blame lawmakers for their failure of possessing a vision on immigration that would have solved the problem.
Problem eh! I take it that you don’t want social security or lower NHI payment. You want the fraction of indigenous people to bear the responsibility of holding these things up. Next time to speak to a law maker ask them if we currently have enough people as is to hold up these institutions and if indigenous people on their own can do so. Then come back and let us know what they say haaaaaaaahaaaaaaaahaaaaaa
Cry baby always whining when he gets backed up in his hole like a . It is very insulting to the wider public who judge you based on your words (not your spin), deeds and actions.
You Sir, have failed in spectacular fashion! You are very divisive and undeniably living in your own Twilight Zone. You may have fooled off the voters in your district, but outside that; we have all peeped your cards and found you wanting….
Whenever the government speaks to protecting the Virgin Islands a lot foreign people living in the Virgin Islands get twisted. Does other countries pass laws to protect their citizens? I GUESS SO BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WHEN THE VI DOES. Itis what is is. All foreigners Belonger or not have options.