Premier rejects claims of rushing toward independence
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has rejected suggestions that his government is pushing the Virgin Islands too quickly toward independence, insisting the territory is instead taking measured steps toward a future decision on its political status.
Speaking at a government press conference last Friday, Dr Wheatley suggested the recent debate has been shaped by misunderstandings about his administration’s position.
Responding to questions on whether he is moving too fast, he said, “The Opposition Leader said we’re moving too quickly. Well, I mean, I just stated that it’s been 65 years since the United Nations passed Resolution 1514, abolishing colonialism. So what we need are leaders who will take a bold stand.”
He challenged elected representatives to clearly declare their positions. “The Opposition Leader should state whether he agrees or disagrees with increased autonomy. I’m making it very clear what my position is. I believe in increased autonomy, and I stand by that,” he insisted.
The Premier said the move toward a referendum has been discussed publicly for months, noting that the House of Assembly has already addressed the matter. “If memory serves me correctly, we did propose for that date to be in 2031,” he explained, referring to the planned vote on political status.
He emphasised that any shift must follow a period of public education. “Education is incredibly important. … I’m hopeful that between 2027, when we hope to have a new constitution … and 2031 when the referendum is scheduled, that that will be a period where we can have enough education,” he said.
Dr Wheatley pointed to the constitutional review process and the proposed Decolonisation Commission as steps intended to guide the public. “We want to move forward with the Decolonisation Commission with its primary objective of educating the public,” he explained.
The Premier also argued that recent events underscore the need for the territory to hold more responsibility for its affairs. “We have clear examples why we should be making our own decisions. The situation with Jackie Vanterpool is just one example of that,” he said, also referencing the UK’s past threat of an Order in Council affecting the financial services sector.
Discussions on self-governance have intensified after the UN’s C-24 visiting mission urged the territory to consider a timetable for ending its current colonial status.
Dr Wheatley said the government would not avoid the issue. “Leaders have to lead … as opposed to ‘kicking the can down the road,’” he stated.
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Only because Myron expose him now he is backpedaling. He was rushing to independence for his own benefit.
One of the most disturbing things that continue to plague this country is a lack of understanding by leaders and those who pretend to know and undertsand the issues when they dont.
Yesterday was a holiday observing the march of 1949.
What persons fail to undertsand was that Fonseca and others were marching for power for the people to get our own house of assembly. But they also knew coming with that would be a responsibility to be accountable to themselves and the people.
When our leaders gathered outside of Government house in protest rather than calling a special house sitting to voice their opinion.
It made me to realize that there is a lack of undertsanding in the moral ethical and legal role of those who sit in the house or they just dont care.
Was the pupose of that march to support Jackie or was it to give certain persons exposure so when their trial or charges are brought against them they could say see here it happened because of my protest.
Jackie and the Politicians allowed themselves to be used and therefore show that they lack and independent thinking mind and dont understand their role and powers like the Governor who understand and knows his.
People we can’t keep going back to the poles and electing and reshuffling these people and expect a different results. The scandals the incompetence.
People of this Territory should Educate themselves on All the Options towards seeking Self Determination and should Not wait on this Government to decide what is Best for them. People Must be able to weigh the Pros and Cons or Pluses and Minuses of each option before which one to Preference. People should Not wait for certain Activities to take Place like the one that happened two weeks ago to rush into any Snap Decision. From the current Actions of this current Administration it seems like thats the way they think People will make a Snap Decision to rush into the favored independence. It does Not work like that and Some people are well aware. Personally, I am Speaking for myself. With All the Activities of this current Administration, and I am aware that it is Not an overnight process, I would Not wish to change our current Status with this current Administration being in Power. I have my Reasons which are Not Selfish But for the Betterment of this territory and especially for Future Generations. Some People may look at the UK being our Enemy which is Not so. We are our own Enemies and any change should be for the Betterment of ALL Not for a FEW. The decision for Self-determination MUST be taken seriously and people Must be aware of our Destiny If and When that time Comes. People of this Territory should Not be Fooled by anyone nor any Group, that is why I encourage Self-Education…. No Pun Intended.
What we need are leaders that listen to the people.
What we need are leaders that do the peoples bidding.
What we don’t need is a p487 dictator that calls the people dumb who wants to decide for us.
VIGILATE
Premier Wheatley is right that leaders should take bold positions. But boldness is not talking louder about independence while the country is falling apart underneath.
The basics are not under control.
Government has failed, for years, to produce up-to-date audited accounts. The public has no clear, independent picture of how tax money is being spent or wasted.
Our roads are a disgrace: potholes, collapsing edges, blocked drains, landslides left half-fixed, and “repairs” that wash away with the first heavy rain. This isn’t a temporary glitch – it’s a long-term failure to plan, build and maintain safe infrastructure.
The cost of living is out of control. Groceries are becoming unaffordable for ordinary families, in a territory that claims to be a successful financial centre. People are cutting back on basic food while government talks about constitutional theory.
The budget is constantly described as tight, vulnerable and constrained. That is a polite way of saying the government is struggling to live within its means, with very little buffer for shocks and emergencies.
On top of that, the BVI is still grappling with corruption, fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking and organised crime. This is not just “reputational risk” – it affects safety, public trust and the rule of law on a daily basis.
Against this backdrop, talk of moving “too slowly” toward more autonomy or independence rings hollow. It sounds like changing the political label while ignoring the structural failures that everyone can see and feel.
If we are serious about increased autonomy, government must first prove – consistently, not in speeches but in results – that it can:
Produce accurate, audited accounts on time every year.
Deliver and maintain safe, durable roads and core infrastructure.
Reduce the cost-of-living pressure with real, measurable outcomes.
Enforce the law properly and tackle corruption, financial crime and the drug trade.
Run public finances in a disciplined, transparent and genuinely sustainable way.
Until those basics are fixed, pushing independence is not bold leadership. It is avoidance..
The Premier talks about bold leadership and independence, but this government can’t even manage the basics.
We still don’t have proper audited accounts, the roads and drainage are a disaster, and groceries are priced like a luxury in a place that calls itself a financial hub.
The budget always feels like a scramble, while corruption, fraud and drug crime remain part of daily life.
That’s not self-governance, that’s mismanagement.
Pushing independence on top of all this just exposes how incompetent the government really is.
Well do something…..Lead, Follow or Get out the way.
This the same man that went record saying expect it by 2030 lol
give a whole deadline in 5 years time… that ain rushing? especially with all the unsloved issues we got going finish complete in 5 years? this the same bvi that can’t finish hodge creek road up to now …2 years goingggg
how in the world would the british virgin islands thrive when the british virgin islands become independent?
If we go independent, will (VAT)come with it.?:
I’d never step back foot there or call that place home if they go independent