Premier responds to Road Town protestors
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has responded to the group that staged a formal protest against the government on June 2, stating that their voices and concerns have been heard by his administration.
Despite frequent criticism of elected leaders on news sites and social media, only a small number of residents turned out for the planned protest held in Road Town. However, thousands reportedly watched the event via various media platforms.
Premier Wheatley confirmed that he received a letter from the concerned group outlining longstanding and critical national issues. He also commended the protesters for expressing themselves in a “structured and respectful manner.”
The Premier said his administration is already addressing many of the issues raised.
“These include efforts in infrastructure development, public sector reform, cost of living adjustments, public safety enhancements, and strengthened social support systems,” the Premier’s statement said.
He encouraged residents to refer to his recent Territorial Address and the government’s Virgin Islands Voice broadcast for updates on policies and progress.
“While some matters require long-term planning and resource mobilisation, others are already showing signs of tangible progress. We remain committed to informing the public as further steps are taken and timelines for additional initiatives are established,” Premier Wheatley said.
On June 2, protestors stood for about two hours in the hot sun in Road Town, voicing their concerns and urging the 13 elected leaders to take action. They said they were undeterred by the low turnout, noting that fear of victimisation prevents many from speaking out publicly.
In the meantime, protest organiser Floyd ‘Heritage’ Burnett responded to critics of the protest, saying they should focus on demanding accountability from elected officials.
He also criticised the local media’s coverage of the protest, claiming it misrepresented the event.
“They would like to make it look like only five or six Virgin Islanders came out. Why didn’t they turn their cameras on the people who were standing around? Do you think those who were standing around came to look for news? They can do anything they want to belittle this movement but it’s just getting started,” Heritage said during his Tola Radio morning show.
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I, and many others, watched on video because we wanted to see the organisers – who said over a 1,000 protesters would attend, embarrass themselves. To be fair, the 7 protestors was 3 more than I expected. The highlight for me was when they started arguing amongst themselves, and at least one left.
Happy days
It appears that the six persons who stayed for the ‘protest’ did not like your comment!
It unfortunatly does seem that the VI does not have the leaders that we need in waiting.
We could be stuck with the Wheatley Boys and their Kartel gang.
The old saying goes empty vessels make the most noise , Now not only are they making noise but they are losing any little credibility they had in the first place by asking the public to not Believe what they own eyes saw. 10 people turned out but this man is saying the media didnt frame it correctly . These malcontents dont have a plan or a clue and couldnt run the Government for 1 hour muss less a day. Luckly most people see and appreciate this man for what he is an entertainer. He has his right like every other citizen to voice his opinion and add to the public discourse but putting our future and the future of the territory in his hands ?? The slient majority has resoundly and silently said ,…Hell no.
i dont want to hear no complaints in the comments cuz yall didnt have no backbone to show up for march against all this nonsense
yall proved to the politicans that you are afraid and satisfied with the status qou. The politicans were actually afraid of this march and tried there best to sabatoge it. that shows we the people have some serious power but yall afraid and weak minded
so now all them need is independence to whatever them want.
hopefully u will have a backbone to vote for against that!
Wrong messenger
The new premier is coming .
The hurricane of disatisfaction and psuedo politics and politicians are coming. And, when it comes,it will be hell fire never seen before on earth.
Hate messengers and others all you want, hating on others will not change manufactured destiny, and their witchcraft and obeah used to destroy many will become null and void..
You are getting so little done. Mostly talk, little action. Poorly attended protest doesn’t change that fact. … No, I didn’t attend the protest or watch it.