Premier saddened by Opposition’s lack of support
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has expressed that he is saddened by the lack of support from Opposition members of the House of Assembly, amid a threat from Governor John Rankin that he (Rankin) may override the elected government to get certain laws passed in the territory.
Last Friday, after the Governor shared this conclusion with the territory, Premier Wheatley immediately made a statement in which he promised to do a press conference this week, with the Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton.
However, only the Premier and members of his government were present at that press conference yesterday, as the Opposition members are preparing for their own press conference later today.
One journalist drew attention to the obvious division among elected leaders by asking Premier Wheatley: “Are you at all perturbed that in the most crucial of times, we couldn’t have had the Leader of the Opposition or the other members of the Opposition? It is apparent to me as a citizen that we’re unable to come together when we need to. Can you speak to that?”
In response, Premier Wheatley said he almost got emotional when the journalist was speaking.
“Not only am I perturbed, but it saddens me, I’m genuinely sad about it. Obviously, I have a great deal of respect for those who fought for us in the past and it makes me sad to feel that we’ve got to a place where we can’t come together to defend the sacrifices they’ve made for us,” the Premier said emphatically.
He continued: “Obviously, the Opposition will speak and say what they need to say but I do feel that it would have made a powerful statement if they were present here. I’m still hopeful all 13 members of the House of Assembly can come together, regardless of party affiliation, and send a statement that we’re all united in the face of this threat.”
The Premier also added that he is aware that many detractors may see this as an opportunity for the Opposition to undermine the government so they can get their chance to lead the territory. But he said such behaviours will only allow the UK to snatch democracy from Virgin Islanders.
“Divided, we will be conquered. The strategy of divide and conquer is real and it has led to many nations around the world being colonised and remaining in a colonial situation. Unity is strength and we can have arguments with each other as politicians but we should all stand united as it pertains to defending the country,” Premier Wheatley explained.
The Opposition members of the House of Assembly have been at odds with the Wheatley administration for some months now, as they claim the government has not been including them in matters of national importance. They’ve also accused the government of organising sittings of the House of Assembly around their own schedules instead of scheduling sittings on a regular basis.
The Opposition has also said the government doesn’t appear to be serious about it’s legislative duties, as they constantly choose to travel when important legislative matters – such as the national budget – are due to be taken care of.
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More grandstanding by the Premier. To attend the press conference means those in attendance agree to the colonial shite he is spewing. I agree with the opposition to not associate themselves with the Premier’s drivel. Sad day for BVI to have to endure Sowonde as leader. We are better that this. He is cl**less, classless, overall less of any leader we ever had. Plain and simple, he is LESS!
ALL THE TIME HE WORKED AGAINST AND AROUND THEM
The BVI made a critical mistake by re-electing the VIP party. There was absolutely no sign that Sowande was a pragmatic leader, yet we placed the future growth and development of the BVI in his hands.
We cannot blame the opposition members nor the governor, we have to blame ourselves and deal with the consequences. Unfortunately, the consequence is direct ruling.
Governor, do what you must, enough is enough!!!!
The level of discord in this country political or otherwise is off the charts. Everything is a problem it seems for some. No one seems to be happy with anything.
Everything is an issue. People are always complaining, and it appears to me they will cut each other’s throats to get whatever they want. Some could definitely care less about the country so long as they get what they want.
There is a very vocal group in this country who on many issues believe they know best on how to run the country. No one wants to be led. The lust for power is very strong, and there are those who will do anything to achieve it.
So much hate and division on a daily basis no matter the issue or topic. Reading the blogs or listening to local media, one can arrive at no other conclusion. The level of dissatisfaction is unbelievable for such a small population.
Sad state of affairs. A divided society filled with hate and discontent cannot stand. The future of this country looks bleak. Very bleak.
Wise people should consider their options and ask themselves, is this a country I want to live, invest and spend the rest of my life? It’s like living in hell here sometimes.
Granted, no country is perfect, there are other places on this planet larger than this place that does not have this level of discord where people can live their lives more peacefully relatively speaking without all this daily hate fest.
All this bickering. These politicians and some loud vocal private critics live to bicker. They are fiddling while the country burns, and that’s really sad.
The opposition and their supporters are driven by ego that needs to be stroked. They think themselves as the better choice simply because they thought they deserved to be leaders. The God complex in them fuels their belief that progress and resolutions can only be realized with them at the helm.
They are better at spewing gossip and criticism in their elitist circles. They abused the voters hope for improvements when they knew that systemic and technocratic elements are at the core of the government’s shortcomings. Ask yourselves how significant political parties are when they are all in undercover allegiances due to family connections, personal investments and egotistical agendas. We are so subjective and superficial with our support of who is doing something right vs who we like that is doing something.
Who holds permanent secretaries and department heads accountable? Who really looks at the achievements of ministers who were previously elected for the last twenty years? Who is truly knowledgeable of the stance of each elected leader on the leadership of the governor and how instrumental they have been in back room meetings to assassinate the character of local leaders for brownie points?
Why is he saddened. He was laughing when they walked out and he passed what he wanted to pass. He is the leader of the Government, he said the opportunity must “watch me work baby”. He needs to get on with the bloody work then.
The saying is true. Who laughs last, laughs best. Why would the Premier be sad with anything involving the opposition. He needs to start thinking on how to deal with the COI recommendations. After all, he thinks he has the answer to all things. He travels a lot, and should be observing what other countries are doing, so he needs to get on with the work.
Try to work with Ronnie but don’t let him talk over China is not a bad idea Ronnie right in a way
Three million dollars has been allocated in the budget for government members to travel around the globe while some poor BVI islanders family don’t have any place to live or food to feed their children. Help that make sense EH!!
That was nicely put , and my respect and as you put it , it’s crazy to think of can motivate someone to be spewing out hatred, evilness , and hypocrisy everyday and using their news site and other news site as a platform to write and blogg their filth is appalling to say the least / that wigged dude is an egotistical egomaniac who’s but it’s not the country it’s whats in the minds of the people who is supposed running with INTEGRITY ? they have a lot to be desired / they are using their knowledge as a weapon (aka ~ subterfuge ) on their own people
Why don’t you call in your UN friends, the ones that you are always running to?
I heard our accidental premier was crying behind the scenes.
Den why you sad, the way I see it, the opposition is doing it’s job perfectly, hence the name, opposition, they are not suppose to agree with anything you do, they are there to oppose everything you do and say, this is why they are tho opposition.