Premier seeks to mend relationship between gov’t and governor
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has said he is committed to improving and mending the relationship between the BVI government and the United Kingdom through Governor John Rankin.
The Premier, who has been a strong critic of the United Kingdom government in the past, acknowledged that the relationship between past and present Governors of the territory and elected officials has been frail. And with the Government of National Unity tasked with implementing the Commission of Inquiry recommendations; he said it was important that the relationship between the two public bodies is mended.
“I want to make it clear that my focus right now is doing what is in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands and I want to have a strong, constructive partner with the United Kingdom government and Governor Rankin in doing so. I am not going to focus on the past and what is happening in the past. Every day gives us a new opportunity to improve on what needs to be improved,” Dr Wheatley said.
“It was very clear previously that the relationship between the elected government and the governor and the United Kingdom was not as strong as it should be, and I am committed to making sure it is strong in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands because for us to do what we need to do, we need the support of the United Kingdom government,” the Premier added.
Dr Wheatley, who described the UK as a champion of democracy – contrary to his previous criticisms, was asked by a member of the media why he has changed his outlook on the UK. In response, he said the focus now is on improving the Virgin Islands’ democracy and he cannot dwell in the past.
“Well, I think across the world, we have to be focused on improving our democracy and my focus right now is improving the democracy of the people of the Virgin Islands and the people of the United Kingdom will be focused on improving their democracy as they are doing every day,” he said.
“That is why I am quite pleased at the decision of the Foreign Secretary the Right Honourable Liz Truss and Minister Milling; Governor Rankin and the UK government has come to — to allow us the opportunity to be able to implement these reforms through democratic governance,” Dr Wheatley added.
Yesterday, Governor Rankin announced that the BVI government will have an opportunity to implement the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations under a democratic government framework. However, if the government fails to meet targeted deadlines, then the Governor still retains the power to dissolve the House of Assembly and initiative direct UK rule with a Governor-led administration, as recommended by the COI.
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During the town halls Slow Wande will be sure to volunteer how the Governor’s *** tastes. As far as I am concerned he can stay there.
“Dr Wheatley, who described the UK as a champion of democracy – contrary to his previous criticisms, was asked by a member of the media why he has changed his outlook on the UK. In response, he said the focus now is on improving the Virgin Islands’ democracy and he cannot dwell in the past.” Was Dr. Wheatley disingenuous in the past and is disingenuous now? Is he a chameleon, an opportunist? Is this performative theatre? Is he stepping and fetching for the UK.
The UK is a champion is a democracy. It may champion democracy in the UK but it sure did not and is not championing it the colonies, including currently with the OTs. Does anyone believe colonialism (not even mentioning slavery) was a democratic institution? If you do, I’m looking my window from the 313 floor from a high rise building in Road Town and seeing a green mule flying around road harbour. Has the Premier look at the democratic deficiencies in the BVI 2007 constitution? Curious comment.
It is glorious that the Premier is making an effort to mend fences with Governor John Rankin, CMG. Nevertheless, when will Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, R-7 and MoF, going to mend his st best lukewarm relationship with the BVI/VI people? Does the BVI people matter or they are only good for voting? Who is advising the Premier? Who are his speech writers? Both groups need to huddle. The Unity Government made a monumental proposal on addressing the CoI recommendations but the Premier and the transitory Unity Government did not have the common courtesy to brief the territory. They diss the people. The BVI has a pseudo representative democracy but that does not mean the people should be kept in the dark and we should not be. The Unity Government must learn from the missteps of the past.
Look his face. This is it! anyway, they will soon hang themself.
BVI f**ked
Is this the same guy? What an about face.
That being said, it is the correct move. We should NOT have an adversarial relationship with England.
We can accomplish independence when the right time comes with intellect.
Did they even negotiate anything is what I am thinking. Premier Slow Wande A-Who-You is a joke, an assclown. I can’t take this Sambo seriously.
This is the most pathetic thing I have ever seen. Now you have turned into a lap dog for the governor. Weeks ago you were pretending to be a great champion for self determination. You even reminded us that we are the ones who have to pay for the governor’s many parties and now you’re licking the bottom of his foot. You were Andrew’s lap dog and now he gone so you’re the governor’s own. Wow!
We all need to give this Premier a fair chance, he is our best option..He read blogs so when I right my blog I feel like I’m talking to him. Fahie never read blogs that’s why he was so dumb..These blogs are full of wisdom. Mr Premier I am suggesting you get an independent committee of outside folks to look at All labour and Immigration files, Have them call the applicant and update them on the status of their application.
Yeah, give Slow Wande a chance and he will sell out you, your mother, your children and theirs. Just like a good sambo.
Slow Wande even disowned his own self during the press conference. I ask myself whether if they even had a proposal at the start or was he giving the Governor lap dances during this whole time promising to deliver the ppl of these Virgin Islands to the UK’s plans. Certainly looks that way.
now an @$$licker
Something looking fishy with these two
When your hand in the dog mouth u got to path his head
WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE SO HELL BENT ON STIRRING UP CONFUSION NO MATTER HOW HARD VIRGIN ISLANDERS TRY TO FIX THEIR PROBLEMS. ARE THESE THE ONES WHO ARE DETERMINED TO PLUNDER OUR COUNTRY COME HELL OR HIGH WATER. THE SAD PART IS THAT MANY ARE LOCALS WHO DON’T GIVE A DAMN.
First he was a poodle to the premier and now he is a poodle to the governor.
What a waste of a premier.
Temporary premier only protecting his job and his 11 co conspirators. Once the HOA is dissolved for lack of progress they all become nobodys!
All I can say is, would the real sawande stand up.
Where have you gone, McW Todman? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you?
Where have you gone, McW Todman? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Matthew 5:25
“Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge…..”
You say whatever it takes to get elected. They all do it.
To shut down your adversary, and get him off your back, you agree with him. Quickly. After he’s calm on the subject, you work him with your mouth shut. Sounds like a plan.
There’s no point in being hostile to the UK. You confrontationists need to stop it. Turn down the temperature.
The New Premier NW is a Cr**k. I want to believe that he had a hand in Foy Arrest so he could get to be the Premier. He well know what Foy was doing but he was afraid of the Dictator.
I want to believe you don’t mean to be mean you just want to be seen. Try guh siddung.