BVI News

Premier to visit UK to offer condolences to royal family

Governor John Rankin and Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has announced that he will be travelling to the United Kingdom to pay his condolences to the Queen’s family on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands.

In a statement yesterday, the Premier said the Virgin Islands joins the world in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II who died at 96.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, and on behalf of myself and family, I extend condolences to the Royal Family, British citizens around the world, and the Commonwealth Community on the Queen’s passing. I will be travelling to the United Kingdom to directly pay my respects and convey my condolences to the Government and people of the Virgin Islands. Let us pray for God’s Blessings upon her, and that she rests in Everlasting Peace,” Dr Wheatley said, adding that she was Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

“Her reign spanned generations. She was an iconic figure and an inspiration to millions, especially women, as her tenure, noble service and achievements defied and shattered the glass ceiling that was so prominent only a few decades ago,” Dr Wheatley said.

The Premier noted that many Virgin Islanders and residents who are old enough would remember her two visits to the territory.

“First in 1966, Her Majesty was accompanied by her husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Then again in 1977 when my grandfather, Chief Minister Dr the Honourable Willard Wheatley, had the honour of hosting her here in the territory,” the Premier said.

“The people of the Virgin Islands welcomed her visits to these shores and the opportunity to interact with her. Historians recall, in both visits, Her Majesty’s cool composure, confidence and charm as she mingled with residents at handicraft and agricultural exhibitions, the hospital, schools, the opening of the bridge named in her honour, and other places she visited. She made a lasting connection which has endured until today,” he added.

The Premier said Queen Elizabeth II leaves with the territory a legacy that reflects an unconquerable spirit. He described her as a monarch who was driven by her confidence in herself and her abilities.

He added that she will be remembered here in these Virgin Islands and around the world for her noble service to humankind.

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20 Comments

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  1. STOP says:

    No,no,no,no, etc. No more trips to the UK to further embarrass the BVI. He was just there in August. This is a job for Governor Rankin NOT the puppet premier. Also his brother is in the UK and can represent the BVI better than the fake premier.

    Like 44
    Dislike 2
  2. @ stop says:

    LOL!

    not today

    Like 13
  3. WHY says:

    That’s money that can go towards fixing the East End roads. Why can’t he just send a letter of condolence on behalf of the people?

    Like 35
    Dislike 3
  4. Totally fed up says:

    This man is just vacationing in a government office. He nearly destroyed education and now he is at the head of our country doing the same thing. He does no work. Every week he travels. No plans. No initiatives. Just lots of talk. BVI we have to choose better next time around. Choose competence over lies, rumours and gossip. What has happened is we ended up with the team who was the best at lying but worst at performance.

    Like 30
  5. Jolly says:

    Another Jolly

    Like 11
  6. Roxane says:

    Trust me Sl**ande, they wouldn’t miss you if you don’t show up. We know you just want another trip on taxpayers dime. Look at what the BVI has become. God is speaking to us but we are not listening. People look at who our leader is!

    Like 24
    Dislike 2
  7. wasted 9 months says:

    He cant even get past the guards…He just want to be in things

    Like 10
  8. Secret Bear says:

    Her funeral will be the biggest state occasion in decades. All the heads of government in the Commonwealth will be there. It would be embarrassing if he DIDN’T go.

    Like 9
    Dislike 14
  9. Ok Karen says:

    Because it’s the biggest state occasion in decades, the majority of world leaders will be there, and it’s his duty to go and represent the BVI.

    Like 5
    Dislike 13
  10. Weren’t y’all fakers says:

    Talkin s**t about uk and its leaders months back?

  11. This Goofy guy says:

    “The royal family know this dude ? He better be going up there with money from his own pocket
    Make a phone call or send a fax . Strupes

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  12. Webster says:

    So he’ll go now and come back, and go again for the funeral!

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  13. Sam Action Jackson says:

    He never heard of Zoom. F@*king Id**t of a Premier. One minute they are our colonizers and then the next his personal heroes. Sl** Wande A-who-R-u

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  14. Geez says:

    Now all of a sudden Andrew get lock up and he now in love the with the UK and the Monarchy. You all can’t see something wrong with this cat?

    Like 9
    Dislike 2
  15. @Stop says:

    Well, I hope he stays there!

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  16. WEW says:

    Slowande has become quite the globe trotter at our expense.

  17. Get your facts straight says:

    Tracy Bradshaw is the BVI representative in the UK. Get your facts straight.

    Like 1
    Dislike 3
  18. old cr**k says:

    He cant go visit Andrew but going to wish condolences to people he doesn’t even know or met in his life

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
  19. Amazed says:

    Your grandfather was not the first or only chief minister of the territory,and he was far from the greatest.Tired of hearing his name being called

  20. Ignorance $ hatred says:

    All heads of the Commonwealth are invited … dumb ….regardless of you like the premier or not It is is duty to go . Protocols demands it .Yes, they plunder, robbed and enslaved but we exist in a
    Crooked world . Look how crooked out former Premier was . Look where out political history is right now . The world stage will continue to be power hungry e-commerce, food, grants , economic development etc. what we need to do here is treat each other with respect . Stop cronyism, nepotism, all the ism and we might be a happier territory

    Like 2
    Dislike 2

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