Premier urges unity as Christmas season begins
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley. (Photo Credit: GIS Facebook)
Premier and Seventh District Representative Dr Natalio Wheatley has called on residents to restore a sense of togetherness in the Virgin Islands as the Christmas season begins, saying the community must show love, compassion, and support for those facing hardship.
Dr Wheatley made the appeal during a Christmas tree lighting event in his district earlier this week. He told the gathering that the territory’s sense of unity has weakened in recent years.
“Our community has deteriorated a bit. There was a time in the Virgin Islands when we all knew each other. We all loved each other, and we behaved that way. But now we may not know everybody, and we certainly don’t act like we love everybody,” he stated.
He said community events should help bring people together and revive a spirit of giving and kindness. “What we want to do is use events like this to bring our community together. To celebrate the gift of giving. To remember that the reason for the season is Jesus. And not just to say that, but for our behaviour to reflect Jesus,” he added.
Dr Wheatley urged residents to support those who are struggling, including families coping with loss. Without naming her, he referenced the recent sudden passing of Director of Communications Karia Christopher, describing his own grief. “I just lost someone very close to me, close professionally and personally. And I want to remember their family at this time,” he explained.
He added that many residents enter the season while dealing with loneliness, sadness, or personal challenges. “We must come together as a community and be our brother and our sister’s keeper. And to be there for our brothers and sisters in their time of need,” he urged.
Dr Wheatley also called for forgiveness and healing as the territory prepares to enter a new year. “As a community, we also have to have a spirit of forgiveness. Let us not go into 2026 holding grudges… Let’s clean our hearts and leave all of that behind us and go forward in 2026 in love and in unity with a sense of community,” he said.
The Premier’s comments come as community organisations across the territory continue hosting Christmas activities aimed at strengthening neighbourhood ties.
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The country doesn’t need unity it needs Cohesion. Two very different things.
Sing to the tune of “Green Christmas”: by John L the Great
Santa Nat came riding by,
Smiling sweet with pure joy in his eye.
Santa Nat came riding by,
Happy he helped guide us through the COI.
Santa Nat, you lookin’ bold,
“Ragga man, I got things in control.
Tell me what you want this year,
Ah bringin’ blessings from anywhere.”
I don’t want no blight Christmas with Walwyn trio,
Just give me the right Christmas with Premier Na-tal-lio.
Because a blight Christmas does only bring stress,
I want nothing but success,
The BVI blessed,
And steady VI progress.
Santa Nat clear his throat to speak
Saying my request was truly unique.
Opportunity floating everywhere,
From RT to VG improvements in the air.
Development rising for all to see,
Vision, Integrity, Progress from VIP.
Runway opening doors across the sea,
New markets boosting the economy.
Santa Nat say he had one more ting,
And this one go’ surely make opposition sting.
With a $100 mil ready to share,
This go’ be a very green VIP year.
I don’t want no blight Christmas with Skelton duo,
Just give me the right Christmas with Premier Na-tal-lio.
Because a blight Christmas does bring misery,
I want to honor history, sustain the remedy,
And move with VIP to bring prosperity
West End Road for Xmas. This is RIDICULOUS!Some potholes must be nearly a foot deep!! Im sure they have already caused accidents. Somebody will die!
DID YOU SHOW WHEN YOU DENIED THE CIVIL SERVANTS THEIR MONEY BUT FOUND A WAY VTO INCREASE YOU AND OTHER MINISTERS SALARIES ❓️ AND HAVE THE NERVE TO BE SMILING IN THRIR FACES, TALKING ABOUT ” UNITY ” AND ONLY Y’ALL POCKETS FULL, IS THAT SUPPOSED TO BE FUNNY ❓️ YOU SEEMS TO BE HAVING FUN ON INNOCENT PEOPLE • KARMA WILL CATCH UP WITH YOU ,
And the people urge roads, water, honesty, an admin building, $5million, a minimum wage and that the news media turn their radios off or change channel.
On your watch.
i dont want no unity with these wicked expatriates .them destroying our country