Premier warns those linking him to Crown lands corruption
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has issued a sharp warning to people linking his name to alleged corruption involving crown lands across the territory, saying even some of his own relatives have been circulating material unfairly associating him with wrongdoing.
Speaking about the appointment of a new chairman to the Crown Lands Advisory Board, Dr Wheatley said he was angered by flyers bearing his image alongside references to corruption.
“I don’t appreciate, however, some persons, including family members of mine, putting my face on flyers, sending them out with words like corruption. I asked my cousins over there, some of the more rambunctious ones, to cease and desist from such activity. I thought that was in extremely poor taste,” the leader stated.
Premier Wheatley said he specifically wanted to distance himself from allegations tied to a Bates Hill lease matter.
“Anything to do with a Bates Hill lease or something like that has nothing to do with me,” he said. “I would certainly ask for those persons to stop associating my name with such nonsense.”
His remarks came as the government moved to advance the long-delayed Crown Lands Advisory Board, which he said is critical to finally resolving Anegada’s decades-old land distribution issues.
The Premier acknowledged frustration over how long the process has taken, noting that Cabinet first appointed members of the Crown Lands Board in October, but the appointment of the chairman did not reach the House until some six months later.
He blamed bureaucracy for the delays, saying he and other government members have been “fighting behind the scenes” to move the issue forward.
Dr Wheatley also sought to reassure Anegadians that they would not be forced to restart the land application process from scratch, despite earlier fears after the Crown Land Act was passed.
He said once the board is fully in place, it can review the existing process to ensure it meets governance standards and proceed accordingly.
The Premier also defended the need for an independent board structure, arguing that a system where applicants were effectively involved in managing their own land distribution process would not meet proper governance requirements.
He vowed to have the longstanding Anegada land matter resolved before his administration leaves office, while insisting the next phase must move with urgency.
Copyright 2026 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
The look of a very angry man
The look of a man who has been caught with his pants down. Guilty as charged
@ WORLD ORDER. YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT AN ANGRY MAN LOOK LIKE. iTS NOT IN HIM.
Everything which occurs during your “reign” is your responsibility. Had you spent less time on the road and more time being a proper manager of the Territory you would know what is going on and would have dealt with it properly.
We need proper managers in office, not idealists on ego-trips!
The Premier’s latest comments do little to inspire confidence in his leadership and instead raise even more concerns about his style of leadership and governance. Rather than addressing the legitimate public frustration surrounding Crown lands and transparency, his response comes across as defensive, dismissive, and at times outright bullish towards anyone that raises concerns. To publicly chastise family members for expressing concerns is troubling to say the least.
True leadership requires accountability, openness, and the ability to withstand scrutiny. Instead, what the public continues to see is a pattern of hostility toward anyone who questions this administration. Blocking press questions, avoiding direct accountability, and attempting to silence criticism only deepen public suspicion rather than calm it. Leaders who have nothing to hide generally welcome transparency instead of resisting it.
The Premier speaks of “fighting behind the scenes” and blames bureaucracy for delays, yet after years in office the public is still hearing promises instead of seeing meaningful results. The Crown lands issue has dragged on for decades, and despite repeated assurances, there is still little evidence of urgency or effective leadership capable of bringing it to resolution.
Equally troubling is the continued expenditure of public funds on frequent flyer miles travel that appears to bring little measurable value to the country. Citizens are struggling with real issues at home while taxpayers continue footing the bill for trips that many feels have produced no visible economic progress, investment opportunities, or improvements to the lives of ordinary people. At a time when the country needs focused leadership and tangible solutions, this type of spending understandably frustrates the public.
The Premier also insists that allegations surrounding the Bates land matters have “nothing to do with him” yet fails to recognise that public distrust stems from a broader concern about governance, transparency, and accountability within the administration as a whole. Simply distancing himself personally from controversy does not address the deeper issue: many citizens no longer feel confident that the government is operating in an open, fair, and responsible manner.
Unfortunately, this administration increasingly appears more focused on controlling narratives and protecting political image than delivering meaningful progress. Bully tactics, avoidance of scrutiny, excessive spending, and a lack of tangible achievements are not qualities that unite a country or build public trust. We need better leadership, not excuses and deflection.
The Premier acknowledged frustration over how long the process has taken, noting that Cabinet first appointed members of the Crown Lands Board in October, but the appointment of the chairman did not reach the House until some six months later.
IT IS USUALLY CALLED IRRESPONSIBILITY AND THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR BEING IRRESONSIBLE.
The Premier also insists that allegations surrounding the Bates land matters have “nothing to do with him” yet fails to recognise that public distrust stems from a broader concern about governance, transparency, and accountability within the administration as a whole.
The CURRENT government sitting and trying to manage the people’s business do have issues inside that they are not letting the public know. hey are not as together as they portrays or exudes. Stop playing with the Virgin Islands and it people.
I do not want to become a virgin islander who is relatively conscious to be in a rage almost all of the time. When you create stories and scandals, you do not need labour or money to advertise it.
Mr Premier they trying all they can to drag your name in the mud that’s how desperate they are anything for a clout. You have done what you can to improve the country more than what has done that have been in power for 8yrs and still have nothing to show but left the country in a state of disrepair. Focus now on the 7th district and put in the work for your people never mind the talk.
He knows that a COI coming and he’s afraid! So he trying to clear his name from now!
The media publishes snippets of everything. If you want context go to the sources.
How is it that you attacking your own family member’s who voicing displeasure in how you’re handling the land matter? A bigger question that needs to be asked is, what does your family know about these Bates Hill leases that we don’t know? Wasn’t these leases cancelled year’s ago?
I saw clips this new video talking about corruption, what is this all about?
If your family upset with you then they upset for a reason. Am I missing something here? What’s really going on in Anegada? If you quick to jump up and save yourself, then that means something happened!
The video say Vincent force them to submit their applications with notarized birth papers and then when you was Minister you had them continue to do so and when them submit all the applications is when you tell them that all their applications void!
How come you ain’t come out publicly and speak up. How come you ain’t investigate Vincent or yourself for your role in what happened to them?
One thing I know is “family know your dirt” and you waring with your family in a election season ain’t good for you not your party.