We have a strong and vibrant economy — Premier
Despite reports to the contrary and complaints from residents over the skyrocketing cost of living, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has insisted that the BVI’s economy remains buoyant.
“There’s this whole concept being bandied about that the economy is weak, and there’s really no basis for that in reality,” the Premier argued during a recent debate in the House of Assembly on the Public Assistance Bill 2024.
He continued: “If you look at all the indicators, it tells you that we continue to have a strong and vibrant economy built on two main pillars: tourism and financial services, which are both doing well and holding their own.”
The Premier’s position challenged a pervasive narrative that the BVI’s economic foundations are weakening, a sentiment circulated among the Opposition and on social platforms. Despite his economic stance, the Premier conceded that the territory has its share of challenges, detailing employment issues that persist despite the creation of numerous jobs.
“We have a number of Virgin Islanders, Belongers, and residents who have grown up or come through the system here, yet remain unemployed. Additionally, we see local businesses struggling for various reasons,” he explained.
Premier Wheatley stressed the importance of refining government policies and initiatives to address these challenges and ensure more residents can find gainful employment and capitalise on available opportunities.
“People do not flock to a place where the economy is weak,” he insisted.
BVI not immune to global shocks
Dr Wheatley pointed out that despite the BVI’s apparent prosperity, the territory is not insulated from global economic fluctuations, such as those caused by the war in Ukraine and other international conflicts. These global events have led to high inflation rates, impacting local prices, including fuel and basic necessities, which the government is attempting to mitigate through various relief measures.
“The notion that those issues are the fault of the government is misleading. These are global pressures that we have little control over,” Dr Wheatley explained.
He highlighted government initiatives like duty exemptions and electricity relief to ease the financial burden on residents. Meanwhile, amendments to the Public Assistance Bill were praised for their intent to significantly enhance the support systems for the population’s most vulnerable sectors.
“This bill is about more than just monetary aid; it’s about building a sustainable nation where everyone, regardless of their economic status, can live with dignity,” Premier Wheatley stated.
The bill proposes, among other things, to reassess the assistance provided to ensure it meets the actual needs of individuals and families in distress.
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BVI economy is the weakest it’s ever been with this man as the Premier. His government is inept and delusional. Hopefully in 51 days he and his cronies will all be gone when the UK takes over.
I’m speechless … f-ing delusional clown! I can not seriously believe he is that blind. Our Country is absolutely in trouble with this guy at the wheel.
Natalio Wheatley You just prove that you are not fit to be the leader of the British Virgin Islands, Who are you trying to fool any fool can see that you are full of C**P.
I’m not sure what planet Sowande lives on but it surely is not this one.
Strong and vibrant in the same sentence relating to the BVI is bonkers.
None of the wealth being accumulated is being trickled down to the small man in this country so it will always be a topsy-turvy environment of more people struggling to make ends meet and living paycheck to paycheck.
His head is in the sand like a duck, and it’s time this government faces the reality that they are not coping with leading the country. The BVI has never been this low and it is seemingly getting worse.
What are the solutions? A pay increase to $8.50 is not even a stopgap or talking point…we are way behind and with such limited resources, it surely would have been better for them to have taken that loan and rebuilt the nation properly because everything is falling apart like a leaky old house.
No one wants to visit a dirty, smelly country much less to live in one continually. If you’re going to be paying through the nose to live in a so-called High-end country with a high GDP then your pay should reflect such, but sadly gone are the days of fair wages.
We are in a deep crisis and it doesn’t seem like those in charge know what to do, or how to improve things.
Change must come but how will it come!!
But I back sowandie for saying his economy is bright, isn’t he paid handsomely along with lots of traveling allowances flying all over the world to meet white colonizers where ever they call him as a boy to come? Wheatley correct the economy good cause his bread butter and upon leaving office his greedy bill click in.
our premier has turned into a comedian
WHAT A MUMU
This man is beyond delusional! If he stays within the territory and prioritize the issues within it, he would realize the economy is far from good much less thriving and vibrant. Of course it’s great for him individually, he’s getting paid. An ostrich with it’s head buried in the ground has more sense than this nyn*******.
What is he smoking?
*
Must be Flakka.
Peyote….with some shrooms! He on dat potent hallucinogenic, mind-altering shamanic trip. No, not that flying in metal can trip, that high altitude mind bending trip where the economy is glowing and our roads are paved in gold.
It’s all sunshine for these a**ogant p**pous plebs!
Not what he and his head went were smoking, but what they went in for. All yo forgot the phrase, “them before me did so i going in to. do the same so shut your mouth.” Are they doin? me nah know. i
I’ve tried to find this information but cannot. In what field of study did he obtain his PhD? I doubt that it was in something premised upon science or mathematics.
His PHD is in African studies
@capitalist your question of what Wheatley major in to be PhD is that he major in poetry, a degree in poems.
This from the MINISTER OF FINANCE
Vote better BVI
@WTF…..Ask O’neal in VG.
He became the finance minister because the former minister got into an accident when he went to the United States.
In fact, the accident was so bad he still has not returned to the BVI. He is now being held for further observation.
The economy is booming probably for him cause he’s using tax payers money to fly around the world while not really observing what is really happening on the island. A increase in crime in a good indicator that people are struggling.
Booming for you, your family and friends, but no one else. Start doing what COI says or all the other people in the VI going to push for UK to come and save us.
How deluded can you be? I bet if his wallet wasnt being held up by tax payer dollars he would be singing a different tune.
If the economy so good why my grocery bill keep increasing every week?
I’ve made no changes to the list and there’s only 2 mouths to feed. wtf
His head up in his @$$
When last has he taken his shots?
How can it be vibrant and thriving when weed is still illegal to plant and we all know a lot of young people are spending money on it.
Spending money on dubious products with no over sight to devious adulterants never mind uncontaminated with mold or pesticide.
The man knows of what he declares! The economy is booming for him and his updeislun in laws mate and friends. The infested fest of music for instance ,delivered from the VI tax payers..where are the figures, the accounting? He knows and him and affiliates,dem set.
Is this his normal?
Those of you who has known him from youth..isn’t he now … challenged.?
Perhaps medication?…Heaveny Father,Jesus,take the wheel.
Yo all put Andrew in power knowing he was a crook over and over,.
Now allyo gone and put in a …
This is very sad