Fraser accuses media of trying to embarrass
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser told the House of Assembly during debate on the 2026 budget that some media coverage appears intended to embarrass the government and distract from urgent work. He also criticised Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn for repeatedly calling Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley a "party Premier," saying such language is disrespectful and lowers the tone of parliamentary debate (BVI News).
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser used his contribution during the 2026 budget debate on December 22, 2025, to complain about what he called deliberate attempts by sections of the local media to embarrass the government and distract from more urgent priorities facing the British Virgin Islands.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Fraser said some reporting seemed aimed at tearing down public officials rather than fostering constructive dialogue and problem solving, according to BVI News. Fraser pointed to a recent interaction with a local reporter who raised a concern about a beach sign warning against littering where no nearby trash bin was available.
He said the reporter had to walk about 15 minutes to find a bin and argued the matter could be resolved through administrative channels without becoming public controversy. "These are matters that can be solved through other channels," he said, adding: "Some people in the media set out to embarrass others.
We can be more productive if we do things a different way," as reported by BVI News. He also referenced an article that revisited past political issues involving a former Premier, saying it appeared intended to "tear down, target a certain group, a demographic, and tear it down," and warned that such narratives can cause harm regardless of their accuracy.
Fraser denied suggestions that current lawmakers were seeking the return of the former Premier and said those claims would likely be pursued through other avenues if true. During the same speech, Fraser shifted his criticism to the Opposition, sharply rebuking Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn for repeatedly describing Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley as a "party Premier." According to BVI News, Fraser told the House the phrase was meant to be derogatory and questioned what it was supposed to mean, saying he did not believe having fun or attending public celebrations should be used to belittle the head of government.
Fraser highlighted recent public appearances by the Premier — including participation in celebratory events connected to tourism and airlift developments — that he said had been unfairly criticised. He noted the Premier was ridiculed for attending festivities marking the start of direct flights by American Eagle and for his presence at the UberSoca Cruise parade, and described such attacks as "unnecessary, unwarranted, and it must stop." He urged members to exercise restraint, saying parliamentary language carries weight beyond the chamber and calling for a return to "courtesy, decency, common decency." Fraser's remarks come amid broader debates in the territory over accountability, media freedom and the role of press scrutiny.
He acknowledged the media's watchdog role in exposing shortcomings and prompting fixes but argued that persistent negative coverage can foster public disrespect toward elected officials and weaken unity. He urged reporters and politicians alike to adopt a more responsible approach so the territory can focus on pressing priorities such as economic recovery, infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
For residents, Fraser's example about the beach highlights two practical issues: the need for effective waste management and the responsibility of elected officials and agencies to respond promptly to community concerns that affect tourism and quality of life. Whether raised through media outlets or administrative channels, the issues underscore ongoing expectations for transparency, responsiveness and respectful public debate in the British Virgin Islands. (Reporting based on BVI News coverage of Fraser's statements in the House of Assembly on December 22, 2025.)
Primary source: BVI News