Government Investments Grow by $2.9M; Premier Clarifies
The Government’s investment portfolio posted a net gain of US$2,893,141.69 for the five-year period 2021–2026, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley told the Territory on July 30, 2026. New details disclosed by the Premier and reported by VINO show $2.5 million was invested into Delta Capital Partners Limited in two payments in 2022 without the proper approvals, and the matter is now under investigation.
Natalio Wheatley told the Virgin Islands on July 30, 2026, that the Government’s investment portfolio posted positive growth between 2021 and 2026, registering a gain of US$2,893,141.69 as of the date of his address (VINO). In the same address the Premier sought to clarify controversy surrounding a placement in Delta Capital Partners Limited, saying the transaction was carried out by former Accountant General Arnold J.
Ainsley without following required approval procedures. Wheatley did not provide details of any specific financial loss linked to the investment during the July 30 statement, but reiterated that overall the portfolio showed a net positive return for the period in question. New information reported by VINO adds key dates and amounts to the earlier account.
At a press conference on July 24, 2026, Dr. Wheatley disclosed that a total of US$2.5 million had been invested in Delta Capital Partners Limited. He later confirmed to VINO that the payments were split: US$1 million in July 2022 and US$1.5 million in November 2022, and that he only became aware of the transactions on April 29, 2026.
According to the Premier, the deposits were made outside his knowledge and approval and were executed by former Accountant General Ainsley, who is no longer in the Virgin Islands (VINO). The Premier has asked the Financial Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the matter and has requested the Internal Audit Department to conduct its own review, VINO reports.
Wheatley’s reiteration of his administration’s commitment to robust governance, due diligence and proper approvals when investing public funds. Delta Capital Partners Limited is described on its LinkedIn profile as a Caribbean private equity firm focused on off-market strategic deals; its official website, thedeltaeffect.com, is currently not operational.
Jamaican news outlets report that Delta Capital Partners is facing legal action in Jamaica connected to the collapse of Stocks & Securities Limited (SSL) after a multi-billion-dollar fraud scandal, with charges filed in December 2025 for alleged breaches of the Securities Act, the Bank of Jamaica Act and the Banking Services Act (Jamaican news reports referenced by VINO).
Wheatley used his July 30 address to underline that operating within the Public Finance Management Act, its regulations and ministry policies helps the Ministry of Finance and Treasury maintain accountability and prevent irregular transactions from receiving final sign-off. He warned that where there is clear evidence of breaches or failures to follow the law and regulations, action must follow and that disciplinary authority rests with the Governor, Deputy Governor and the Public Service Commission.
For residents of the Virgin Islands, the Premier’s statements are meant to reassure the public about stewardship of government finances while investigations proceed. The clarification that the Delta Capital deposits were made in 2022 — and the subsequent referral to the FIA and Internal Audit — is likely to prompt calls for further transparency and timely reporting on any findings and disciplinary steps.
Primary source: VINO