Mather: Helping From Opposition Doesn't Work
Hon Stacy R. Mather told JTV Channel 55 on December 31, 2025, that he moved from Opposition to the government because he believed he could do more for his constituents working with the administration. He said Premier Wheatley offered him roles on programmes such as the RATED initiative, agriculture and fisheries projects, and community empowerment efforts, and that after prayer and consultation he accepted despite a short remaining tenure.
Mather says he switched from the Opposition to join the VIP government because, as a member of the House of Assembly, he found it difficult to deliver tangible help while sitting on the opposite side of the aisle. Speaking on JTV Channel 55 on December 31, 2025, Mather said the move was discussed after the 2023 general elections and followed prolonged attempts to assist his constituents from the Opposition benches. "You can’t really help in Opposition," he told the broadcaster, explaining that for nearly two and a half to three years he offered assistance that he felt was not accepted or implementable from outside government.
Mather said his decision was prompted when Premier Wheatley approached him with an offer to collaborate on several priority initiatives, including the Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment and Development (RATED) programme, agricultural and fisheries projects, and community programmes designed to empower local organisations to deliver services and opportunities to residents.
The RATED programme, Mather noted, seeks to connect training and apprenticeship opportunities to employment and community development — an area he has publicly critiqued but now wants to support from within government ranks. He told viewers that accepting the Premier’s invitation was difficult but ultimately aligned with his aim to secure concrete benefits for the people he represents. "That's not an easy decision because, as many people have pointed out, there’s not much time left in my tenure, but I want to help my people," Mather said.
He described the choice as "heavy," saying he prayed over it and consulted family and close friends before crossing. Mather acknowledged the mixed public reaction. While some community members and political observers criticised him for joining the VIP government after previously opposing certain programmes, others have praised the move as pragmatic and focused on service delivery.
For BVI residents, the shift highlights tensions elected officials face between oversight and direct participation in policy implementation. Mather framed his decision as prioritising results over position — choosing to engage directly in programmes he believes will uplift local livelihoods, particularly in agriculture and fisheries where many families rely on small-scale production and coastal resources.
As he settles into his new role, residents will be watching to see whether his participation accelerates delivery on promised programmes and improves coordination between government and community organisations.
Primary source: VINO