Premier Sees Few Disappointments in Tenure
Ahead of his State of the Territory Address, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley told ZBVI Radio he has 'few disappointments' from nearly three years in office, saying leadership means adapting to unexpected challenges. He highlighted progress on the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport expansion and strong tourism performance while stressing the government remains focused on delivering campaign promises as the next election approaches.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says he has had "few disappointments" in his administration's nearly three years in office, arguing that effective leadership is measured by the ability to adapt to changing circumstances rather than dwell on setbacks. Speaking on ZBVI Radio as he previewed his State of the Territory Address, scheduled for 4 p.m. today at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, Dr Wheatley acknowledged the administration has faced unanticipated challenges — from global conflicts that drive up prices to other external shocks — but said responding to those pressures is part of governing. "I really don’t have many disappointments," he told the station. "You have these wars, they cause prices to rise.
You have to be able to intervene and do things to help your people. But it’s a sign of good leadership, being able to adapt to changing circumstances." He added that he remains motivated to achieve more for the Virgin Islands: "I’m never satisfied. I always wanted to deliver more for the people of the Virgin Islands.
The people of the Virgin Islands don’t need leaders who are satisfied." The State of the Territory Address is expected to outline the government's achievements, current challenges and priorities as the territory moves into the final stretch before the next election cycle. Dr Wheatley acknowledged the address may be one of the last major territorial reports before voters return to the polls, but insisted the administration's focus remains on delivering on its promises.
Among the achievements the Premier highlighted was progress on the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport expansion. He said the request for proposals for the project's first phase has drawn significant interest and that the work is expected to improve aircraft operations, notably for American Airlines services, which are vital for residents and the tourism sector.
Tourism performance is another area Dr Wheatley said he will emphasise in the speech. He pointed to record visitor arrivals and international recognition for the territory in recent years as signs of recovery and growth, and indicated further work is planned to capitalise on those gains.
As the address unfolds this afternoon, residents will be watching for concrete timelines and commitments on airport works, cost-of-living interventions and other measures aimed at sustaining the territory’s recovery and preparing for the next government mandate.
Primary source: BVI News