Stacy Mather Joins Wheatley Government
Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy Mather has crossed the floor to join Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s administration. Wheatley says Mather will support the RATED programme and community development, while Mather says the move is driven by a desire to put residents first amid challenges like employment and crime.
Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy Mather announced on Monday, December 22, that he has crossed the political aisle to join the Dr Natalio Wheatley-led government. Premier Wheatley made the declaration during a live statement, praising Mather’s experience in youth and community development, including the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP).
Wheatley described YEP as “the most successful initiative of its kind in the territory’s history” and said Mather will assist with the RATED programme, initiatives in agriculture and fisheries, and the development of community programmes to empower grassroots organisations. “Honourable Mather will assist me the RATED programme, initiatives in agriculture and fisheries and the development of community programmes that will empower community based organisations to execute initiatives for the upliftment of the citizens and residents of our community,” the Premier said.
Mather, a first-term legislator, told constituents his decision is motivated by practical concerns facing the Virgin Islands. He cited employment and crime as areas requiring urgent attention and called for an “all-hands-on-deck approach” to secure tangible improvements in the near and medium term. “My people, crossing the floor is not a leap from you.
It is a step to get more done for the people of the Virgin Islands. It is a step to accelerate progress… This is not a move to raise a moment of silence,” Mather said, adding that he remains the same person but will have greater access to resources and decision-making for his constituents.
Mather is the third opposition member to cross to the government side, following Deputy Premier Julian Fraser and Junior Minister Lorna Smith. The series of defections alters the political landscape and delivers a visible boost to the Wheatley administration, though precise changes to legislative arithmetic and any new ministerial assignments were not detailed in Monday’s statement.
Local reaction is likely to focus on what Mather’s new role will mean for constituency services and ongoing programmes, particularly youth and community initiatives and support for agriculture and fisheries. For residents, the move promises potential direct engagement with government projects, but it may also prompt questions from opposition supporters about representation and accountability.
Premier Wheatley and Representative Mather did not immediately provide a timetable for a formal swearing-in or specific portfolio changes; further announcements are expected as the administration outlines how Mather’s responsibilities will be formalised.
Primary source: BVI News