Vanterpool: People Deserve Better
Former legislator Mark H. Vanterpool responded to Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley’s June 9 State of the Territory Address, saying residents have not felt the benefits of eight years of VIP government or the territory’s $550 million 2026 budget. Vanterpool accused the administration of delayed projects, weakened investor confidence and delivering only as an election approaches, insisting Virgin Islanders deserve consistent leadership that produces results.
Vanterpool has sharply criticised the government’s record after Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley delivered the 2026 State of the Territory Address on June 9 at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. In the speech titled "Keep Moving Forward: Building a Sustainable Nation," Premier Wheatley outlined a range of plans and initiatives — from tourism and financial services to digital transformation, a climate trust fund, a blue economy roadmap and a homeowners’ affordable housing initiative.
A few hours after the address, Vanterpool told Virgin Islands News Online that while many big projects have been announced, residents have not seen the promised improvements on the ground. "After 8 years, are Virgin Islanders feeling this $550 million on their tables?… Are we where we should be as a territory?" Vanterpool asked, referencing the territory’s $550 million national budget for 2026.
He raised a series of pointed questions about roads, schools, health care, cost of living, youth opportunities, business investment, water and sewage systems, airport expansion and transportation, answering them bluntly: "The honest answer is no." Vanterpool argued that the territory has the people and resources to do better but has instead watched opportunities pass by.
He accused the government of allowing projects to stall, postponing decisions and repeatedly making the same announcements without timely delivery. "Projects stalled, decisions postponed, promises repeated, and investor confidence weakened by your inability to move major initiatives forward," he said.
The former legislator also suggested that some projects are receiving renewed attention only because an election is approaching. "The issue is not whether projects are finally beginning. Not because this is an election season, but because the people deserve leadership that delivers consistently," Vanterpool said.
His remarks underscore growing public scrutiny over the pace of infrastructure and economic development in the British Virgin Islands. Residents and business owners have repeatedly cited concerns about critical infrastructure and the cost of living, making delivery and transparency on major projects central issues as the government outlines its priorities for the coming months.
This response was reported by Virgin Islands News Online and reflects ongoing debate in the Territory about governance, project delivery and economic opportunity.
Primary source: VINO