Wheatley Jokes About High School Rejections
Premier Wheatley used humour while celebrating his daughter Kamaria’s achievement as one of the territory’s top 10 graduates and the Class of ’96’s 30th anniversary. He also urged parents to prioritise education as 248 students graduated this year, producing a 97 percent graduation rate for 2026.
Premier Wheatley mixed pride, humour and a serious message when he addressed an event marking the Class of ’96’s 30th anniversary and the graduation of his daughter, Kamaria. Kamaria Wheatley was honoured as one of the top 10 students in the territory, a fact her father celebrated before an audience that responded with laughter when he turned to a lighter note. "A word to the unwise women!
I want to indicate to the women who unwisely rejected me in my school days, and I emphasise unwisely, that I made children who are tall, attractive and smart," the Premier quipped, drawing amusement from those present. Beyond the joke, Premier Wheatley used the occasion to press home a longer-standing point about the value of education.
He reminded parents that while material gifts — "nice clothes, the latest sneakers, the fanciest gadgets, nice parties" — can be given, nothing should take precedence over investing in a child’s schooling. "It will change their life, it will change their trajectory, and the trajectory of generations after them," he said, urging families to make education their top priority.
The graduation this year was notable for its strong outcomes. A total of 248 students met all graduation requirements, yielding an impressive graduation rate of 97 percent for 2026. For the British Virgin Islands community, such results are welcomed as a sign of resilience and commitment by students, parents, teachers and school administrators.
Education remains a central issue for the Territory as leaders and residents consider how to support young people’s development and broaden opportunities. The Premier’s remarks — part light-hearted personal reflection, part public encouragement — served as a reminder to local families and stakeholders of the long-term payoff that comes from prioritising learning and supporting students through their formative years.
Residents and community groups applauded the graduates’ achievements and echoed calls for continued investment in education, vocational training and mentorship so that this year’s success translates into sustained progress across the Territory.
Primary source: VINO