Wheatley: Not Focused on Early Polls
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says his administration is concentrating on delivering promised projects and services rather than political manoeuvring or the timing of the next election. Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme, he emphasised completing an agenda that includes roads, water and sewage upgrades, airport runway extension and Prospect Reef development before returning to the electorate.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has dismissed suggestions that his government is preoccupied with early elections or political strategy, saying the administration’s priority remains delivering tangible results for residents of the Virgin Islands. Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme, Dr Wheatley said he intends to complete key elements of the government’s agenda before seeking another mandate. “I have every intention of making sure that we complete our agenda before we go back to the polls,” he said, listing infrastructure and long-term national priorities as core focuses.
The Premier outlined several projects and areas targeted for improvement, citing road repairs, upgrades to water and sewage systems, and continued modernisation of public infrastructure. He also referenced plans to extend the airport runway and to develop Prospect Reef, projects that have been previously announced and are seen as important for longer-term economic growth.
For BVI residents, these infrastructure priorities touch everyday life and the broader economy. Better roads and reliable water and sewage services reduce health risks and commuting difficulties across the islands, while airport improvements can support increased connectivity and tourism capacity.
Large-scale projects such as Prospect Reef are framed by government as contributing to future development and employment opportunities. Dr Wheatley acknowledged that politics is inevitably part of governing, but he rejected the contention that political strategy is dictating policy decisions. “My focus is not necessarily just on political strategy, so to speak,” he said. “My main concern is delivering for the people based on what we said we would do.” His comments come amid recent political developments, including the addition of former opposition member Stacy Mather to the government’s side and ongoing speculation about the timing of the next general election.
The Premier characterised such moves as efforts to encourage collaboration and unity rather than partisan advantage, describing himself as a unifier who invites people to work together in the best interest of the Territory. Reflecting on the period when his administration took office, Dr Wheatley noted it began amid political uncertainty and scrutiny over governance.
He said significant work has gone into restoring confidence both locally and internationally, allowing the government now to place greater emphasis on development and visible, measurable service delivery before seeking another mandate.
Primary source: BVI News