Wheatley: Resisting Colonialism Shows Self-Hatred
Premier Wheatley told the Virgin Islands Heritage Committee’s 2026 Well Emancipation Service that the Territory is not yet fully free and must continue constitutional negotiations to end colonial oversight. He accused some residents of resisting progress and said such views amount to 'self-hatred' and a lack of confidence in Virgin Islanders’ ability to govern themselves.
Premier Wheatley used the Virgin Islands Heritage Committee’s 2026 Sunday Morning Well Emancipation Service on August 2 to press for accelerated moves toward full self-determination, saying the Territory remains subject to governance controls by unelected authorities. "Just a few weeks ago, we commenced negotiations on a new constitution," the Premier said, adding bluntly, "This is because we are not fully free.
We do not have full democracy." He reminded the assembled congregation that the United Nations has urged that the colonial system of government must end. Wheatley said it is regrettable that some people within the Territory oppose that progress. "There are those among us who would not like to see that type of progress — unfortunately, some of our very own," he said, accusing opponents of expressing "nothing more than self-hatred, along with a lack of self-esteem and a lack of belief in our own abilities" when they insist the 13 elected representatives cannot be trusted to govern without external oversight.
To bolster his argument, the Premier pointed to the Territory’s economic achievements, noting that Virgin Islanders have built two global, world-class industries in tourism and financial services. "We have every reason to have confidence in our abilities," he said, arguing that those successes show the islands are capable of taking further responsibility for their affairs.
Wheatley framed practical steps toward greater autonomy as achievable. Quoting the spirit of a past US leader, he said, "Yes, we can. Yes, you can manage our affairs successfully." He noted that many former crown colonies have successfully transitioned to greater self-government and suggested the Virgin Islands can follow a similar path.
Still, the Premier warned that constitutional change will require unity and collective effort. "We must all take responsibility for unifying our divided community," he said, calling on residents to put aside divisions as talks continue. The remarks come as official negotiations on a new constitution proceed.
For residents, the debates ahead will touch directly on who holds decision-making power in areas such as public administration and security — and on the broader question of how the Territory defines its political future.
Primary source: VINO