‘Default’ Premier Clueless, Tone-Deaf And ‘Running Amok’ – NDP

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley has been branded clueless, tone-deaf and disconnected from struggling residents after suggesting that people use black tanks or cisterns as a backup water supply.

Opposition Leader and National Democratic Party (NDP) Chairman Marlon Penn and Bishop John Cline launched the blistering attack during the NDP’s radio programme on July 22, as residents across the Territory continue to grapple with unreliable access to water and other issues.

Penn argued that the Premier’s suggestion showed a lack of understanding of the hardship facing residents and the Government’s failure to resolve the longstanding water crisis.

“The minister [Hon. Kye Rymer] has been in charge of millions of dollars, and we do not see a fix in sight. The Premier is now telling the people that they should get black tanks,” Penn said.

He added: “The horror that the Premier of the Virgin Islands is telling our people that they should purchase black tanks because of their inability or their incompetence to fix the issues of this Territory."

Premier Wheatley recently encouraged residents to maintain water storage, whether through black tanks or cisterns, as a safeguard during disruptions. He described it as a “smart thing to do” and said the water crisis was one of his administration’s most pressing priorities.

However, Bishop Cline questioned how residents would fill the tanks if water is not reaching their homes.

“My thing is, if you buy a black tank, what are you going to put in it if there is no water?” he asked.

‘Running Amok’

Bishop Cline also described Dr. Wheatley as a Premier who came to power “by default”, accusing him of avoiding scrutiny and failing to demonstrate transparency and accountability.

“You have a man who came to power by default, and he’s running amok. A royal amok this Premier is running. Avoiding questions, no transparency, no accountability, party here, party over there,” Cline charged.

Dr. Wheatley first became Premier in May 2022 after then-Premier Andrew Fahie was arrested in Miami and removed from office through a no-confidence motion.

He subsequently led the VIP into the April 2023 general election, where the party won six of the 13 elected seats, one short of the seven required for a majority. The VIP remained in power after successful NDP candidate Lorna Smith crossed over and joined it, giving the party the necessary seventh seat.

Cline Defends Penn’s Leadership

Cline contrasted the Premier’s performance with Penn’s record, strongly defending the Opposition Leader’s ability to lead the Territory.

He pointed to Penn’s years of service as Eighth District Representative, his experience in constitutional and parliamentary matters and what he described as his commitment to good governance, transparency, honesty and integrity.

“You are going to tell me that after all of that, you can have people questioning his ability to lead? But you have a man who came to power by default,” Cline argued.

He said the NDP’s confidence in Penn was founded on his record and the principles underpinning the party.

“The confidence that the National Democratic Party and its leadership have in the leadership of our chairman is not without merit,” Cline stated.

“It is based on the fundamental principles on which the NDP is built, and that is to get the best out of governance for the Virgin Islands and the people of the Virgin Islands.”