Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley predicts that, on its current trajectory, the Government of National Unity will accomplish over fifty percent of its obligations in implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry report by July 31.
The premier made the comments while appearing as a guest on the Territories Talk media programme.
According to Dr. Wheatley, this means that the administration will be in the best possible position to accomplish the majority of its obligations ahead of the next general election, which is constitutionally due in the first half of 2023.
He said, “Quite a bit of our reforms will be completed before the election, but there will be aspects that will come after the election… Thus far we’ve been doing a good job of meeting our obligations. I believe you know we kind of front-loaded a lot of obligations so in fact, after July 31st we will be finished with over half of our obligations”
The process being closely monitored
Despite the apparent rapid pace with which this is being done, the premier maintains that the process is being closely monitored and carefully navigated to ensure the integrity of the legislative process.
He said, “I think with the reforms and with the crisis that we face it’s a national issue and you want all hands-on deck, and you don’t want partisan interests to take precedence over territorial interests.”
“It’s almost like having some built-in transparency I would say, because of course you know you cannot take decisions in favour of any particular party”, he added.
Positive experience with Unity Govt
Wheatley says that despite the common stereotypes which have prevailed in coalition governments elsewhere in the region, his experience with the Unity Government has been a positive one.
Though he admits that members from the different party groups do have their disagreements, he says this is far overshadowed by the level of cooperation taking place behind closed doors.
The Premier believes that it is in the best interest of the BVI people that such a government continues to lead in the uncertain times ahead.
Briefly speaking on his administration’s relationship with the United Kingdom, Wheatley said, “the relationship right now is good and the reason why I say it’s good is because of course I believe the principles of democracy have been respected in the very beginning with the decision not to impose direct rule. I think it was a good start to a new relationship.”
While he admits that some areas due to be addressed are likely to cause tension between stakeholders, Dr. Wheatley hopes to navigate with constructive dialogue and arrive at workable solutions in the best interest of all involved.