In the past few days there has been a cascade of uneasy events that have rocked the Virgin Islands and its people. Nonetheless, we must remain resilient and steadfast on our journey. As an elected official, I stand on the principle of country above self, and as such, I have agreed with the decision to cede my post of Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration to facilitate the continuance of Government. This procedure will be completed once all the legal requirements are followed, and as such, the Constitution of the Virgin Islands would remain intact. 

Acting Premier Honourable Natalio Wheatley has called for unity and sacrifice, I count it an honor to be able to sacrifice and do my part for the sake of the country. I pledge my full support to the incoming Minister as I would like to see the significant progress in the areas of Lands distribution, environmental legislation and reforms in Labour and Immigration and other areas continue. 

I will still serve in the capacity of 9th District Representative to advocate in the interest of the community of District 9 and to meet its immediate needs. I will endeavor to justify every day and in every act the trust you have placed in me. Leadership is an awesome responsibility. A time like now, is the time for us to continue to work together in unity to ensure that our country remains in a forward and progressive motion. I am looking forward to continuing to serve you, not only as your representative but as a person who truly cares for the people.

Perseverance is not a personality trait, but it is a deliberate choice you make, to persist in your attempts to carry on, and to try to overcome the obstacles that come our way. You, the people of the 9th District, brought me to my dance, a dance of a pandemic, a dance of losses and a dance of gain.

I am aware of many rumors circulating, but I can assure you, they are all baseless. The COI does call for an audit of Crown Land disposals over the past few years. I have no issue with this. If there were issues and concerns, they would have been picked up and the process and stopped as the Governor who signs off on all Crown Land disposals would have flagged it and not sign off on the transfers.   

I want to encourage you to keep on keeping on. Continue to be that eye to help me guide our District and our Territory forward in this new chapter of our development. A lot has been done, and lots yet to be done. We hope to break ground for our new school before the month is over and continue the great works of transformation that we started a few years ago. 

By the grace of God and the unity of the people, we will get through this together. 

I am Honourable Vincent O Wheatley. May God continue to bless you and bless these beautiful Virgin Islands.

Honourable Vincent Wheatley

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration