In an elaborate three-hour ceremony that featured dancers, saluting children, and the Rocky theme song, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley touted his government’s first year in office in a “territorial address” May 16 at Maria’s by the Sea.

Touching on topics ranging from governance reforms to infrastructure works to consumer rights, Dr. Wheatley and his ministers insisted that they had put their time in office to good use.

But not everyone was impressed. Though Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton declined to comment, saying he had not heard the premier’s address, his opposition colleague Marlon Penn said the ceremony was of little importance.

“The premier should stop playing politics and concentrate on things that matter to the people, like the state of roads,” Mr. Penn said.

COI reforms

Among other topics covered during his address, the premier defended his government’s progress on the ongoing governance reforms recommended by the Commission of Inquiry.

Former governor John Rankin had claimed in January that the Virgin Islands government was dragging its feet on the reforms, and he had demanded emergency powers as he left his post that month.

But Dr. Wheatley insisted last Thursday that his administration had passed “an unprecedented amount of legislation” to comply with the COI suggestions. The premier added that he had also secured support from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to condemn any move towards extra powers for Governor Daniel Pruce, who is scheduled to deliver his first quarterly review of the COI reforms this month.

‘Rebalance and reframe’

Dr. Wheatley explained that he is seeking to “rebalance and reframe” the relationship between the VI and the United Kingdom.

“A significant portion of the government’s work has also included completing reforms of our government system,” Dr. Wheatley said.

He insisted that Virgin Islanders must be able to “control our own destiny as our foreparents have desired.”

“This optimism is not the result of arrogance, nor is it the result of blindness: It is simply recognition of the reality that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us,” he said. “This optimism is based on a recognition that our people have overcome every obstacle, passed every test, broken every chain, and obliterated every barrier on our path to nationhood.”

Ministers’ speeches

The ceremony also featured shorter speeches by other ministers.

Deputy Premier Lorna Smith was in Asia on a trade mission, but she made a video praising the work of the government.

“I campaigned to ensure that all the people of the Virgin Islands were given the tools to achieve their highest ambitions,” she said.

“My focus over the last year has been to work to secure a sustainable foundation for this economy so that Virgin Islanders and their families can succeed.”

The financial services minister added that the government is moving to improve consumer rights and create a new development policy.

“Our goal as the government is to listen and act in your interests,” she said. “This is the only way we can prosper and thrive as a people.”

Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer spoke about the challenges that have faced the territory in recent years.

“These challenges stem from a range of factors, including the storms of 2017, the Covid-19 pandemic, the impacts brought on us by the unfortunate circumstances of our former [premier], and the ongoing implementation of the COI recommendations, which have changed the way in which this government and any future government must operate,” he said.

In light of such challenges, he added, the territory urgently needs “financial investment.”

“However, I want to assure you that while I wait for the funds, we have drafted the plans and we have the capability to address these issues,” he said.