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by pltm
(PLTM) - Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley, continues to defend the formation of the coalition Government as the best option to ensure that reformation and the renewal of the democratic system is guaranteed.
Speaking earlier this week, Dr. Wheatley stated that the establishment of the Government of National Unity was an indication that the interests of the country have been prioritized above both individuals, and partisan affiliations.
He expressed that his administration intends to focus on the best interests of the entire Virgin Islands population. In doing so, political divisions will not be allowed to hinder national progress. Dr. Wheatley also mentioned that these new developments represent the Territory’s maturity and determination in striving towards democratic enhancement.
Dr. Wheatley also sought to explain the structure and objectives of the newly established National Unity in the statement amidst public confusion.
He stated that there has been some uncertainty about the Government and its functions, since it contrasts with typical Governments that the people of the Virgin Islands have become accustomed to.
He noted that this Government represents a different system, which “is a stark departure from the composition of previous Government Administrations over the past 36 years. We have received many questions about what this means, and how it affects the political landscape of the Virgin Islands.”
Dr. Wheatley also explained during the statement that the Government of National Unity is a coalition government that is composed of elected representatives from three different political parties in the House of Assembly. These political parties include the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), the National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM). He stated that Cabinet is also comprised by representatives of various political Parties and that the representatives from these Parties are partners.
“This does not mean our respective political organisations have been amalgamated into one. They remain individual political bodies. However, at Governmental level, the members of the Government of National Unity comprise one unit. While this is the case, we want to reassure the public that political parties in the Virgin Islands will continue to be an integral part of representative democracy here in the islands. They will not be disappearing from the political landscape,” Dr. Wheately stated.
Dr. Wheatley added, “The recent dramatic events and developments in the United States and here in the Territory were a test of our national character and whether we as a people could rise to the occasion to meet our challenges. I believe we have taken the right initial steps, but there is much further to go.”
