TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC — Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has accused Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn of prioritising political ambition over constructive engagement, arguing that this approach undermines efforts to address pressing national challenges.
Speaking during a recent debate on the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation Bill, the Premier said that a focus on political positioning too often eclipses the shared responsibility of government and opposition to advance the territory.
“I believe this is one of the challenges that the Leader of the Opposition has,” Wheatley told legislators. “He views everything through the prism of politics — and what he believes helps the advancement of ambition, to be able to topple the government and to take the government’s place.”
The Premier contended that this mindset results in resistance for its own sake, even when proposals are intended to tackle long-standing problems such as water access and sewage management. He said effective debate should allow for the acknowledgment of sound policy while offering practical amendments where necessary.
“If something is good, say it’s good,” Wheatley said, noting that supporting legislation in principle does not preclude recommending changes to specific clauses. He criticised what he described as a pattern of portraying government initiatives as unethical or harmful, even where evidence does not support such claims.
Warning against “making something out of nothing” to serve political agendas, the Premier said constant confrontation diverts attention from the real issues affecting residents. He stressed that challenges related to water, sewage, and other infrastructure demand cooperation rather than perpetual conflict.
Wheatley maintained that while vigorous debate is essential to democracy, it must be rooted in good faith. “As a House, government and opposition, it is our responsibility to pass legislation that will advance us,” he said. “We should not allow politics alone to stand in the way of progress.”
and then 