“I don't plan to campaign against anyone. My campaign will be a conversation with the people of the Seventh District and the people of the Virgin Islands about what it is the vision that we have,” he told reporters during a Friday, October 6, 2022, press conference.

“For the Virgin Islands, of course, we'll be able to campaign on what we've accomplished while we've been in office and what it is we plan to do to make their lives better and, of course, the reform is a part of this.

The Unity Government is yet to announce a date for elections constitutionally due in the [British] Virgin Islands by the second quarter of 2023.

'Tough conversations'

“We'll be able to tell the people of the Virgin Islands that we didn't basically leave governance the way we met it. There are some real challenges in governance, not just yesterday, for over a number of years and we were able to tackle some of the big challenges in reform, even though it's a difficult process,” he said.

The Premier said in some cases the reform was a painful but necessary process and that is the type of leadership that has to be presented to the people of the Virgin Islands.

The Premier also warned the voting demographic to beware of those who will tell fantasy stories in order to get votes.

“You're going to have some persons coming to you selling you stories that things would be a lot better under me, [them].. the milk and honey will flow...but we have to be able to have the tough conversations and tackle the tough issues and show real leadership,” he added.

The Unity Government of Dr Wheatley is yet to announce a date for elections constitutionally due by the second quarter of 2023.

Premier Wheatley has indicated he wishes to lead the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) into the 2023 elections and will be seeking the approval of the VIP Congress.