The VIP district seats open include the 8th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st.

And now, former Financial Secretary L. Allen Wheatley, who many consider a financial genius, confirmed to our newsroom that he will be a candidate with the VIP.

Mr Wheatley said he will be contesting the 8th District seat now held by Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn. Mr Penn’s National Democratic Party (NDP) is part of the 3-party coalition government known as the Unity Government. Hon Penn is also believed to be Chairman of the NDP, although it remains unconfirmed.

Who is he?

Mr L. Allen Wheatley is a local businessman, who held public sector posts such as Financial Comptroller of the Social Security Board, and Deputy and Financial Secretary. He is the son of Charles and Jennie Wheatley. His father, Dr Charles H. Wheatley, is a former Head Teacher at the then BVI High School and also served as a Permanent Secretary and President of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). He has written many books and articles and is currently a member of the Constitutional Review Commission.

His mom, Mrs Jennie N. Wheatley MBE, has a long career in education and is a local historian, writer, cultural icon and is considered part of the country’s intellectual class.

Candidate Wheatley is expected to receive the blessings of the VIP congress when the body meets this Sunday, February 5, 2023, according to a senior party official who spoke to our newsroom on condition of anonymity.

L. Allen Wheatley's plans for the East

Mr. Wheatley told our newsroom that, if successful, his plans for the first year in office include a focus on:

1) Trellis Bay Ferry Center

2) Road works and walkways in the East

3) Long Bay Beach Development

4) Bridge House welcoming center

5) Decorative walls and landscaping

6) Improved water and sewerage systems

7) Fishing depot at Red Bay Wharf

8) East End Harbour Development

9) Red Rock Development

10) Adoption of Willard Wheatley Primary School

11) Branch bank in the east

12) Post Office and Electricity services in the East

13) Proper clinic and fire station

14) Government building and offices in the East

15) Development of the park in the East and repairing the basketball court

16) Restoring wells and ovens

17) A cultural village in the East

18) Dredging of the entire East End/Fat Hogs Bay Harbour

19) Develop a meat, seafood, poultry, pork and agricultural store in the East

20) Create a boardwalk in East

The political aspirant further noted that “a monument needs to be erected by The Stickit (Long Look) to reflect our ancestry as slaves and our legacy as the first freed slaves in the western hemisphere.”

The 2023 general election is a few months away, since the House of Assembly (HoA) must be dissolved by March 12, 2023, and general election held no later than a maximum of 2 months after March 12, 2023, or a minimum of 21 days after March 12, 2023, according to Section 86 of the Virgin Islands Constitution.

The 8th District is currently led by Hon Marlon A. Penn of the National Democratic Party.