L. Allen Wheatley to contest D8 with VIP
While many are still wondering whether there will be a 2023 general election in the Territory, the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), one of three political parties in the coalition government, is quietly amassing its slate of 13 candidates.
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.
Mr L. Allen Wheatley is the son of Dr Charles H. Wheatley and Jennie I. Wheatley, MBE.
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.
The 8th District is currently led by Hon Marlon A. Penn of the National Democratic Party.
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.
