‘Ridiculous!’ Premier denies project rush ahead of election

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has responded to a recent BVI News article questioning the surge in government projects ahead of the next general election, dismissing questions about an election-timed project rush as “quite frankly, ridiculous. ” The BVI News article, “ Project rush? Gov’t rolls out 15 projects in one year ,” prompted public discussion about whether the perceived surge in government projects could influence voters ahead of the next general election. At a press conference last week, a journalist questioned the Premier about the use of the $100 million loan, asking whether the remaining funds were being saved as an election “war chest. ” In response, Premier Wheatley hit back at the BVI News article and explained his government’s strategy for the loan.

“I saw a headline by one of the media outlets talking about the projects which are coming forward now,” Dr Wheatley said. “Let me say, without the shadow of a doubt, that those assertions are quite frankly ridiculous. ” The leader said the projects residents are now seeing did not suddenly materialise as an election approaches. “This is not based on work that just happened. It’s based on work that is years in the making,” he argued. https://bvinews. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Premier-on-Election-War-Chest-Response. mp3 According to the Premier, the early years of an administration are consumed by planning, designs, stakeholder consultations and procurement, meaning construction often becomes visible towards the latter part of a four-year term. He also rejected the suggestion that the government is sitting on nearly $70…