The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Natalio Wheatley, through the office of GIS, attempted to discredit local news outlet Guavaberry Media on ‘Premier Sleeps in Airport’ story. 

Eye Witnesses remain adamant on information shared with our news room. Persons in attendance at the planned Lunch on Sunday January 15th,  at the BVI London House, are also standing by the comments they heard the Premier make, while addressing the attendees - “it’s been a while since the last time I slept on an airport floor”

A conversation with Virgin Atlantic’s Antigua Desk confirms the cancellation of the flight on Saturday January 14th due to technical difficulties, and also confirms passengers being put on the 8:40pm flight leaving the next day Sunday January 15th. The Premier confirms his team was on said flight. 

In a press conference today, January 23, held at the GIS conference room, the Premier, Dr. Natalio Wheatley, confirms the delay and also confirmed that as soon as they were able to get to a hotel room, they called the BVI London House to address the attendees.  The lunch was scheduled to begin at 12pm UK time. The UK is some four hours ahead of the Eastern Caribbean, which suggests that the Premier arrived at a hotel between 8am and 9am Sunday morning, also suggesting that the Premier did indeed spend the night at the Vere C Bird International Airport on Antigua.

On the release of the story, Virgin Islanders, Belongers and Residents were concerned, citing the status the Premier holds, and the incident’s reflection on the Territory as a whole. The management of the Premier’s team remains in question. Bringing into focus their ability to comprehend and manage the status and security affiliated with the Territory of the Virgin Islands’ highest Office.