The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, has once again abused his power to circumvent established committees, and regulations to ensure his wishes are carried out. 

The Government and Miss BVI Committee has established that they would no longer provide a car to the winner of Miss BVI annually, except in cases of special year celebration i.e every five (5) years.  They certainly agreed that the prize of a car should be reserved for the winner of the 70th Emancipation Celebrations. 

However, our newsroom understands that the Premier went above the Committee’s head and made the money available, from his office, to the BVI Tourist Board, to purchase a car for 2023 winner, Anika Christopher. She received the car from TAG in January 2024. A car was not a part of the prize list for 2023 as it was decided and agreed by the VIFFC Executive and Government, that the car would be reserved for 2024.

As our newsroom has researched, the last car as an official prize, was given to Kathlyn Archibald Drew in 2021.  We understand this was done to encourage ladies to sign up after the impact of COVID. 

Prior to this, Bria Smith who has had the longest reign in BVI history due to the impact of COVID, received a car during her reign (2019/2020). 

Miss BVI 2022 Jareena Penn received a partial scholarship, but did not receive a car since the committee had decided against the prize continuing annually. 

The first car prize was given in 1990.

Our newsroom has also been duly informed that the Premier again unduly made amendments to Festival regulations, to have former Miss BVI Anika Christoper open the 70th Emancipation Festival in the absence of newly appointed Miss BVI Adacia Adonis who was out of the Territory representing the BVI in the annual Jaycees Queen Show. Regulations dictate that the First Runner Up represents the Queen in her absence. The 2024 Miss BVI’s First Runner Up is Donyelle Hodge. Anika Christoper had already completed her reign and should not have even been considered an option to represent the present Miss BVI in any capacity. However, the Premier was willing to amend regulations to allow her to open the 70th Emancipation Festival’ Village. 

Our understanding is that Deputy Premier Honourable Lorna Smith who was performing as Acting Premier at the time, torpedoed the Premier’s decision, to ensure the right ‘thing’ happened. 

The question begets us…..

Is there a special relationship between the Premier Natalio Wheatley and former Miss BVI, Anika Christopher?

We understand Ms. Christopher presently holds one of the social media contracts given out by the Premier’s Office.

Our media house will look deeper into this unfolding story.