Rejecting recent opposition claims that he is the “party premier,” Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley defended his support of entertainment events while introducing a 53-member delegation the government is sending to the 15th annual Caribbean Festival of the Arts this month in Barbados.
During a Monday press conference, Mr. Wheatley insisted that entertainment boosts the Virgin Islands’ economy, and he pushed back against allegations that his government recently allocated $1.3 million for unnecessary “parties and indulgences” via a schedule of additional provisions.
Using Carifesta as an example, the premier said 53 people from across the territory will take part in music, dance, theatre and craft events at what he called the Caribbean’s “greatest celebration of culture, creativity and connections.”
“These cultural ambassadors will not only share their gifts with regional and international audiences, but also tell our stories in a way that ensures the Virgin Islands is recognised as a vibrant and integral contributor to the Caribbean’s cultural tapestry,” he said.
Students make up 13 of the 53 VI delegates to Carifesta, which starts tomorrow and will continue through the month under the theme “Caribbean roots; global excellence.”
Opposition criticisms
The renewed criticisms of the government’s entertainment spending came last Thursday during a press conference where Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn accused the premier of wasting funds that should be spent on more pressing needs.
“The premier continues to spend taxpayers’ money on parties and non-essential indulgences while far more urgent and important matters are being ignored,” he said.
In recent months, opposition members and other residents have criticised the government’s decision to subsidise various entertainment events.
Particularly controversial were a spend of at least $220,000 on the Vybz Kartel show in March and at least $670,000 on the VI Music Festival in May 2024.
The government promised to provide a report on the economic impact of the music festival, but it has not done so.
‘Guilty as charged’
Asked Monday about the most recent opposition accusations, Mr. Wheatley said, “Well, if my crime is investing in the young people that you see here … at the Caribbean Festival of the Arts, then I’m guilty as charged. That’s something I’m proud of.”
The premier added that he has personal experience of the annual festival.
“I have been to Carifesta, I know the impact Carifesta has on young persons,” he said, adding, “As it pertains to ‘party premier,’ I mean, let’s look at the facts, right? … All of that is rhetoric. Nothing has really been different than it has been in the past. There has always been music festivals. There has always been investment in the arts. I believe in the arts. I believe in our promoters.”
Delegation head
Junior Tourism and Culture Minister Luce Hodge-Smith, who will lead the VI delegation, also spoke at the Monday press conference.
The annual arts festival, Ms. Hodge-Smith said, “brings together seasoned cultural practitioners who have been honing their craft for years alongside new emerging artists who bring fresh energy and perspective.”
She added that the territory will gain lasting benefits from participating in the event.
“Beyond simply facilitating travel and participation, our goal is to empower the artists by creating spaces for them to develop their craft, gain exposure and build networks that will benefit the territory a long time after Carifesta ends,” Ms. Hodge-Smith added.
At the Carifesta in Trinidad and Tobago in 2019, the VI participated as an observer.
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