Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has dismissed reports that he could face a challenge for leadership of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), toppling suspicions that were raised this week as the territory heads into a general election cycle.
Unconfirmed claims about a possible leadership contest were raised by political commentator Cindy Rosan during a Facebook Live broadcast this week. She suggested that two senior party figures may be positioning themselves to contest the chairmanship currently held by the Premier.
According to Rosan, talk within political circles is that Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer and Education Minister Sharie de Castro could mount a challenge for the post ahead of the VIP’s upcoming congress.
However, when contacted by BVI News, Premier Wheatley was adamant he was not aware of any such challenges to his leadership.
Rosan had noted that the reports remain speculative and unverified, adding that internal party matters are often closely guarded. She said she had not received confirmation but was sharing what she described as growing chatter within the political landscape.
She further claimed that there are suggestions some within the party may be uneasy about the Premier leading the VIP into the next general election, though she emphasised that no official statements have been made to support that view.
In the meantime, BVI News also contacted two high-ranking members of the VIP who requested anonymity. Both said they were unaware of any supposed challengers and could not confirm the report.
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