Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and Works Minister Kye Rymer.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has dismissed claims that he spends more taxpayer funds on parties than on pressing national priorities, telling the House of Assembly that the “party Premier” label is political spin and not reality.
“Let’s talk about the quote-unquote parties,” he said. “There must have been at least 10 music festivals before I came along… the biggest sponsor has been government in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. It has always been the case. So this whole concept of a party Premier… that’s good marketing… it has nothing to do with the reality,” he argued.
The Premier has been criticised in recent years for spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on private entertainment ventures, including the Vybz Kartel concert held earlier this year and music festivals in previous years.
Much of that criticism has come from Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn, who rebuked the Premier for not focusing on legislative priorities. “The Premier has to settle down, stop the partying, stay off the radio from talking political nonsense, and get into his office and start to do some work,” Walwyn said earlier this year.
But Dr Wheatley defended the government’s investment at the time, saying the Vybz Kartel show was not “merely a party” but a strategic effort to boost entertainment tourism. “The entertainment industry is a valid and highly important part of our tourism sector and our wider economy,” he argued.
Dr Wheatley compared current festival spending to previous years, insisting it is not excessive. He said governments have long funded entertainment events and that such activities are part of the territory’s tourism product.
The Premier accused political opponents and some media outlets of manipulating information to mislead the public.
“There’s facts, there’s reality, and there’s manipulation of information and misperception,” he stated. He urged residents to “pray for discernment… seek the facts and the information… when you get the facts and the information… I believe you’ll make the right choice.”
The remarks come amid criticism over spending on the annual Emancipation Festival and major music events. Reports show over $1.2 million was allocated to the Festival Affairs Committee for this year’s celebrations. Opposition members have questioned whether such spending diverts funds from urgent infrastructure and social needs.
Dr Wheatley defended the broader economic impact of festivals and concerts, describing them as tourism drivers that benefit local vendors and performers. He called for unity during the emancipation season and cautioned against divisive political tactics.