Remembering the late former Chief Minister, Dr. Willard Wheatley in service to the Virgin Islands

A dedicated educator and inspiring political leader, the late Dr. Willard Wheatley has contributed greatly to the development of the British Virgin Islands. As Chairman of the United Party, the late Dr. Willard Wheatley became Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands from 2^nd June 1971 to 12^th November 1979.  He ran in the sixth district for the 1971 and 1975 elections and the eight district in 1979.  A vibrant politician, he continued his political career running in the 1983, 1986, 1990 and 1995 elections.  He won his final seat at the 1983 election.   Dr. Willard Wheatley was also the first Minister of Finance.

The family of the late Dr. Willard Wheatley was also present at the Rotary Club of Tortola’s luncheon meeting.  During the meeting, Mr. Douglas Wheatley, a popular British Virgin Islands social commentator and son of the late Dr. Willard Wheatley, gave a tribute to his father. Acknowledging all the work his father did in the BVI community, Doug Wheatley feels it was all worth the sacrifices made.

Prior to Dr. Wheatley’s political career, he was a dedicated and well respected educator.  Dr. Wheatley is credited for turning around an ominous BVI economy, having sound fiscal management skill that benefited the British Virgin Islands greatly, localizing the police force, opening of the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, opening of the Rainbow Home for Children and commencing some dialogue on the financial services. The late Dr. Willard Wheatley was born on 16^th July 1915 and died on 22^nd January 1997.

The Rotary Club of Tortola salutes the late Chief Minister, Dr. Willard Wheatley for his outstanding contribution in service to the Virgin Islands.

Rotarian Elton George

Family of the late Dr. Willard Wheatley

Family of the late Dr. Willard Wheatley

The late Dr. Willard Wheatley (Photo Credit:  The Virgin Islands News Online)