Former Legislator Shereen Flax-Charles has publicly addressed an alleged online threat directed at her by Allen Wheatley, a former Financial Secretary and 2023 political candidate under the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).
The controversy arose after a WhatsApp message, bearing Wheatley’s name and sent to a group chat, suggested actions be taken against Flax-Charles. The message had a screenshot of a local news article attached of Flax-Charles voicing her opinion on the push by the VIP government to have the Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority resign. The message bearing Wheatley’s name read: “Boss get ya people them on this to mash her up!” and was linked to a news article featuring Flax-Charles’ photo.
In response to the message, Flax-Charles issued a statement expressing her concerns over the apparent threat and assured the public that the matter has been reported to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) for investigation.
“I would like to thank all those persons locally, regionally, and internationally who reached out to me with care and concern with regards to a WhatsApp message that has been circulating with what seems to be a threat against me,” she stated.
She added, “The matter has been reported to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and they are investigating the matter. I want, at this time, to reassure everyone that I am ok and more importantly I AM NOT AFRAID!”
Flax-Charles, a well-known advocate for her community, highlighted that her commitment to the British Virgin Islands is a lifelong endeavour, stating that her advocacy began when she was a young girl attending community meetings with her grandfather, Captain Elwin Flax. She emphasized the close-knit nature of the BVI community and questioned the nature of the implied threat, asking whether it was related to victimization regarding her employment, business interests, or potential physical harm to her family.
Undeterred by the situation, Flax-Charles reaffirmed her dedication to speaking up for her country, stating, “Be rest assured that this implied threat will NOT deter me from speaking up and doing whatever I can in the BVI Communities.”
She further emphasized the importance of freedom of expression as protected under the BVI Constitution Order 2007, Chapter 2, Section 23, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“It is the right of every BVI resident to express themselves for the good of the territory,” she said, quoting, “No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of expression.”
Flax-Charles also made it clear that her advocacy for first-class healthcare and other fundamental rights in the territory would not be silenced, urging continued efforts to ensure that these rights are accessible to all residents.
Efforts by 284 News to obtain a direct response from Allen Wheatley regarding the alleged threat were unsuccessful. However, Wheatley addressed the situation in various WhatsApp group chats, where he dismissed the accusations, stating, “Oh my God. My family Anegada please tell this woman go relax. No one has interest in hurting her. You would think she is some sort of shotta.” In another group chat, he added, “I thought better of you. You are so desperate for fame that you would do this. Thank God me and your brothers still live good. You need to see a psychiatrist.”
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force continues its investigation into the matter as Flax-Charles remains resolute in her mission to advocate for the rights and welfare of the BVI community.