Three members of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition met with His Excellency, Governor Daniel Pruce, on Monday, April 28, to raise what they described as “serious concerns” regarding the recently published Criminal Law Enforcement Review and the Commission of Inquiry.

The two-hour meeting was attended by Hon. Myron Walwyn, Leader of the Opposition and Sixth District Representative; Hon. Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull, Second District Representative; and Hon. Stacy Mather, At-Large Representative and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. The Opposition members said the meeting was a vital opportunity to present the views of Virgin Islands residents at the highest level of government.

“We were glad for this opportunity to raise concerns from the public with respect to the Criminal Law Enforcement Review,” Hon. Walwyn said in a statement issued after the meeting. “His Excellency listened intently and gave us the assurance that the concerns raised on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands will be given much consideration.”

Among the key issues raised was the Opposition’s strong disagreement with a recommendation that the Governor re-specify his powers under Section 60 of the Virgin Islands Constitution. That section outlines the Governor’s authority over external affairs, defense, internal security, and the public service.

The Opposition also objected to a proposal that would transfer responsibility for customs and immigration from the local government to the Governor’s office. They insisted that these matters remain under the control of locally elected officials.

Additionally, members voiced firm opposition to any suggestion that sea ports and airports on the sister islands be closed — a recommendation they argue would severely impact the local economy and increase the vulnerability of residents in those areas.

“The matters addressed in the Criminal Law Enforcement Review have significant implications for the governance and the future of law enforcement in our territory,” the Opposition said in a joint statement. “It is therefore critical that the voice of the people is heard and carefully considered in any reforms that are proposed.”

The meeting comes as Virgin Islands authorities continue to weigh a series of recommendations emerging from both the law enforcement review and the 2022 Commission of Inquiry, which examined allegations of corruption and poor governance.

Opposition members said they remain committed to ensuring that “transparency, fairness, and respect for the rights and aspirations of the Virgin Islands people remain at the forefront of any ongoing or future reforms.”

Governor Pruce has not yet issued a public statement regarding the meeting.

Sixth District Representative Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has officially been sworn in as Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition by Governor Daniel Pruce. The ceremony, which took place ahead of the House of Assembly (HoA) sitting on Monday, March 24, marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the British Virgin Islands.

Walwyn’s appointment follows a formal request submitted to the Governor on Friday, March 21, by members of the recently formed opposition faction known as “The Alliance.” The letter, signed by Walwyn, Second District Representative Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull, and Honourable Stacy R. Mather, called for Walwyn to replace Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton as Opposition Leader. The Governor accepted the request in accordance with Section 70(5) of the British Virgin Islands Constitution, which allows opposition members to determine their leader by majority vote.

With The Alliance holding a majority within the Opposition, surpassing Skelton of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and Eighth District Representative Honourable Marlon A. Penn of the National Democratic Party (NDP), the transition was all but assured. This realignment comes in the wake of internal disagreements within PVIM, particularly over a recent attempt by Skelton and Penn to dissolve PVIM and integrate its members into the NDP. That effort led to a rift within the Opposition, prompting Mather and Turnbull to shift their support away from Skelton.

The political maneuvering has raised speculation about potential challenges from Skelton or Penn in response to the change in leadership. However, for now, Walwyn assumes his role as Opposition Leader, with the responsibility of unifying the bloc amid ongoing internal divisions.

Meanwhile, the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP), led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, continues to maintain its eight-seat majority in the HoA. With the Opposition now under new leadership, political analysts will be watching closely to see how Walwyn steers his faction in the months ahead.

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Yet another political shift about to take effect in the British Virgin Islands as the recently formed “Alliance” has made moves to have Sixth District representative Honourable Myron V. Walwyn unseat and replace Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton as Leader of the Opposition, just days before the House of Assembly (HoA) convenes on Monday, March 24.

On Friday, March 21, Alliance members Walwyn, Second District Representative Melvin M. Turnbull and Stacy R. Mather, submitted a letter to Governor Daniel Pruce requesting Walwyn’s appointment as Opposition Leader. It is our information that the Governor has accepted the request in accordance with Section 70 subsection 5 of the British Virgin Islands Constitution, which permits opposition members to elect their leader by majority vote.

Hon. Stacy R. Mather,

The Alliance, holds a majority within the Opposition, surpassing the two remaining members—Skelton of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and Eighth District Representative Marlon A. Penn (R8) of the National Democratic Party (NDP). With this shift in alignment, Walwyn is expected to be sworn in as the new Opposition Leader during Monday’s HoA sitting, alongside the appointment of a new Deputy Speaker.

The leadership change follows recent attempts by Skelton and Penn to dissolve PVIM and integrate its members into the NDP. This move has deepened divisions within the Opposition, with Skelton losing the support of Mather and Turnbull, who were previously aligned with him under PVIM.

The development raises key questions: will Skelton and or Penn seek to challenge move of unseating Skelton?

The ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP), led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, currently holds a solid eight-seat majority in the HoA. The new opposition bloc, now to be under Walwyn’s leadership, will need to address internal divisions and work to redefine its role in the territory’s governance.

The developments will be closely monitored when the HoA sits on Monday, as Walwyn is likely to assumes his new role amid a rapidly changing political landscape.

Hon. Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull