Politics
VIP disagrees with Flax-Charles

By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor
The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) has responded to the resignation of Territorial At-Large Representative, Shereen D. Flax-Charles — giving its side of the story over her non-ratification as a candidate in the General Elections, which appears to be one of the main reasons behind her resignation.
On Sunday, Flax-Charles, who is also the Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Agriculture and Fisheries, resigned from the VIP, noting in a statement she will only be part of a leadership that is “transparent, fair and honest”.
Flax-Charles was not among the 10 candidates — seven district and three at-large candidates — who were ratified by the VIP Congress on Jan. 5.
Following the congressional meeting, it was disclosed at a press conference by Party Chairman and Premier, Natalio Wheatley, that Flax-Charles’s non-ratification had to do with administrative issues: paper work she submitted did not meet the requirements.
Party officials had said that a “special meeting” will be convened soon to ratify the remaining candidates.
In her resignation statement, however, last Sunday, Flax-Charles insisted that she followed the protocols.
The party disagrees.
“The Virgin Islands Party executive is in receipt of the resignation of Honourable Shereen Flax-Charles, Territorial At-Large Representative. Contrary to what was stated in the press release by Hon. Flex-Charles, the party maintains that the paperwork submitted did not satisfy the requirements. Hon. Flax-Charles received written correspondence of what needed to be rectified, and to date has made no attempts to do so,” the party said as it “expresses its gratitude for the service demonstrated by Hon. Flax-Charles during her time in office and wishes her the best in her future endeavours”.
The VIP went on to say that “it remains committed to promoting good governance and demonstrating unity and strength as it approaches the 2023 general elections. The party is confident in its ability to continue serving the people of the Virgin Islands and maintaining its commitment to progress and development. Forward ever, backwards never!”
In her statement, Flax-Charles explained: “My priorities are clear and have been communicated. I will only be a part of leadership that is transparent, fair and honest, conducted with the utmost integrity; developing and honouring structures which hold us to account. On this vein, I want to ensure that my own upholding of these standards remains unquestionable.
“I pride myself on understanding and operating within laws and rules. While many of you have rightly dismissed the idea that I somehow infringed on the constitution of my former party, I know that for others this has been a concern as it brings my ethics and frankly, my common sense, under scrutiny.
“Summarizing The Virgin Islands Party Constitution, Article Twenty: Nomination and Selection of Candidates for the Legislature, it is made abundantly clear that any incumbent VIP member of the Legislative Council desirous of re-election under the banner of the party is entitled to do so once they have informed the executive by the deadline prescribed.
“I fulfilled the basic requirements as outlined in Section 4, and made my intention known to the party’s secretary. I could not met the deadline which Section 1 makes mention of as to date none has been communicated, at least not to me.
“Anyone interested in further investigating this exercise of wordplay and paperwork is free to peruse the party’s constitution. There will be varied opinions as there always are, but what I can share is that my interpretation is supported by a senior party member’s written correspondence. Ultimately, this is a minor matter. When compared to the tremendous challenges we face as a Territory, it warrants no further dialogue.
“I only raised this for two reasons. It is important to me that you all continue to know that I do not play party games and that I have complete respect for fair protocol and due process. Whatever clerical mishaps and misunderstandings may have occurred, I hold no animosity towards my former party as this only reassured me of what I have been considering for a time,” she added.
JTV News understands that Flax-Charles intends to remain as Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development and a member of the National Unity government until the general elections which is due this year but for which a date has yet to be set.
Local News
Myron Walwyn Sworn in as Leader of the Opposition in the British Virgin Islands

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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Local News
`Alliance’ Moves to Unseat Skelton as Opposition Leader Ahead of HoA Sitting

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
Local News
BVI Premier Seeks Constitutional Amendment to Establish Minister of State Position

Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley has announced plans to pursue a constitutional amendment to formalise the appointment of a Minister of State, a position currently not recognised under the British Virgin Islands’ constitutional framework. The revelation came during an interview on The Big Story with JTV’s Cathy Richards on March 11, where the Premier addressed recent shifts within his administration, including the return of Hon. Lorna G. Smith to government and the reassignment of Hon. Karl Dawson.
The changes, announced earlier in the day, saw Dawson’s removal as Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, while Smith was designated as Minister of State. However, Wheatley acknowledged that the position does not yet legally exist, requiring approval from the United Kingdom to be formally established.
“In the Westminster system, there are different types of junior ministers, including Ministers of State and Parliamentary Under-Secretaries,” Wheatley explained. “While our current constitution allows for junior ministers, we would need an amendment to introduce the Minister of State designation.”
The Premier confirmed that he has informally raised the matter with the Governor and intends to discuss it further in an upcoming meeting with UK Minister for Overseas Territories, Steven Doughty. If successful, the amendment would provide the BVI government with additional flexibility in ministerial appointments.
Wheatley defended his decision to publicly designate Smith as Minister of State ahead of securing the constitutional amendment, stating that she was passionate about the role, particularly in relation to financial services—one of the territory’s key economic sectors. He emphasised that the move signals his administration’s commitment to expanding the governance framework to better reflect the needs of the territory.
“My point in communicating it is to let persons know that this is something we want to get done as quickly as possible,” he said.
While Smith is not a member of Cabinet, the Premier noted that she will be invited to Cabinet meetings as needed to discuss matters related to her portfolio. Under the current system, only five ministers can be full Cabinet members. Any expansion would require additional constitutional reforms, including a potential increase in the number of elected officials in the House of Assembly.
Should the UK approve the amendment, Smith’s position would become official, leaving a junior ministerial post open. Wheatley also indicated that his government may request an increase in the number of junior ministerial positions beyond the current limit of two.
“We would be asking for the ability to have different levels of junior ministers, and I believe it would be prudent for us to request more than just two,” he said.
As negotiations with the UK progress, the government’s ability to restructure its ministerial framework remains uncertain. However, Wheatley remains optimistic that changes can be implemented in a timely manner.
“We will see how quickly we can get it done,” he said, underscoring his administration’s push for constitutional reform.
The proposed changes come at a time when the BVI is preparing for broader constitutional negotiations with the UK. The discussions will not only address the Minister of State position but could also lead to wider governance reforms.
For now, Smith will continue to serve in one of the two existing junior ministerial roles until a formal decision is made.
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