Politics
VIP celebrates Women’s History Month and Naomi Turnbull
By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor
(JTV News) — March is being celebrated globally as Women’s History Month and the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) said in a statement on Wednesday that it is celebrating and honouring “incredible” women within the British Virgin Islands community who have broken or are breaking glass ceilings in their respective fields.
One such woman, the party said, is Naomi Turnbull. The VIP said she is “the last surviving founding member” of the party.
In a Facebook post, the VIP said Turnbull’s hard work, dedication, and perseverance have made her a true trailblazer and a source of inspiration for women everywhere.
“As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month throughout the month of March, let us remember the countless other women who are also breaking barriers and making their mark in the world,” the party said.
“This Women’s History Month, let’s not only celebrate the achievements of women, but let’s also work towards a more equitable and just society where women can thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we can continue to push for progress and inspire future generations of women to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings.
“Join us in celebrating Ms. Turnbull and all the other remarkable women within our community who are making a difference. Let’s continue to uplift and support one another as we strive towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all,” the statement concluded.
The VIP also posted this about Turnbull:
“It was on March 2, 1971, with Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt as Chairman, Mr. Randolph Malone as President, Ms. Naomi Turnbull as General Secretary, Honourable Terrance B. Lettsome, Mr. Joseph Skelton, Mr. Eurman Fahie, Mr. Donald Pickering and Mr. Leopold Smith, the Charter Document and the Constitution of the Virgin Islands Party was signed.
Ms. Naomi Turnbull and the Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt were good friends and would always discuss politics and other matters affecting the British Virgin Islands. It was this interest in the territory’s affairs and the desire and vision for forward progression that birthed the idea to form the Virgin Islands Party for which Ms. Turnbull was asked to be the Secretary General. She was delighted to take on this role and did not hesitate to accept the opportunity to serve.
Ms. Turnbull has served with the party from its inception and continues to serve to this day. She is a member of the party’s Fifth District Committee, where she is often solicited for comments and ideas. Her unwavering commitment to the party and her ability to serve as long as she is truly an inspiration to us all. Naomi Turnbull is the last surviving founding member of the Virgin Islands Party.
Local News
Premier Slams Opposition Over “Misinformation” in No-Confidence Motion Debacle
Premier of the Virgin Islands, the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, has condemned the Opposition’s handling of a No Confidence Motion, accusing them of “bungling” the process by failing to comply with the Standing Orders of the House of Assembly.
In his remarks to the public, Premier Wheatley took aim at the Opposition for spreading what he called “misinformation” and for directing “vicious comments” towards the Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly, whom he insists was not at fault in this matter. “It is unfortunate that some persons have chosen to be selective with the facts,” Wheatley stated, “taking Virgin Islands politics to a dark place.”
The Premier reiterated that while every member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition has the constitutional right to challenge the Government, “persons cannot on one hand profess to be the vanguards of law and order, and truth and righteousness, and then flout the rules and regulations just because it is convenient to their agenda.”
He further called on the Opposition to apologise to the Speaker for “pre-empting her ruling, walking out of the House while she was delivering her ruling, and casting aspersions against her integrity.” According to Wheatley, “a higher standard of conduct is expected from those who aspire to lead the country.”
The controversy arose from the Opposition’s failure to adhere to the procedures for filing their Motion of No Confidence. The Premier emphasised that the Standing Orders, amended in 2016, clearly distinguish between Government Business and Private Members’ Business. He argued that the Opposition’s motion was categorised under Private Members’ Business, and that the Speaker’s ruling was correct. “A simple reading of the Standing Orders will show that the Opposition’s Motion was clearly Private Members’ Business, and the Honourable Speaker was correct in her ruling,” Wheatley asserted.
Premier Wheatley went on to accuse the Opposition of prioritising political gamesmanship over the completion of critical reforms, claiming that the timing of their Motion was intended to undermine the Government’s efforts to petition the UK for the lifting of the Order in Council. “The Opposition prioritises ‘brownie points’ over the completion of the recommendations and the removal of the threat to suspend our Constitution,” he charged.
As he concluded his statement, the Premier reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to serving the public, highlighting ongoing efforts to repair roads, address infrastructure challenges, and finalise the steps necessary to meet the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations. “My Administration remains united and firmly committed to our responsibility,” Wheatley stated. “There is a lot that needs to be done instead of staging walkouts and press conferences.”
He closed by expressing his readiness to engage in debate when the Motion is properly brought forward, adding, “I look forward to responding to the Motion when it does come up for debate, assuming the Opposition complies with the Standing Orders of the House.”
Local News
BVI Premier Seeks Removal of Opposition No-Confidence Motion Over Procedural Errors
British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley has requested the removal of an opposition no-confidence motion from the House of Assembly’s Order Paper, citing procedural inaccuracies in its submission.
The motion, which seeks the dissolution of the current Fifth House of Assembly and calls for new elections, has created a tense atmosphere in the proceedings on September 3.
The Leader of the Opposition, Ronnie Skelton, is barred from introducing the motion, which criticises Premier Wheatley and Finance Minister for a series of alleged failures.
The opposition accuses the Virgin Islands Party (VIP)-led government, in power since April 2023, of worsening the economic outlook, diminishing quality of life, and eroding public trust.
Key points in the motion include Wheatley’s recent admission of a $20 million underestimation in public officials’ salaries, which could strain public resources.
It also criticises the Premier for failing to deliver an economic plan or a tourism strategy, and for mismanaging government assets like the Prospect Reef Hotel and the British Virgin Islands Music Festival 2024.
Other grievances include excessive international travel spending, underfunding of crucial sectors such as education and agriculture, and concerns about the Premier’s handling of infrastructure and public safety.
Further complaints involve the Premier’s unilateral decisions on decolonisation discussions with the UN and acceptance of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, which the opposition argues have eroded public trust and accountability.
Residents are closely monitoring today’s House of Assembly proceedings, which are expected to have significant implications.
Local News
Opposition Leader to Introduce No-Confidence Motion Against Virgin Islands Government
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ronnie Skelton, is set to introduce a no-confidence motion against the current Virgin Islands government, citing a series of alleged failures by Premier and Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley. The motion argues that since assuming office in April 2023, Premier Wheatley’s leadership has led to a deteriorating economic outlook, declining quality of life, and a lack of public trust in the government.
The motion highlights several key points, including Premier Wheatley’s recent admission in the House of Assembly of a $20 million underestimation in salary increases for public officials, which could place a significant strain on public resources. It also criticizes the Premier for failing to produce an economic plan for the Territory, despite repeated requests from Opposition members, and for a lack of a comprehensive tourism plan to enhance the Virgin Islands’ market share.
Further allegations include the neglect of key government assets, such as the dilapidated state of the Prospect Reef Hotel, the mismanagement of public funds on initiatives like the Virgin Islands Music Festival 2024, and excessive government spending on international travel. The motion also points to the underfunding of critical sectors such as education, small businesses, and agriculture, and raises concerns over the Premier’s handling of the Territory’s infrastructure and public safety challenges.
Additional grievances center around the Premier’s unilateral decisions without public consultation, including his dialogues with the UN on decolonization and his acceptance of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations. The Opposition contends that these actions have undermined public trust and accountability.
The motion concludes with a call for the dissolution of the current Fifth House of Assembly, urging a new election to allow citizens to elect a government in which they can place their confidence.
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