Politics
Political parties celebrate BVI women
By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor
(JTV News) – Three political parties that have confirmed their participation in this year’s General Elections have released statements on International Women’s Day, which is being observed today, Wednesday, March 8.
This year’s theme is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” which according to a release from the government “aims to recognise and celebrate the contribution women and girls are making to technology and online education”.
The release invites the public to wear purple, green, and white colours to commemmorate the day — “purple signifies justice, dignity and being loyal to the cause; green symbolises hope and white represents purity”.
The Ronnie W. Skelton-led Progress Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) said on its official Facebook page:
“Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women’s inequality.
Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity”
The Marlon Penn-led National Democratic Party (NDP), also wrote on its Facebook page: “The National Democratic Party joins in celebrating all the women and girls of the BVI and around the world today, March 8th. This year International Women’s Day will highlight the need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education. We recognise that women are the architects of our society. We are proud to empower them. As a party, we strongly support Equal opportunities, Equal rights, and Progress for all women and girls #DigiALL”
The Natalio Wheatley-led Virgin Islands Party (VIP), stated: “Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women within the Virgin Islands! Today, we celebrate the invaluable contributions that women make to our society and honour the progress that has been made towards gender equality. We recognize the strong, resilient, and inspiring women who have worked tirelessly to shape our community and push for positive change. The Virgin Islands Party is committed to continuing to support and empower women in our islands. Cheers to all the women who continue to break barriers and pave the way for future generations! #InternationalWomensDay #VIWomen #VirginIslandsParty”
March is also International Women’s History Month. And the VIP has been featuring women — on its Facebook page — in the BVI community who have made a mark in business, sports, politics, etc.
To date, they are:
Naomi Turnbull – last surviving founding member of the VIP
Hon. Janice M Pereira, OBE, LLD – first female Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
Millicent Penn-Mercer – first woman to enter BVI politics; former educator and avid sports fan
Kristin Frazer – founder and producer of the locally and internationally renowned Trefle brand
Chantel Malone – BVI’s first athlete to advance to an Olympic final
Kyra James – creator of the popular video blog “Kickin’ it with Kyra”
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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