Elections 2023
NDP Myron Walwyn Challenges Premier To Honour His Promise To Repeal ‘Greedy Bill’
Six Electoral District Representative and National Democratic Party (NDP) member Myron Walwyn has challenged Premier Natalio Wheatley to honour his promise to repeal the controversial Retiring Allowances (Legislative Services) Amendment Act, 2021 popularly known as the “greedy bill”.
At a NDP, Progressive Virgin Islands Party Movement (PVIM) and Progressives United (PU) joint press conference on April 27 in Tortola, Walwyn stressed that the promises made on the campaign trail must be held up by the politicians elected to the Fifth House of Assembly.
“..the legislative amendment act that I made very clear that should be repealed. I recalled the Premier indicating that he would repeal it and I would like to see that as the first order of business in the house because the people of this country cannot afford to carry that burden with all the other social issues that we have.”
Residents argue that The Retiring Allowances (Legislative Services) Amendment Act, 2021 passed by the Virgin Islands Party administration led by Andrew Fahie gives politicians cushy retirement packages.
The greedy bill was one of the hottest topics debated during the campaign trail following the announcement by Governor John Rankin in mid March that general election will be held on April 24.
The former NDP chairman first made the legislative public during a campaign speech and incumbent Premier Wheatley responded with a promise to not only repeal the bill if re-elected, but to abstain from collecting any of the benefits and allowances guaranteed by the legislation.
During the press live conference, Walwyn thanked the people of the Sixth Electoral District for the “confidence that they have reposed in me” and assured them that “things we campaigned on I will fight for you to get those things done.”
“I want to assure them that as a member of Team BVI I will do my best to support what is brought forward that is good and right for the country, but anything that is contrary to that will be met by my stark opposition.”
Walwyn also congratulated the VIP elected members.
VIP won six seats – Chairman and Premier Wheatley in the Seventh Electoral District , Karl Dawson in the First Electoral District, Luce Hodge-Smith in the Fourth Electoral District, Kye Rhymer in the Fifth Electoral District, and Vincent Wheatley in Ninth Electoral District. Sharie De Castro won one of the four Territorial-At-Large seats.
NDP won three seats – Walwyn in the Sixth Electoral District and Marlon Penn in the Eight Electoral District. Lorna Smith won one the four Territorial-At Large seats.
PVIM won three seats in the House of Assembly – Mitch Turnbull returned as Second Electoral District Representative and Skelton and Stacey ‘Buddha’ Mather won two of the four Territorial-At-Large seats.
And, PU Chairman Julian Fraser was re-elected as the Third Electoral District Representative.
Many expected PVIM, NDP and PU to form a coalition government, but less than 24-hours after results were announced, NDP’s Smith crossed the floor and joined the VIP. The former First Lady is now the Deputy Premier.
Walwyn noted that the House of Assembly needs to address a number of issues at the district and national level, adding that “we must take the work of the public and the people very seriously.”
He wants the new government to pay more attention to young people with good business ideas.
“I want to see opportunities for our young people. I want to see programmes brought forward… that can help people who have a good business idea to bring those ideas to fruition and an agency that can guide them through…”
Other pressing areas, according to Walwyn are the treatment of seniors and unemployment nationally.
“…the thought of our seniors being relegated after they have given so much to the country…can no longer be. Bring them to the forefront because they still have contributions to make.”
He also wants a further examination of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommendations.
The CoI report found corruption at all levels of government and listed 50 recommendations to fix governance concerns.
Walwyn noted that the 2022 Unity government formed after the United Kingdom threatened to temporarily suspend the territory’s constitution was “almost fearful in assisting the people of the country.”
“I want us to be able to look at those recommendations from the CoI. Not be fearful. Not be gullible, not accept every single thing. Whatever we do must be in the best interest of the people of this country,” he stressed.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) has recommended Hon. Marlon A. Penn for appointment as Leader of the Opposition following his election as Political Leader of the party, according to a statement issued on April 21.
The recommendation was made by the four elected Opposition members of the House of Assembly after consultation, in accordance with Section 70 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.
The party said the recommendation has been formally submitted to His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce, for consideration and appointment.
Penn was elected Political Leader of the NDP during the party’s National Convention held on April 18, 2026.
Under the Constitution, the Governor appoints the Leader of the Opposition from among members of the House of Assembly who command the support of the majority of Opposition members.
In its statement, the NDP said the recommendation reflects the confidence of Opposition members and the party in Penn’s leadership and experience.
“The appointment reflects the confidence of the Opposition Members and the National Democratic Party in the leadership, experience, and commitment of Honourable Penn to effectively represent the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands,” the statement said.
The party said further updates will be provided following formal confirmation of the appointment.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) elected a new leadership team during its National Convention on April 18, at Maria’s by the Sea, with Marlon A. Penn, Melvin Mitch Turnbull, Paul A. Hewlett and Andrea Walters among those selected to key positions following a series of contested and uncontested races among 121 delegates.
Penn was elected Chairman after securing 65 votes in a contested race against Mark H. Vanterpool, who received 39 votes, and Ronnie W. Skelton, who received 17 votes, according to official results released by the party.
Turnbull was elected Deputy Chairman with 64 votes, defeating Myron V. Walwyn, who received 57 votes in another closely watched contest.
Hewlett was confirmed as President after running unopposed, while Walters was elected Vice President, defeating Troy Christopher.
Delegates also elected Messena Vanterpool-Pompey as Secretary, Sharnette Chalwell as Assistant Secretary, Eldon Solomon as Treasurer, Cathy-Ann Bascombe as Assistant Treasurer, Dorilyn Edwards as Chaplain, Aaliyah Inniss as Chairperson of the Youth Movement and Lisa Smith as Chairperson of the Women’s Movement.
The convention, which brought together delegates from across the territory, marked a key step for the party as it finalizes its leadership structure ahead of the next general election.
In remarks following his election, Penn said the outcome signaled a new phase for the organization.
“I am profoundly grateful and honoured for the support and confidence vested in me to lead the party into the next general elections,” Penn said. “I honestly believe that today marks a renewed chapter for the National Democratic Party. We are united, focused, and ready to restore confidence in leadership while delivering meaningful results for the people of these Virgin Islands.”
Turnbull, speaking after his election, said the leadership team would prioritize unity and practical solutions.
“Our focus is on unity, rebuilding trust, and advancing practical solutions that improve the lives of the people of these Virgin Islands,” Turnbull said.
The NDP, one of the Virgin Islands’ principal political parties, holds internal conventions to elect officers and set direction as it prepares for national campaigns.
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