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.

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“I am tired, and I’m sure that people are as well, of the defensive posture of this government when this issue is raised,” Walwyn said. “The blaming of previous governments is not helpful, and it’s frankly a demonstration of immaturity, which has become a hallmark of this government.”

One of Walwyn’s primary concerns was the territory’s ongoing struggles with inconsistent access to potable water. He called for immediate investment in the Water and Sewerage Department, highlighting the dedication of workers who are hindered by inadequate resources.

“The workers in the department are doing their best, but they are not getting the support and the resources necessary to effectively discharge their duties,” he said.

Walwyn urged the government to prioritise resolving the water crisis, a challenge that has persisted for far too long.

Walwyn also condemned the state of the territory’s roadways, citing delays, poor planning, and a lack of transparency in infrastructure projects. He specifically referenced the road between Manchester and Belle Vue, which remains nearly impassable weeks after being dug up for pipe installation.

“The terrible road infrastructure in the territory continues to prevail,” he said. “I am yet to see the wisdom in digging up roads all over the territory all at once with insufficient action to follow to fix them. If the government has a plan to fix the road infrastructure, they are certainly doing a great job at hiding it.”

Despite assurances that resurfacing work would begin last Saturday, Walwyn noted that no progress has been made, nor has any reliable update been provided.

The representative also raised alarm about the impact of derelict vehicles and overgrown vegetation, particularly during the peak tourist season.

“We are in the heart of the tourist season, and we have not found a proper way to address these issues,” he said. “This lacklustre approach to the cleanliness of our country cannot be allowed to continue.”

Walwyn’s comments come as the government nears its sixth year in office, a milestone he argues should be marked by progress, not excuses.

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“One of the things that we have recognised as an opposition, even when the Member for the Third District was with us, we rocognised is that the last two elections clearly show that as individual parties, it is very difficult to unseat the Virgin Islands Party,” Skelton said. He further noted that ongoing discussions aim to bring people together for a “common cause.”

When asked directly if he supports a merger between the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and the National Democratic Party (NDP), Skelton responded, “I support the merger of our people on all sides getting together for the common cause of developing our country.”

Pressed on whether he envisions the merger as the two existing parties coming together or forming an entirely new entity, Skelton admitted, “That’s a difficult question. I never thought about it. But ask me again at the next press conference, and I might have an answer.” He clarified that no new entity is forming with his explicit blessing at this time.

The opposition currently comprises three members of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM): Hon.  Ronnie Skelton, Hon. Melvin Mitch Turnbull, and Hon. Stacy Buddah Mather. It also includes Hon. Marlon A. Penn and Hon. Myron V. Walwyn of the National Democratic Party (NDP). Additionally, Hon. Lorna G. Smith, who contested the 2023 general elections under the NDP banner, sits as a member of the Opposition.

Elections are constitutionally due in 2027.

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