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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The initiative aims to engage inmates in the game of chess, fostering valuable skills such as patience and perseverance while serving their sentences.

Expressing gratitude for the partnership, Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley commended UniteBVI and Superintendent of Prison Mr. Jay Kendall, along with his rehabilitation staff, for their dedication to inmate rehabilitation. “We cannot do it all ourselves, so I am thankful for strategic partners in making these things possible,” Honourable Wheatley remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving rehabilitation goals.

In addition to chess pieces, the donation includes basketballs, footballs, art supplies, dominoes, and puzzles, demonstrating a holistic approach to rehabilitation. UniteBVI has also enlisted the support of the BVI Chess Foundation to assist with training prison inmates in the game of chess.

Superintendent Jay Kendall expressed appreciation for the continued support from Honourable Wheatley and UniteBVI Foundation in enhancing rehabilitation initiatives at Balsam Ghut. “This holds significant importance for everyone, particularly the inmates at HM Prison Balsam Ghut,” Superintendent Kendall emphasised, highlighting the anticipated positive impact on inmate safety in the British Virgin Islands.

Meanwhile, Honourable Mather underscored the often overlooked plight of incarcerated individuals worldwide and praised the collaborative efforts between UniteBVI, Honourable Wheatley, and prison staff to address inmate rehabilitation. The initiative aims to ensure that inmates and their rehabilitation efforts are not forgotten within the prison system.

Kim Takeuchi, the Foundation Manager at UniteBVI, highlighted the partnership’s alignment with the foundation’s mandate to foster sustainable and positive benefits for the BVI community. “This is a great example of collaboration coming together to achieve something greater than ourselves,” Miss Takeuchi affirmed, expressing enthusiasm for future endeavors with the prison and rehabilitation team.

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