Alliance heard of Mather’s switch the day it was announced
Members of The Alliance were only told of At-Large Representative Stacy “Budda” Mather’s decision to join the Dr Natalio Wheatley-led government on the day the decision was publicly announced, according to Mather himself.
Mather recently crossed the floor from the Opposition to the government side, a move that has reshaped the political landscape and has fuelled fresh concerns of divisions within Opposition ranks. Before his switch, Mather was part of an informal alliance alongside Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull and Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn.
Speaking during a recent interview with JTV, Mather said there was no warning to his political allies that he would join the government benches.
“On the day that I was going to make my announcement, I called three of my colleagues on the opposition,” Mather said. “I called Honourable Turnbull, Honourable Skelton, and I called Honourable Walwyn. I’m not going to tell the order I made those calls and what those conversations were about but they were informed that I was making an announcement.”
Notably absent from that list, however, was Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn — the only member of the Opposition who did not receive a courtesy call from Mather on the day of the announcement.
Asked why he did not personally reach out to Penn, Mather said the decision reflected the nature of their working relationship rather than personal animosity.
“When it comes to my conversations while in the House of Assembly, most of my conversations have been between Honourable [Ronnie] Skelton, Turnbull and Walwyn,” Mather explained. “When it comes to anything that deals with the district or those kind of things, that’s when I have conversations with Honourable Penn. So for that, I chose not to reach out.”
During the interview, Mather also explained that he had long voiced dissatisfaction about what he described as the difficulties in bringing change as a member of the Opposition.
“I have had conversations with members of the Opposition over the years, where I’ve said, ‘Why is it that they won’t take my suggestions? Why is it that they’re not listening to us?’” Mather said, adding that he had observed similar frustrations experienced by other Opposition members, including Turnbull, Walwyn and Skelton.
He noted his move shouldn’t be a surprise as every Opposition member has, at some point, been approached by the government about crossing the floor, and said that weighing such an option was not unusual.
“I think every one of us has weighed that option,” Mather stated. His move has left many in the community wondering how the remaining members of the Opposition plan to organise themselves and whether the remaining members will align to unseat Walwyn as Opposition leader.
Such a decision would please some sections of society, but others would not approve, as they see Walwyn as a formidable political leader who has been holding the government accountable and rightfully exposing their shortcomings.
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Stop giving this man who l**s so much attention. Mather is looking status and power that is what this boils down to. Nothing else make sense. The VIP can’t get nothing done and he thinks that he could go over there and do what 8 elected people couldn’t do? The man is a deceitful, weak, status driven sn**e.
That’s one confused brother who just messed up his chances of being re-elected. He is Lorna’s Anguillian cousin so hopping around from corner to corner must be in their blood. How do you criticize a government a week before and then run to strengthen them a week after? You’re a fake!
Why is everyone so emotional? The ‘Government’ is the people, not the individuals that sit in HOA. If the people are demanding action and better, what is the problem with the highest vote getter at-large saying he wants to help the government? You guys’ true colors are showing in that you do not want what is best for the Territory but support who you support and will not be happy unless they are the ones in charge. That’s your choice and right but that is not how life works. Mather was elected by the people and if he feels he is more useful and can get some things done on the government side then that is his choice to make. I would rather him on the government side getting some things done than in the opposition being used as a tool and just complaining. Feelings don’t belong in politics, but you guys will get over it.
This is one of the reasons why we get what we get. The voters will correct this next time around.
My exact thoughts…the more he talks, the more he sounds confused. But if we got to take his word for it, all he’s saying is that going to work to complain about the other side and not seeing any results was frustrating for him especially when he ran for the purpose of effecting change. So I just going to let the man do his thing. Must have been a tough decision for him. I just wish he had the balls to do things the right way and let the opposition know about his decision beforehand…that is where he mostly lost my respect. Also, no matter the so-call relationship with Penn, work or personal, he was supposed to be informed also. Jokey vibes man. Grow the heck up.
Excuses excuses excuses. Was the government that joined taking your suggestions? No! But you joined them still. Who does this cat think he is fooling? You made your decision for your own benefit. Own it and stop trying to push forward stupid excuses.
ITS NO WONDER THEY COULDN’T FORM YHE GOVERNMENT , TOO MUCH LOOSE CANNONS WITHIN THEMSELVES ,THERE IS NO HONESTY , NO REAL UNITY AND NO INTEGRITY AMONGST THEMSELVES , ( WE DON’T EVEN KNOW WHO IS WHO ) IF THESE SET OF WANNABE ARISTOCRATS HAD MANY RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES AND THE PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE REPRESENTING , THEN THEY THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY WOULD OF BEEN THEIR ” FIRST ” PRIORITY AND IF THEIR INTENTIONS ARE GOOD , THEN WORKKING TOGETHER IN UNITY AMONGST THEMSELVES WOUULD OF BEEN THE HONORABLE THING TO DO , AND CTHAT IS SIMPLE COMMON SENCE/ EVERYBODY CANNOT BE THE PREMIER , AND ALL OF THEM ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HIGHLY EDUCATED , SO DOMPLY HAVE A VOTE FOR WHO SHOULD BE THE PREMIER AND SUPPORT WHOEVER , AFTER ALL IT WON’T BE A DICTATOR PREMIER , BECAYSE THEY ALL WILL BE WORKKING TOGETHER IN UNITY WITH ” INTEGRITY ” FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY • BUT IT LOOKS LIKE EHAT IS BEING PLAYED OUT HERE IS A SET OF SHARKS PIRAHANAS AND ALLIGATORS CALLING THEMSELVES POLITICIANS ARE ST EAR FOR THE ALL MIGHTY POWER, HOW CAN WE THE PEOPLE RESPECT THESE SET OF POWER HUNGRY HYPOCRITES ? WHO DON’T HAVE ANY RESPECT OR DECENCY FOR THE POSITION THEY HAVE IN RUNNING THE COUNTRY PROPERLY ( THEIR MINDS ARE IN THE TOILET , THAT HAVEN’T BEEN FLUSHED FOR YEARS – YUK
Exactly What needs to happen is unfolding. This is the only way to correct the mess; let things unfold. Those wolves in sheep clothing send them back to the pack.
Mather criticized the government in the budget debate and then went the next day to join them. How? It has to be something for his personal benefit some where. It will show it self soon because none of the excuses he is giving for switching make any sense. It’s best he just stay quiet.
Bragga dam in them waist
The Alliance aint ketch themselves yet
Oh! The Alliance did not even twitch.
Just get rid of Walwyn as opposition leader
Natalio stop blogging. You are the only person who want Ronnie back so you run circles around him again.
Exactly call a spade a spade. Ronnie is as useless as a boat bottom on the sea with 1000 holes. I am so finished with VI politics. Politicians are all the same.
Many can talk but the same many don’t have the business sense as Ronnie has to be premier. Facts don’t take long to uncover. Talk away
Back to do what? The man is useless! Stop this entitlement crap. Ronnie has done nothing and does nothing. Put him back for what purpose? Shocks man
He did a lot, professionally and personally. He just don’t tote his own horn and brag. He will never do that. That’s leadership mentality.
Both Mitch and Myron seats are more or less sure…….Mather had to secure his, so he did what he had to do to secure his own………….Bragga dam! Bragga dam!
Not sure which political playbook you using but Mather just made it harder for himself to be re-elected.
Gonna end up just like Alvera.
Our condolences to the Alliance Party.
This comment make Mather look even worse. The explanation he gave for crossing was that he wanted to do more for the people who elected him. What does that have to do with the Alliance? Unless he is lying which anybody with common sense would know. Mather helped formed the Alliance. He attended Mitch function for Christmas. He attended Myron function for Christmas. Made a speech at both of them. This was just before he criticized the performance of the government in the budget debate. He moved from PVIM to Alliance to VIP in one term and all
You know he might move again. He and Lorna is family so it must be something in the blood.
So, who are you guys fighting for, political groupings or the BVI? Reading the comments it really makes me wonder if people really love the BVI!!!!
I listened to Mather’s interview and all I heard was one confused, lying man who could not truthfully explain himself. The reasons given for crosses were simple and unbelievable. Even during his press conference with the VIP the man was shaking like a leaf.
Ok Cindy.
His voice was shaky like he was doing it under duress. I guess we have no choice but to WATCH HE AND NATALIO WORK!!!
Together they will empower the youth and seniors, but anyone in between might get squeezed because there are no catchy slogans being spewed by politicians currently.
Yow – you explained that you had the courage and courtesy to reach out to Ronnie, Myron and Mitch and that sho ed maturity the others do not often display. As for not contacting Smurf- that’s a no brainer!
Let’s see who the LoO is going to be now Myron don’t have the numbers needed. Will Mitch get to be the new LoO? Myron is still technically a NDP; so will it be Marlon since Ronnie is now and NDP again? So it’s (3) NDP to Mitch whom is what now?
Seems more issues on the opposition side that was not being sorted out might be forced to iron out (if egos allow)!
Mather keep trucking and show results.
You will not be any use in that side either. You have lost my vote for sure.
That alone says a lot. One-terme
Stacy Mather is nothing to worry about he is a flip flop he kiss who ever he has to kiss to get to where he wants to be take that from me.
Myron does NOT LISTEN! This is his problem. Look at how he has ruined his political career being stubborn and hasty!!!! Now his options are to be a lonely independent or surrounded by political ‘nobodies’ or lap his tail and head back to NDP as a beggar not a chooser. How could someone so seemingly smart make so many dumb political moves back to back? Mather has nothing to lose by going to the Government as he would have been a sitting duck in the opposition just complaining like a little girl. If he can show that he can get some things done then people may give him a chance, if he is still just pure talk despite being with the government then he will be voted out, simple.
What does this have to do with Myron? Y’all have strength for this man alone? Mather deceived himself and people and cross to the VIP what does that have to do with Myron? Did Myron say he was afraid of being alone if it comes to that? Myron is more secured than a lot of them who in their party.
and will be the next Premiere
neither does ronnie nor marlon nor natalio
This, ladies and gentlemen is the bullshit you get when people start the nonsense about electing a coalition government. You were warned last time around not to do it and was still hell bent on doing it. The reality is that politics is and will ALWAYS be a team sport. Government need 7 elected officials to form, people are not campaigning, spending time, money etc. to not be in control. Keep voting like idiots and expecting great results.
has no one noticed the public is fed up with all these worthless politicians- especially after the greedy Bill affair. Any party that offers a good alternative will win against the VIP. My advice is get a strong team behind Ronnie Skelton – 13 men and women of strength and vision and the VIP is history. Is that too difficult? Both Myron and Mather are finished.
and go pray
Behind who????, Ronnie????? hahahaha
Ronnie barely won the last election. He will have hell getting re-elected because he has basically done nothing since he got back in. He was a horrible leader of the opposition but yet a team must assemble around him to make him Premier. Whatever you smoking you need to get off it bro.
All the current electees are all money, power and prestige seeking missiles.
None of them have the country’s progress at heart. If they did, they would be showing and doing.
If they cared about the people within, they would be doing.
The people’s cries would not be going unheard and uncared for.
The major troubling issues such as a living minimum wage, an over-all mandatory wage increase for every employee in the territory to match the pain of inflation and the greedy weekly gouging of daily necessities, the relief of the pensioners and the poor, can all be accomplished, just as they silently raise their salaries to the top of scale, if there was a will and if they had the people at the fore front of their responsibility.
Truth is the people are mere scape goats to be used during reelection cycles to retain or get another job term.
Meanwhile, they overeat, get fat, become overweight, end up looking like blow fish, and the misuse, rape and high-class theft of the country’s purse and elected privilege go on.
The territory is in very bad shape and getting worst with this current batch of leaders.
I hear you but the majority of how ppl operate in the bvi fit this definition. I fear the bvi is just cursed with a ton of crab in a barrel mentality ppl and it will continue on that path because no accountability will come amongst themselves, an outside and unbiased source is the only way forward tbh
Funny, how every elected person says they are doing what is best for the people, but none acutely come and speak to the people, also it seems like Lorna stop painting walls, I guess the VI no longer needs beautifying, lol jokers all of them.
When did Ronnie & Marlon hear about Alliance?
“We are tired of the flip flopping, crossing the floor and game playing!”
“We need more independent candidates!”
“We need more political parties to contest elections!”
All of the above got us in this mess and will keep us in this mess. Don’t blame the politicians, blame the voters. Always remember, the VIP lost the elections 7 (Mix up) 6 VIP. VIP did not win the Government two years ago. The people did not vote for the VIP to be the Government. Yet, 2 years later the VIP has 9-4 majority and no united opposition. Who to blame? Please ask yourselves!
We need honest, dedicated to country and people well being, not greeders and morally corrupted selfish greedy people.
They got one of them in jail and the others busy doing what they had planned from day one, fulling their pockets.
Electrion soon come. It is hoped that the people will finally rise up and fire every last one of those uncaring and insensitive hoodlums.
Bear in mind that the Virgin Islands party voters will not shift. And they have many more promises to make. We need 1 solid Party to remove this inept government.
Some ayo so blinded by party politricks that the country swirling around the drain and you all do lot gives heck about that unless ‘certain’ persons are running tings. Myrum influences this website just like Wiglock on the yella site!
Beside some billboards, some Xmas singing competition and a lot of noise in HOA; what have they really achieved? How many of ‘business’ men in HOA have businesses that are flourishing rite now? That’s who ayo want to run the country finally into the ground?!?
Rest me down with the b$ and whining and wait to see what dude achieves! I’ve seen what he has done with his private sector career and majority of you whining about him only doing so because you vex Myrum can’t hold nothing together- nothing! The others vex cause they hate Natalio so much it’s like TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome)! I get it; but how’s that benefiting us all rite now? They going give back their GREEDY BILL $$$?? Myron – Marlon – Mitch?!?!
Mather going get my vote and all those in my home! This ain’t about PARTIES!!!! This is about the future of the VI – so GYMS
You sound like you need therapy or medication.
@: Check Dr.Samuel:
Congrats! You’ve just re-enforced my point! Seems like you know exactly where to go for your meds.
The fact that you didn’t give Marlon the professional courtesy of a call on this, in a political arena, shows how unfit you are for this role! That was bee itch move! You are young and dumb and soft! You aren’t built for politics. Ronnie should never have picked you up and brought you in with him. You were a recluse your entire life and now thrust into public light. This isn’t for you. You could fool the little children down at YEP but you can’t fool grown people. You are done!
Tortola politics and a pig pen are one in the same, they both stink to high heaven.
Ronnie is the only one not out there jockeying for a leg up. I know he would work on our country and make decisions no matter how much Myron and Mitch blog to say different. Maybe it is time to elect the doers and get rid of the money spenders with negative results.