Alliance takes steps to contest next elections as a group
The political alliance made up of Opposition Members Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, Myron Walwyn and Stacy ‘Buddha’ Mather has confirmed plans to contest the next general elections in the Virgin Islands as a unified political group.
Speaking on JTV’s The Big Story, the trio said their organisation, known simply as The Alliance, will enter the elections as a collective force focused on people-centred governance and national unity rather than party loyalty.
Walwyn explained that the decision to form a political organisation stemmed from their desire to dismantle traditional party divisions that have long dominated the political landscape.
“We’re trying to avoid the word ‘party’ because we don’t believe in the concept of loyalty to a party,” Walwyn stated. “Too much in our local politics, the party has been given preference in terms of decision-making over the country and the people. We really want to avoid that.”
Turnbull confirmed that The Alliance is now moving towards formalising its structure ahead of the elections. “We have decided to officially move the Alliance towards this political organisation. So we are moving to the steps where we have formed a political alliance organisation named The Alliance,” Turnbull explained. “The people have said that they are tired; it can’t be more of the same. We are going to stay people-focused and development-focused for the territory.”
Mather, meanwhile, said the group’s approach to politics will prioritise the needs of Virgin Islanders above partisan interests.
“My loyalty is to my people. My loyalty is not to a political party,” he stated. “A political party is a vehicle to get to an election. I bleed country. I don’t bleed blue, red, or green.”
The Alliance was formed earlier this year as a collaborative effort between the three Opposition members to strengthen their influence in the House of Assembly. Since then, the group has positioned itself as an alternative to the traditional party system, calling for transparency, accountability, and a higher standard of political engagement.
Walwyn said the group intends to elevate political discourse in the territory. “Let it be about how we can improve the lives of the people of the country,” he stated. “We want to raise the level of politics, open it up, so that we can all move forward together.”
The Virgin Islands’ next general election is constitutionally due by 2027, though speculation has been mounting about an earlier call to the polls as political groups begin to mobilise.
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Congratulations guys. Get some good candidates with you and go out and make a difference. You can do it. You will have the naysayers especially those who want power for themselves but put the people first and make their lives better.
This is a refreshing and inspiring step forward for Virgin Islands politics. It’s great to see leaders putting people and progress above party lines. The focus on unity, transparency, and genuine service to the community is exactly what the territory needs right now. Looking forward to seeing how The Alliance continues to shape a more people-centred political future!
The so-called Alliance is selling itself as a new, people-centred movement — but their record tells another story.
Take Myron Walwyn’s response to the controversial salary increases for legislators. He didn’t condemn them; he deflected — turning the discussion toward “middle management” and process. Beneath the wordplay, Myron was actually arguing that the increases should be even higher.
That’s not reform-minded leadership; that’s self-interest dressed as empathy. Myron will say anything to get where he wants to go, and this latest performance proves it.
The public must judge these men not by their slogans or speeches, but by their votes, their silence, and their benefit from the very system they claim to oppose. Watch what they’ve done — ignore what they say.
I’m of the firm belief that the BVI has the potential to become the Dubai of the caribbean. There’s no reason why we can’t achieve this. It will require a National Plan and focused leadership to transform our rough diamond into a sparkling gem. It will require leadership who are passionate about developing its people as well as it’s infrastructure simultaneously. The old guards already have it made and could care less about the young up and coming movers and shakers. I think the Alliance brings a better energy to getting us to where we need to be. I will give them my support.
Dubai of which Caribbean?? With this unkempt appearance and infrastructure to make you cringe. Panama already holds that title. They are the Dubai over on this side of the world.
Do you mean to tell me these guys left poor Marlon and the NDP standing alone in the political dust? Well sa. :-).
Marlon will have to start from scratch and find 8 other persons to run with his party, whereas the Alliance will have to recruit 6. Everyone’s leadership and recruitment skills will be tested here. Both parties has their work cut out for them.
We shall see how things shake out. While too early to tell, I have a gut feeling that the next election will produce quite a few surprises in terms of who gets in and who gets kicked out.
The biggest question in my mind is who will be the most likely next Premier? Will the current Premier retain his position or will the next Premier come from among another political party. We shall see.
This is a big fail because if your name is on the HOA13 list no one is voting for you. We need new leaders.
HOA13 For Reference
De Castro, Sharie
Dawson, Karl
Fraser, Julian
Hodge-Smith, Luce
Mather, Stacy “Buddha”
Penn, Marlon
Rymer, Kye
Skelton, Ronnie
Smith, Lorna
Turnbull, Melvin
Walwyn, Myron
Wheatley, Natalio
Wheatley, Vincent
NO ISLAND MAN FOR PREMIER OF THE BVI…..HELL NO!!!!
The islund manmight get Premership yet then get back at yo luny razz.
Even though the country is now aching for political and economic minds such as Fonseca, Faulkner, RT O’neal and those of the 1920 era:
Those men were for country first. And though R.T.O. the longest sercving Premier, was no saint, and blood relations not withstanding, the country would have never miss and appreciate what it had until it can retrospect and see what it currently has…..
We would never have had the Greedy and publlc mis-use and mis-appropriation of government money on his watch, never!
The recent attacks on The Alliance completely miss the mark — and the heart of what this movement represents. Calling it a “hungry quest for power” is not only unfair, it’s a deliberate attempt to distort the truth.
From the very beginning, Hon. Myron Walwyn, Hon. Melvin Turnbull, and Hon. Stacy Mather have stood with the people — not the privileged few. Their decision to form The Alliance was not driven by personal ambition, but by public demand — a clear call from Virgin Islanders who are tired of division, stagnation, and politics that serve the few over the many.
Let’s be clear: The Alliance is not splintering the Opposition; it is reshaping it — bringing integrity, unity, and purpose back to representation. This is not politics as usual. It’s a bold step toward leadership that listens, acts, and delivers.
And to those questioning Hon. Myron Walwyn’s right to lead — that very argument exposes the narrow thinking that has held this Territory back for far too long. The current Premier was born outside the Virgin Islands, yet no one questioned his legitimacy to lead. So how can a Virgin Islands–born son, who has served this Territory with distinction, be denied that same opportunity?
Leadership must be measured by vision, competence, and commitment to the people — not birthplace or political convenience.
The people called for leadership. The Alliance answered — and they’re not backing down.
A population of donkeys can go to school, but only a few. asses will ever learn to know.
Critical thinking is not prioritized in schools, in society or among donkeys.