Alliance: Unity isn’t the problem, planning is

Members of the Opposition Alliance have dismissed the idea that a new “unity government” would solve the territory’s problems, instead accusing the ruling administration of having no plan and prioritising power over the concerns of the people.

Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn said political unity isn’t the answer, but called for a concerted effort towards solving the real challenges that the community faces. He stressed that both tourism and financial services — the BVI’s main economic drivers — remain without clear strategies, and accused the government of ignoring expert advice in favour of clinging to office.

“There has been no shortage of ideas coming forward to assist this government, but clearly what we are seeing is that their priorities are elsewhere,” he charged. “It is not for what is best for this country. It is more, to me, about holding on to power and enjoying the right for as long as they can.”

At-Large Representative Stacy “Budda” Mather echoed that the problem is not structure but a true willingness to work. He also pointed out that the public should note that today’s government already includes multiple parties.

“If memory serves me correctly, the unity government had three parties. If you look at the present government, we do have three political parties right now — that is a unified government,” Mather said.

He argued that pressure from the UK was the reason the first unity government did well.

“The Unity government then had a big stick held over it, which made them do what they needed. But now, instead of saying, ‘This is what is next for the people,’ this government sits saying, ‘We finished the COI recommendations. What’s next?’”

Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull was even sharper, declaring that the administration has failed the territory by moving at a “snail’s pace” without any plan.

He argued that progress depends on leaders who place the people’s needs above party politics.

“It is not so much about the political parties as much as it is the people who are there. If you have persons in government who prioritise the people above their own preferences, then you would have change,” Turnbull said.

The formation of the unity government followed the release of the Commission of Inquiry report in April 2022, which identified serious governance issues and recommended reforms.

In response, the Government of National Unity proposed a framework for implementing the COI recommendations, which the United Kingdom government accepted in June 2022.

In the meantime, the Opposition’s comments come amid growing public frustration over stalled projects, rising costs of living, and a widespread sense that the government has lost focus on economic growth.