Gov’t accused of intimidation, speech suppression
Myron Walwyn, a senior member of the National Democratic Party (centre), alongside fellow Opposition members Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull and Stacy Mather, members of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM)l
The Opposition has accused the Dr Natalio Wheatley–led government of continuing a pattern of victimisation against civil servants and citizens who express dissenting views.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn said freedom of speech in the Virgin Islands is “on thin ice,” warning that government critics now risk intimidation or even police action.
He referred to instances in the House of Assembly, where government members often show “open disregard” for opposing views, frequently interrupting and attempting to silence those who speak differently during debates.
In recent times, Walwyn has been heckled by government members during House of Assembly sittings, sometimes prompting the House Speaker to adjourn to restore order.
Walwyn claimed that the same culture of intolerance extends beyond the House of Assembly, with civil servants allegedly being “intimidated and threatened with the loss of their jobs for exercising their constitutional right to speak out against wrongdoing.”
He further alleged that even private citizens have been pressured to delete Facebook posts and other online comments that portray the government unfavourably. “This kind of behaviour is dangerous,” Walwyn said. “It strikes at the heart of our democracy and undermines the freedom that generations before us fought hard to protect.”
When pressed by a journalist to identify the source of the threats and to elaborate on his claims, Walwyn declined to name anyone directly. “Sometimes when people come to us, they come in confidence,” he said. “Suffice to say that as a representative, when people raise these issues with me, I feel obligated to speak about them. The key is that the government will know certain persons are aware of this, and the offensive behaviour hopefully will stop.”
The Opposition leader’s remarks add to ongoing concerns about political intimidation in the public service. In 2023, the Governor’s Office reported receiving complaints from civil servants who said they feared retaliation for speaking out.
Similar allegations also surfaced under former Premier Andrew Fahie’s administration, when the Governor confirmed that his office had been investigating reports of political victimisation and interference within the public sector.
Walwyn said the Virgin Islands has long valued open dialogue and mutual respect, and urged the government to safeguard that legacy by protecting citizens’ right to speak freely without fear of reprisal.
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The Opposition has accused the Dr Natalio Wheatley–led government of continuing a pattern of victimisation against civil servants and citizens who express dissenting views.
Alliance will be in the opposition again because ayo cant secure 7 seats…….SAY I SAY SO!
You will be very surprised.
The VIP got D1, D3, D4, D5, D7, D9 and at the least 1 or 2 Atlarge seats
Not D1, D3, D4 or D9. It’s all a dream! No at-large seats whatsoever!
Mind the census turns different which it will. Stop trying to survey the masses through these articles. The outcome will be revealed.
lol stop surveying people. think as you wish.
Hon. Walwyn, thank you and Hon. Mather for being a voice for public officers who are or have been victimised for their opposing views. Public Officers are citizens first, however the DG and the Premier believe that they can bully every and anyone who dares to speak up questioning or disagreeing with the decisions this administration is making. Something has to be done about these two tyrants. DG has been bullying and victimising public officers long before now, however, the fearmongering has recently gotten significantly worse and it has to stop.
Always been this way, banana republic. UK now
What the DG like to do is turn the question towards you and then belittle your point of view. Then once he is finished there he will make sure you are silenced.
This will happen under a Dictatorship.
So that is why it is happening.
From district 1 through the 9th need new blood.
Blood with love for country, a strong and viable fuure for it, its citizens, the pensioners, the elderly and all of their well being.
The country does not need more scammers masquerading as honest politicians while being self enrichers anymore.
Truth be told all of them do it regardless of which side of the floor they on.
Go to them with an issue. if it doesn’t serve them to assist you – they do absolutely nothing. And I am not talking about any political favor – I am talking about protecting rights of Virginia Islanders