No-confidence defeat wasn’t personal
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser said the government’s strategy that led to the defeat of Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn’s recent motion of no confidence was rooted in parliamentary process and not personal politics.
After the motion failed in the House of Assembly, Fraser said he hoped Walwyn took no offence at the government’s actions, adding that the ruling administration had a right to defend itself.
“I am not gonna say anything about the vote of no confidence, because I think it’s the obligation of the opposition to do things like that. And I’m not gonna talk about the fact that they were defeated by whatever number because it’s their job,” Fraser told the House of Assembly.
“But when I saw the direction that it was taking — I hope the Leader of the Opposition doesn’t feel a way. You know, this parliamentary democracy that we’re practising, you have the right to move your motion and the government has the right to defend itself. I think that’s what played out. I have to commend the Opposition for his stamina and his presentation that he did,” Fraser added.
His remarks came after he invoked parliamentary procedure to block Walwyn from wrapping up debate on the motion. Citing Standing Order 36, Fraser argued that since no member of the government had responded to Walwyn’s nearly four-hour presentation, there was nothing new for him to reply to. He said the House should move directly to a vote, a move backed by his government colleagues.
The tactic proved decisive.
The motion was defeated 6–2, with one abstention and two absences. Fraser’s intervention, which Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley later praised as a demonstration of “experience over theatre,” became a key moment in the debate. The Premier went further, describing Fraser as “a patriot for the country” and one of the strongest defenders of his leadership during the vote.
Observers also pointed out that Fraser’s procedural know-how neutralised Walwyn’s attempt to deliver a closing statement that could have swayed public opinion. Former Speaker Julian Willock noted that Fraser “handled it masterfully,” saying it showed the value of seasoned lawmakers in moments of political tension.
For his part, Walwyn later admitted he never expected the motion to succeed numerically but argued it was important to raise issues of governance, from persistent water shortages and infrastructure problems to government overspending and healthcare challenges. He called the lack of collective support from his fellow opposition members “shameful.”
Copyright 2025 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
“…the government has the right to defend itself.”Truth be told, you could not defend the indefensible so you all sat there like a bunch of sheep and said nothing. Your only interest is in preserving your jobs, your paychecks and your greedy bill payouts.
Fraser brought 2 vote of no confidence against the NDP when the NdP had 11 member and the VIP had 2.
4 more years until we can find a suitable replacement.
this is it for him. Mr. Parillon will be the next district 3 rep. He’ll be great.
Mr. Parillon will make a great D3 Rep. Fraser knows that as well. I may be wrong but I feel Parillon will be the next D3 Rep.
Aron would be a good district representative. Give him a chance. He is very family oriented and is very understanding, he will go out of his way to help anyone in need the best way he can. Someone mentioned his wife is the same way as well His wife is also vey pretty.
All yo ere kicking up about Walwyn and Antigua, and not wanting him to rise to his duly elected positions in government, but where is the name Parrillon from, Tola? Bunch ah hyposriters!!!
myron is not like even in the opposition
Myron has egg on his face again keep thinking that he is the smartest in the room.
There are some fleeting illusions being pursued but will never be attained.
Fraser simply wanted to go out with substance to his name..however he has made a fool of himself over a few dollars. This is his highest salary point ever and he wants to go out with a bang from the greed bill. Sorry 4 letting the kat out the bag Mr. Fraser.
Wth, didn’t Fraser talk about Vote of No Confidence long before joining the VIP Gov’t. Fraser is a damn snake only out to benefit his pockets. Time longer than twine and most of these politicians will go down in history as wasting time and money. They are in the HOA acting as if they playing dolly house with people’s lives but every dog has its day and their day of reckoning is coming. Their obeah, rituals and altars are going to be dismantled by our great Jehovah. Everyone of them are going to be exposed. No wonder they are all looking and acting confused. They are being led by satan himself. Hon. MV Walywn is coveted by the grace and mercies of God. He has nothing to fear. God’s people has to rise up in prayer, praise and fasting to remove the demonic force that is rile in the British Virgin Islands which this current Government has brought on its people all in the name of greed and power. We are known by the company we keep. So it says a lot about Fraser. Sometimes, we have to take the high road and be a Leader and teach others how they should govern and conduct themselves instead of becoming the root of the problem. Are these the same cohort who wants to take this Territory to Independence? Best believe, we aren’t rready nor will we be until certain changes are made including cleaning out the dark spiritual entities these dudes have been playing with. They are pure evil to the core. What does it profit a man to gain the whole World and lose his Soul. My guess, is that they haven’t thought that far or do not care about matters such as these. Just take a good look at our Premier. Do you think he’s operating under his own power? Well, i’ll leave that up to each person to arrive at their own response. We say prayer changes all things, however, in this case, prayer alone cannot as we need to repent, forgive and change our ways. We definitely require strong men and women of God to stand up, call them out and ask the Almighty to not destroy
our once beautiful Virgin Islands because thats where we are headed to. Wake up people! Please wake up and seek God whilst he can be found because where we are headed is not where we would want to go. I’ll continue to pray for our Government Leaders, Civil Servants, Opposition Leader and Members and the people of these beautiful Virgin Islands.
To be fair Fraser’s response is the most balanced one. The opposition has a right bring the motion of they choose to.