Opposition claims democracy being curtailed in HOA

Opposition members in the House of Assembly have claimed that democratic oversight is being curtailed, arguing that government actions during recent budget deliberations limited scrutiny and restricted the flow of information to elected representatives.

The concerns were raised during debate on the Appropriation 2026 Bill, when Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn criticised the process surrounding the Standing Finance Committee’s review of the estimates. Walwyn said members were given insufficient time to examine the final budget, which he described as the most important exercise before legislators each year.

“We are now here deliberating on a budget that we only got yesterday,” Walwyn said, adding that members were “robbed of that opportunity to properly scrutinise the budget.” He described the practice as unacceptable and said it should not be the standard in the House.

Obstructed questioning

Walwyn also alleged that ministers obstructed questioning of public officers during committee sessions, something he said he had not previously witnessed. “I have never, ever seen that in this House of Assembly before,” he stated while warning that such actions sent troubling signs to the public.

He further claimed that residents were increasingly fearful of speaking openly, suggesting that criticism of the government was being discouraged. “It seems as if there is this feeling to almost curtail democracy under this government,” Walwyn argued.

Meanwhile, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley objected to aspects of Walwyn’s remarks, warning against imputing improper motives. House Speaker Corine George-Masicotte cautioned the Opposition Leader to remain mindful of standing orders, while allowing him to continue his contribution.

Standing Finance Committee reports

Further concerns were raised about transparency, particularly regarding Standing Finance Committee reports. Opposition member Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull said key exchanges and supporting documents requested by members were not included in the report laid before the House. “There are many conversations that were on the record that are not captured in here,” Turnbull said while noting that the omissions created difficulties for meaningful debate.

Turnbull argued that strict reliance on the condensed report risked limiting public understanding of issues examined during the committee stage of budget deliberations. “We’re doing an injustice to the people of these Virgin Islands based on the information that all members… would have requested,” he said.

The Speaker ultimately ruled that members could not refer publicly to matters not contained in the official report, noting that committee deliberations remained private unless formally reported. The ruling prompted further protest from Opposition members, who reiterated calls for greater openness, including public committee sessions.

Concerns about transparency and democratic practice in the House have surfaced repeatedly in past debates, with opposition members previously urging reforms to standing orders and committee procedures to strengthen accountability. Government members have maintained that existing rules govern proceedings and must be followed until amended.

The debate is expected to continue today, with further contributions anticipated from both government and opposition members as the House proceeds with consideration of the Appropriation 2026 Bill.