Opposition members force recess over HOA regulation breach

Some members of the Opposition stalled Tuesday’s House of Assembly (HOA) sitting, forcing a recess over what they argued were breaches of standing order regulations.

Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull led the charge, contending that the Opposition was not given adequate notice before the sitting, which he said contravened HOA standing orders. The rules governing the House require that members receive notice of a sitting at least 10 days in advance, excluding weekends and holidays.

Turnbull’s argument was supported by Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn, who firmly opposed proceeding with what he suggested as an illegitimate sitting.

House Speaker Corinne George-Massicote sided with the Opposition members, acknowledging that the required 10-day notice period had not been met.

Despite this, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley urged members to allow the session to proceed, warning that the territory risked missing the February 21 deadline to implement the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) recommendations outlined in its Mutual Evaluation Report on the Virgin Islands.

Premier’s urgent plea

The Premier explained that the sitting was necessary to pass critical legislative changes required by CFATF. He also noted that his upcoming travel schedule from February 14 to February 23 made it even more urgent to complete the work before CFATF’s “post-observation period” ends on February 21.

“If we recess this sitting of the House, we will not be able to meet the requirements of the post-observation period,” the Premier warned, noting that he and Opposition leader Ronnie Skelton had previously agreed to have today’s sitting. Skelton confirmed the Premier’s statement,

While the Speaker upheld the Turnbull and Walwyn’s position, an agreement was reached to reconvene on Thursday, February 13, to pass the necessary legislative amendments. However, the Opposition insisted that the upcoming sitting also include their long-overdue questions to the government, ensuring a balanced discussion.