Opposition members meet Governor over law enforcement bill
Members of the Opposition Alliance met with Governor Daniel Pruce to express concerns over the recently published Criminal Law Enforcement Review and its implications for the territory’s governance and the future of law enforcement.
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn, Second District Representative Melvin Turnbull, and Territorial Representative Stacy Mather attended the two-hour meeting. Walwyn said invitations were extended to all opposition members, but Marlon Penn and Ronnie Skelton did not attend.
Walwyn said the meeting provided the opposition members with the opportunity to directly represent the views and concerns of the people of the BVI at the highest level.
The opposition members voiced strong disagreement with recommendations suggesting the governor re-specify his powers under Section 60 of the Virgin Islands Constitution. They also opposed transferring control of customs and immigration from the local government to the governor’s office.
Additionally, the opposition members expressed concerns over the proposed closures of seaports and airports in the sister islands, arguing such actions would harm the local economy and increase residents’ vulnerability.
According to Walwyn, opposition members could not support the recommended closure of the seaports and airports in the sister islands, as this would irreparably harm the economies of these islands and increase the vulnerability of their residents.
The meeting also gave opposition members the chance to raise public concerns about the Criminal Law Enforcement Review. Walwyn said they were grateful for the opportunity to do so with the governor.
The Sixth District Representative said the governor assured the opposition members that the concerns raised on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands would be given much consideration.
The Criminal Law Enforcement Review has become a major topic of discussion in the Virgin Islands, especially proposals that could see the elected government lose control over key functions such as customs and immigration.
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This is the level of leadership we need. Good going!
These three need to come out to the public on transparent forms like YouTube and Facebook, educating their constituents and building an argument beyond rhetoric just like the government
This is worrying … What protocol was recognized during this meeting? If you can’t lead, speak for and represent the entire opposition, Myron Mather and Turnbull should have stood down on having any meeting. The UK only respects power and Myron doesn’t have to power to rally the entire opposition. This seems like a campaign ploy ie a power grab as opposed to an action in the best interest of the people.
Is it possible to audit this conversation? Two hours and this is the only feedback they can provide? What kind of MaryPoppins StrawberryShortCake KnickKnackPattyWhack thing is this? This meeting should have been a publicly open discussion with cameras
Be better if we follow all of the COI recommendations. That would put us on the path to reducing corruption and eventual independence that is supported by the people. The only ones pushing for Independence at the moment are our corrupt politicians who do not speak for the VI people.
Knowing fully well that Skelton where Penn were out of the country!
Penn out the country and I see him up to yesterday? Stop yuh lie.
Grown folk in the real world attend meetings via Zoom or Teams – all the time. If you care enough you show up. Smurf N Turf don’t care – end of discussion.
3 power hungry blind mice meeting with Masa! What a proud moment for the BVI.
So, the other two aren’t power-hungry? Do you think Skelly hasn’t been the new leader of the NDP since his return? Smurf had to offer him something so he could abandon his fabricated party. This is what the opposition should be doing: Smurf and Skelly can’t hold any press conferences discussing any bill coming to the house since the three-man team is ahead.
I’m disappointed in Smurf. You’d better put aside your pride and join these men, or you’ll lose the eighth seat when the time comes.
Hon. Skelton returned to the Territory yesterday evening (Monday) via TBL Airport so how could he be invited to a meeting yesterday?
I don’t know the details but I would have thought that the meeting would have had to be planned in advance before it happened yesterday. Every group or organization have a WhatsApp group chat these days. If the opposition doesn’t have one then they need Christ. That is how people communicate so I am sure whatever information was given it was given that way. If Ronnie was out of the country and he is on their chat he would have said so and so would Marlon. It seems pretty simple to me. My guess is those two still in their feelings so they did not communicate. I am sure excuses would have been given for them if they did
Power is a hell of a drug!
This is funny! I’m guessing they already know that the Premier has pushed back on most of these things and will get some of them changed/relaxed so they had to grand stand so that when that information comes out, it will appear as though they made representation and were successful.
That is exactly what I am thinking. All these things were unacceptable by members of the House so what new they went to the Governor with. Why not get all 13 to go with you. Long run for meager horse. Strupes
3 TRAITORS
This recent move by Honourable Members of the Opposition Alliance to meet privately with His Excellency the Governor represents a bold and decisive step. It signals the urgency and seriousness with which they view the grave concerns surrounding the recently published Criminal Law Enforcement Review and its implications for the governance and future of the Virgin Islands.
ON ONE HAND: this action is a welcome contrast to the Premier & Government’s slow and unfocused response to what is clearly one of the most grave and pressing challenges facing our nation.
Two weeks ago, 14 April 2025 the Honourable Premier issued a strongly worded public statement, promising a systematic, unified, and rigorous response — including a clear letter to both the Governor and the United Kingdom Government.
Yet, TWO WEEKS LATER, the public has seen no letter, no update, no new statement, and no meaningful meeting or progress report from the Honourable Premier.
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ON THE OTHER HAND, while the Opposition’s move demonstrates energy and urgency, I am not yet fully convinced that it reflects the level of elevated leadership and political maturity the Virgin Islands urgently needs at this critical time.
We face internal governance pressures and external constitutional challenges that require much more than expedient tactical maneuvers — we require deep, collaborative statesmanship.
Therefore it is not enough to simply act — we must act together with proactive engagement before and/or alongside key steps like this are taken, in a manner that welcomes, accommodates and facilitates a wide cross section of stakeholders at every sector of our society.
If the Virgin Islands is to thrive and defend its constitutional future, the political leadership — both Government and Opposition — must rise above partisanship and ego to present a truly unified national front.
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(STAY TUNED FOR PART 2: KEY QUESTIONS FOR THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION….asking for a friend)