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 Stacey 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.