Premier accused of pushing independence without public mandate
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has raised alarm over what he described as Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s unilateral push towards independence without a clear mandate from the people of the Virgin Islands.
Speaking at a press conference of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Walwyn said discussions on self-determination and constitutional advancement must reflect the collective will of the people, not the personal convictions of a few.
“Any move toward independence must be rooted in the will of the people, not the personal convictions of a few,” Walwyn stated, warning that leadership without a democratic mandate “undermines the very principles of representative government.”
Walwyn noted that while the Premier recently attended a United Nations meeting in New York to discuss decolonisation and a possible timetable for independence, he has failed to consult the public properly.
“The Premier’s decision to pursue discussions at this level without first addressing and properly consulting the people or seeking a clear mandate is a direct affront to the very principle of self-determination,” he said.
The Opposition Leader said self-determination does not automatically equate to independence, noting that the government has been “misleading the public” by using the two terms interchangeably. “By conflating the two, the government is misleading the public and undermining the very principle of choice that self-determination stands for,” he argued.
Walwyn cited examples of other self-governing arrangements, such as free association, where a territory manages its internal affairs but partners with another state for defence or economic matters, as in the case of the Cook Islands with New Zealand. He added that some territories may also choose integration, similar to Alaska and Hawaii joining the United States.
“It is about the right to decide one’s own political destiny,” he explained, stressing that no government should “assume consent where none has been explicitly given.”
He urged Virgin Islanders and Belongers to “remain vigilant, stay informed, and actively engage in the conversations that shape our future.”
During the press briefing, Walwyn reiterated his call for education and public consultation before any move towards independence, arguing that the people have yet to be adequately informed about their options under self-determination.
“The Premier has yet to make a national address on the issue of self-determination,” he said, adding that “there have been small little silos of meetings with certain persons, but in terms of speaking to the wider public to ascertain their views… [that] has not happened.”
The independence debate has resurfaced amid ongoing discussions on the constitutional review, where the government and opposition are deliberating on 54 recommendations made by the Constitutional Review Commission.
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this co**upt man is trying to force us into going indeoendence.this man is a dictator.
Natalio behaves like the BVI belongs to him and his brother. Going independent under the VIP would be the end of us. Get these dip wits out of the government
I remember Julian Fraser saying that he crossed to floor to work with Natalio because he is on the road to independence and he could support that. This is their plan to make us independent for their own personal benefit. We would be crazy to let that happen
quizzed for today, who was the premiere when the V.I got its independence. Hidden agenda. “my legacy “
When was the question of “Independence” put to the BVI public, making it clear to them the steps, options, pros and cons etc?
SL**ANDA and his brother need to LEAVE now!
Giving up the British Flag, the UK Flag, the Union Jack does not seems like a good idea to me. Look around at the other Caribbean nations. Why not join with Canada or the European Union?
Currently INDEPENDENCE = CORRUPTION
The Wheately Gang keep trying to push for Independence using as Fraser puts it Natalio’s DICTATORIAL powers to push this agenda.
His brother has no mandate as a non elected official but he too as a member of the gang pushing the invalid message.
It has gone on unchallenged for far too long and it is good that Myron Walwyn has now added his voice to it.
The right to Self Determination that the VI has a right to under the UN charter is a choice. A choice for the VI people. A choice that does not necessarily lead to Independence as the Gang would have you believe. They constantly mislead by making you think that self determination is independence. It is not.
It is what the VI people want it to be. Unless that choice is stolen from them by a DICTATOR.
Beware. P487 and the GAng. They have an agenda. They have a plan.
And there you have it people. Not over my dead body will this country become independent. Wheatley and Malone dictators please step aside. I will march and march until all you get it through all you thick skull. Natalio paying his brother $10,000 a month plus to fly up and down and talk crap I wonder if the UN doesn’t ask them for referendum. Shame on these disgraceful dictators.