Premier describes Opposition Leader as “thin-skinned”
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley described Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn as “thin-skinned” during a recent sitting of the House of Assembly, where the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing (Amendment) Bill was under debate.
On May 6, Premier Wheatley introduced the bill for its second reading. The legislation had previously been put on hold due to objections from the US Virgin Islands (USVI) over the proposed charter vessel fees.
However, Walwyn objected to the bill proceeding, arguing that elected members had yet to receive an update on the Premier’s official meetings with USVI officials.
“We have not heard from the Premier and his team about the negotiations with the USVI. I think the proper thing was for the Premier to come back to this House and say I met with the USVI, so we can go back to the people and ask if they are ok with this [outcome],” Walwyn said.
He added: “The Premier went to St. Thomas to watch a horserace, I don’t know what else they offered while he was down there, but I want to be able to consult with the people on this matter.”
The Premier appeared to take offence at the remark.
“For someone who is so thin-skinned, I don’t know why he’s in such a provocative mood. He made a comment about someone offering me something at a horse race, I don’t quite know what that means, I don’t think it’s appropriate,” Dr Wheatley responded calmly.
He continued: “I won’t go as far as to demand an apology as the Honourable Opposition Leader does from time to time, but I’ll just say I think that comment was unnecessary and inappropriate and I expect better from my colleague.”
Premier Wheatley also noted that Walwyn could have contacted him privately, but suggested that approach wouldn’t have yielded the same political impact.
“Even before this session of the House, the Leader of the Opposition could have asked me for the information, but that would not have scored political points,” the Premier said. He added that he was willing to brief the House before moving forward with the bill.
Following the Premier’s remarks, Walwyn later apologised for his comment after being prompted by House Speaker Corine George-Massicote.
Despite the earlier tensions, the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing (Amendment) Bill was passed in the House of Assembly. The legislation authorises increased fees for foreign charter vessels operating in BVI waters.
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It is obvious that the VIP government and Ronnie and Marlon are joining forces again Myron and the alliance. The blind could see that from watching the House of Assembly. The premier is calling Myron thin skin because he called out Ronnie for his xenophobic remarks in the House of Assembly. Rather than denouncing Ronnie’s despicable comments he was hailed as a patriot by the Premier. The Premier loved when Ronnie was opposition leader because he could have walked all over him because he was fast asleep. He doesn’t have that luxury with Myron now sitting in the seat.
Why the leader of the opposition got to come and ask you on the side like a favor for information relating to a bill you pushing through the house. Walwyn absolutely right for saying what he said. Thin skinned is calling the police on live streamers and social commentators because you don’t like what them saying about you.
A responsible leader would have had a meeting with the legislators to advise them of the outcome of the negotiations. Why should Hon. Walwyn have to call you privately to ask you a question? This is an example of the piss poor job that he is doing a premier.
And the lack of transparency that takes place.
Look who calling people thin skin! LOL. The same person that call the police on Picko and Kishma for talking their mind about him. Ayo tell this cr**y man go siddung please.
Isn’t he the same person who was ranting just a for weeks ago about the media writing negative things about his government? He calling people thin skin? I tell Ayo long time that something wrong with this man
Ayo get these island people outta our house please…They know who they are
If you feel that way then be man or woman enough to put your real name to that comment. Hiding behind a pseudonym to show the ugliness you have inside is a cowardice act.
But on another level, someone like you should be ashamed for posting something this primitive and down right disgusting in the 21st century BVI. That comment makes me sick to my stomach.
When people accuse you of something they are usually guilty of the same.
This man-child is out of order, a loose cannon and an abj ct failure of a lead. D7 needs to replace this once and for all! Is this the best thing coming out of D7?!? Dude has a serious me**al health issues that if left unchecked for much longer will result in total destruction of the BVI. Move this waste of space soon y’all