Premier not interested in democracy — Skelton
Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton has criticised Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and his government for walking out of the House of Assembly to avoid debating a motion of no confidence.
Skelton described this action as “unfortunate” and a “bad sign for democracy.”
Skelton explained in an interview with ZBVI Radio that for the past two or three weeks, the Opposition had cooperated with the government to conduct its business, with Opposition matters typically scheduled last on the agenda. On Wednesday night at around 11:30 pm, they were prepared to debate the vote of no confidence. However, the government refused to proceed and walked out of the House.
“I don’t know of any other place where governments walk out of the House,” Skelton remarked, noting that it’s usually the Opposition, being the minority, that might take such action. He emphasised that this move by the government prevented the debate on the motion of no confidence from taking place.
Skelton expressed concern that this behaviour indicates the Premier is not interested in building democratic institutions. “He [the Premier] wants what he wants when he wants it. This is not his. The country is not his. The country belongs to all of us, and he needs to follow the mandate of democratic institutions, and he’s not doing it,” Skelton lamented.
The Opposition Leader also highlighted the timing of this action, noting that it occurred just before the visit of the Minister responsible for Overseas Territories. He questioned the Premier’s decision to take such a stand on the eve of such an important meeting.
Premier Wheatley has previously defended allegations of stacking the agenda in the House of Assembly. “To suggest that we are packing up the Order Paper with… nonsense. It is completely inappropriate and nothing but politics. Politricks, I should say,” Wheatley added.
“Let them know that I am ready for them,” Wheatley said in response to suggestions that he was ducking the confidence vote. “I have some things to say as well, and when the time is right, I will say those things.”
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Sad times for the VI. He might be more dangerous for this territory than the Head Coach!
through *xenophobia * created an implosion in the original NDP , Have the heart to talk about DEMOCRACY , even the 3rd did a MOONWALK on you , after the implosion where were you at ? EH mr ALOOF , now you bounce back , playing like you so concerned about the best interest of the country , so much people got gunned down where were your VOICE ? OR WHERE IS YOUR VOICE ON ANYTHING , UNTILL YOU COME BACK
you all call him
(slo ) and now the young gentleman is furious with anyone who dares to challenge HIM and any form of INSUBORDINATION will be dealth with
swiftly ( as we saw with the LADY , and IF the 3rd only step out of line , HE WILL BE SCHOOLED ALSO , prince CHARMING is ready to FLEX OFF on anything or
anyone at anytime , and as he showed you – TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME – THEY MOONWALKED OUT ON YA’LL , AND AIN’T A DAMN THING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT / HE IS THE MAN WITH THE STICK . C YA
Sowande did you a huge favor. Why would you want to start the debate on the Motion of No Confidence at 1130 pm when most people have already gone to bed?
Ronnie, I guess you’re saying do as I say/want and not as I do. You and your team walked out of the HOA twice and didn’t consider the people of the BVI then.
We use words loosely but our actions prove different.
You are being influenced by the media-man – when he speaks he pep you up and the actions are seen immediately thereafter. Please put him away as he is not good for business. The Caribbean flair he’s trying to impose is not good.
Ronnie forget what goes around comes around full circle. We too often pick the mole out of our brothers eye but ours we cannot see.
Myron needs to answer to the wall monies that we as civil servants can used on our salary
Sour grapes because Ronnie couldn’t be Premier! Sowande is schooling these boys and they are in their feelings. The point is, SOWANDE AND VIP LOST THE ELECIONS BUT STILL MANAGED TO BE PREMIER AND RULING GOVT respectively. What does that say about those on the other side? Stop whining!
You cannot put a child to run a country and expect different results. People we have to do whatever it takes to get that child out of this position.
This cannot be the same Ronnie Skelton that threw a major tantrum, walked away, formed his own political party which gave us Andrew Fahie/Sowande/VIP? This cannot be the same Ronnie Skelton who lost a democratic internal process with the NDP, to Myron Walwyn and because he think he is more BVIslander than Myron, he walked away with his minions? This is the same Ronnie Skelton now talking about democracy? I can understand now why Sowande has to laugh while speaking in the HOA because it’s nothing but jokes over on that side. These people clearly have no shame at all!
An overrated legislator , Overated as a financial Minister not personable or approachable and worst for a politician stubborn.
Ill prefer a grassroot person to run our Country.This will continue to tame/simmer the bahavorial pattern displayed in our Territory by outsiders.Many of them often compare their Country to the BVI-Which I find to be unacceptable, hatred for BvI Islanders mainly due bc of the laws of its Country & absolutely no respect for its History & Culture.
In Every Island in Caribbean there lies a uniqueness stems from Nature. Mankind makes an addition to most likely enhance that formation.
Like it or not the BVI is one of the Bread Basket of the Caribbean and beyond….
Dont hate…
Appreciate…..
One Caribbean…
One Love……
If this, the Sl**ande’s action is in continum with laying the groundworks for a UK takeover,I am thankful and say even the Devil and his disciples can give a helping hand for Blessings from above to intervene in due course.
Sl**ande demonstrating that he doesn’t give 2 cents how the Territory and it’s citizens survive. He is spiraling out of control, yet his administration decides to stick with him because of a ministerial post and the notion of getting their paychecks. It’s appallingly how grown a** folks are condoning his behavior. The more his faults and demeanor are being addressed, the more they stick to his a**. SMDH
If they had listen to Groove Governor the Virgin Islands would be better but because they deny the rightful ruler its nothing but arrogance ignorance and low vibration drama.Carry on the situation will soon become too hot to handle.
Who don’t hear will feel.
Who don’t see will stumble and fall.
He who look will see.
He who listens will hear.
They were told on several occasions that the aim was to enter and raid the purse because they were greedy, wanted because who went in before them did the same thing.
“I don’t know of any other place where governments walk out of the House,”
Or where they fire the Deputy Premier for speaking up for the people and against excessive spending by government.
Democracy is dead in Tortola.
THE CINDERELLA GOVERNMENT WALKED OUT THE HOUSE BECAUSE THEY HAD TO BE HOME BY MIDNIGHT
Given the long history of cronyism and corruption in the Territory, and lack of accountability, is seems fair to conclude there is not much interest in democracy at all in these parts, besides the self serving lip service it gets.
One thing I can agree on is this is no time for no confidence when the UK is licking their lips ready for dinner. Guess whats on the menu? Its not fish n chips.
Either you are working for them causing chaos or working for the people and our stability.
Atleast show a united front considering the UK wants to suspend the constitution. How much would they pay for that and would you cash in on it?
Make sense because you wont be in power when they suspend the constitution due to your bickering.
We already saw how Gus smiled and Andrew got set up. What more do you need to see to understand in their mind slavery & colonizing people isnt over?
Tell that alsoto the great monster USA, UK, RUS annd all other countries. Yall need some book reading.
The Premiere’s explanation for the walk out makes absolutely no sense. It is clear that he is not being truthful about what they did and that he is being manipulative in his and his government’s actions. The needs of this country are clearly of no concern to them. Their only concern is about themselves on the backs of hurting citizens. How sad.
How can any of us defend or want Democracy when BVI News does not?