Proposal to elect premiers At-Large gets pushback
Lawmakers have rejected a proposal from the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) to change how the Premier is chosen, warning it could create confusion and instability in the political system.
Recommendation 11 of the CRC report suggested that the Premier and Deputy Premier should be selected from among Territorial At-Large candidates, with the possibility of direct election being explored in future.
The idea was raised after public consultations where residents said they wanted more involvement in choosing the territory’s leader. Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn said the change would not work in practice.
He argued that while there were two models proposed, neither would work, since they both would result in “a very chaotic situation”.
“At the end of it, they’re saying they want the Premier to be more accountable to the entire country and not just to a district that elected him or elected her. And we have to find a way to ease the people’s mind on this particular point,” Walwyn argued.
First District Representative Dr Karl Dawson also raised objections, saying the plan risked splitting the House into two unequal classes. “The suggestions in Recommendation 11, in my view, would create two classes of membership in the House of Assembly. A district representative, or as I would say, an ordinary member, who would be restricted from particular roles, such as Premier, Deputy Premier, and would even be not preferred as a minister. On the other hand, there would be At-Large, or as I would call them, super members, who could be Premier and the Deputy Premier,” Dawson stated.
Dawson added that the proposal “flies in the face of history” since most past leaders were elected from districts rather than At-Large seats. Dawson highlighted another concern, saying the change could hand control of the government to a minority.
“The idea of the Premier being selected based on most votes among At-Large has the inherent problem of the possibility of a person from a minority party who was able to gain the most votes would be head of a government made up of his or her opponents,” Dawson explained.
The CRC noted in its report that many residents felt frustrated with the current system, where party leaders often emerge as Premier without direct input from the wider electorate.
“People expressed a strong desire to vote directly for who is to be elected head of government,” the commission wrote. However, lawmakers insisted that such a move would shift the Virgin Islands away from the Westminster model and closer to a presidential system, raising further concerns about accountability.
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Thought it was what the people wanted?
Guess only their vote counts.
This is when politicians are only concerned about power and the Will of the People! We have clearly said that we do not want Premiers coming from the District rep pool and that Premiers should come from the majority of the electorate.
Yes it will take some getting used to, but just like we adjusted to the new direction of traffic in town after 70 years, we will adjust to the new system.
But because Myron want to be Premier and he knows that he could never run at large again and win, people like him will fight against this.
But this is not about what those 9 district reps want, it is about what we the people want for better governance and representation!
Bald head will not sanction this because he will never win atlarge again.
Well, this is quite interesting, this is the second major request of the PEOPLE of whom this constitution should reflect and instead of bringing it back to the people the 13 elected members will deny it, just who is this Constitution for the people of the Virgin Islands or the elected officials?
I am a local, local, local who still has a taste of indpendence in my historical and political veins.
However,given the recent financial developments culminating in those absorbetant pay raise given to themselves without any democratic input, i am no longer in agreement with seeking independence.
Why, that they and other greedy on lookers now will run and become eleced and run the country broke and into another destitute côuntry in the region, relegating ordionary peoople to beggars.
Tired of my vote being wasted. Our District rep does nothing for our district. Yet traveling, building his mansion and holding parties. Noise pollution, broken roads, no water and constant sewage running on our streets. Complain, send letters and nothing. Why do I even vote. Stupidness.
This is exactly what they want for persons to take this stance because the ones who benefit will definitely come out to vote for their team, I urge you pay attention and go and vote!
The whole country already voting for the Premier, before we vote we already know who will be Premier if a certain party wins. If we don’t want that person to be Premier don’t vote for his party, simple..
Seems like this will not be the Vrigin Island Constitution.
The next Constitution will be the
Virgin Islands (13 HOA) ltd Constitution 2026.
Then the next step is for the people to speak out for change, in a draft consensus of what the people want. The Premier coming from a pool with the highest votes will eliminate most and I believe this is where the fear emerge. As most will not like what they get for a Premier.
But it is the people will that needs to be the foundation, of the character they see in their premier. Power while still gentle and kind, a man who fear GOD and call upon his name for guidance, and when life gets heavy he knows who to call upon.
These days are going to get rough and it is the leader who can stand the test of this next ten years and are constantly engage with GOD and the people will prevail.
Mind You, those Constitutional Review Meetings were held for the Public to State Their Views as to what they think should be included in The Next Constitution Report only for the 13 ………. I left out the Word for a Reason to go in the Hollywood HOA to Reject the Wishes of the People whom They claim to Represent. Can’t you all see Something is Cancerous, Deadly Sick in this Place?
They All Need to be Sent Packing.. For the BVI to change, We have to send them All Packing. They are in this Thing Together and Moreso after that Salary Increase… Bunch a M,S
So it DONT really matter what the people want… is what the 13 want. I GUESS SO WHY DO PUBLIC CONSULTATION THIS AINT MAKING NO SENSE .