Turnbull: ‘Public servants fearful’ as UK review threatens autonomy
Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull has strongly objected to the second volume of the UK-commissioned law enforcement and criminal justice review, warning that its recommendations could erode the BVI’s autonomy, undo decades of constitutional progress, and instill fear among public servants.
Speaking during a House of Assembly debate on the report, Turnbull said the review repeats a troubling narrative that “the BVI is not good enough”—a theme he said was also present in the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (COI) report and its resulting high-level framework agreement with the United Kingdom.
Reflecting on his time as a government minister, Turnbull recalled an incident where the Governor summoned his then-Permanent Secretary for a progress report. He insisted on accompanying her to the meeting.
“Public servants are intimidated. Our people are fearful, and they have a right to be fearful,” Turnbull said.
Customs, Immigration, and island ports in the crosshairs
The Opposition legislator took particular issue with the report’s recommendation to merge the Customs and Immigration departments, and he strongly criticised a proposal to decommission some ports of entry—including Dog Hole on Jost Van Dyke, which he described as vital to economic activity and tourism in the outer islands.
“The number-one and only port of entry to the island of Jost Van Dyke… they want to close up,” he argued. “You’re telling Jost Van Dyke people… that they’re closing this to come in West End? Nonsense.”
“They don’t look like us”
The 289-page review outlines 375 recommendations with phased implementation up to 2035. It includes proposals to create new bodies to combat financial crime, improve prison conditions, and establish enhanced vetting and whistleblowing systems. But Turnbull questioned the feasibility of these changes without concrete support from the UK.
“You want us to do it, but you want us to pay for it. And who you’re bringing in won’t look like us, who don’t care to understand,” he said.
He also condemned suggestions in the report that certain constitutional powers delegated to elected ministers under the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 should be rolled back.
“You’re recommending that we roll all of that back because you feel and you say we don’t have what it takes,” Turnbull said.
Calling on his government to stand firm, he urged Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley to respond forcefully.
“Premier… you write back too. You’re representing the people of these Virgin Islands,” he stated.
The law enforcement review is one of several reforms triggered by the COI report aimed at strengthening governance and the rule of law in the BVI.
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“Oh no! How will will the politicians ever be able steal so easily again?”
Evidence of racism in the house of assembly.
Strange how other OTs and Caribbean nations manage to fund their national security and crime preventions out of their tax structures, yet as one of the wealthiest territories in the Caribbean we want the UK to cover our bills while claiming autonomy. Hypocrisy!
No don’t worry we don’t need any help just more cash , we’ll stop the corruption ourselves we promise honestly we will it’s a if you don’t believe us!
Yes keep it to ourselves so we can continue putting money in our own pockets.
They have been coming. Are you going to wait until to late, or you you going to make the hard political decisions now to avert the danger?
There is ony one way out now and it is tobeginthe process of seperation from the UK, or else we FRIG!!!!!!!!!!!
opp and current party members always united when there pockets and dirty tactics are threatened
sometimes they even get the community to help them in their advocate than right after spit in the community face by enriching themselves while the country remain stagnant
rinse and repeat
There’s no reason to be fearful if you’ve been doing your job to the best of your ability.
You all should be fearful. Brought this on yourself. UK now !