WALWYN: Premier, why did you buckle under pressure?
Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn recently accused Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley of buckling under pressure from the United Kingdom, when his government agreed to implement a slew of good governance reforms to prevent Britain from taking over the government.
The good governance reforms were recommended by the Commission of Inquiry and have been the source of much contention since the government accepted them, as the Governor and UK officials have stated that the BVI government is not moving hastily to implement the package of reforms.
In a recent question and answer segment in the House of Assembly, Walwyn asked the Premier whether the tight deadlines were imposed by the UK or whether the Premier suggested them. Walwyn also asked whether the public was consulted before the timelines were agreed to, adding that the deadlines have negatively impacted the government’s service delivery.
In response, Premier Wheatley defended the controversial timelines saying that his government negotiated them with the threat of an Order In Council over the territory. He also gave a reason for the lengthy delay in delivering some of the outstanding recommendations, adding that the initial timelines that were accepted, did not factor in consultations that have to be done with the public before policies are finalised.
“This is because of the enormous pressure to agree to deadlines quickly to avoid the suspension of the constitution,” the Premier stated. At the same time, he pointed out that the majority of COI reforms will be delivered within the two-year timeframe that was initially promised.
Unsatisfied with the leader’s answer, Walwyn asked the Premier whether he buckled under the threat of an Order in Council and accepted impossible deadlines that are now affecting the territory.
“The Premier said he negotiated the deadlines with a threat over him. Is he saying he forsook the words of the Territorial Song, which asks for courage and buckled under threat, took arbitrary deadlines because he had a gun to his head? Is that the courage for great leaders that we sing about everyday,” Walwyn asked.
But Premier Wheatley again defended his position, saying he was wise in agreeing to the deadlines to prevent the BVI people from suffering consequences.
“We can appear to be courageous and bold and in some instances it can even seem to be arrogant and combative. But sometimes you have to humble yourself and recognize the position you’re in and make the best choice possible on behalf of the people,” Wheatley said.
The controversial COI deadlines have caused quite a stir in the government, with many civil servants allegedly being overworked, as they rush to implement several measures in a short time.
There are also concerns that many policies and laws being put in place are not being thoroughly vetted, because the government is focused on “ticking boxes” to appease the UK.
This is the case with the Register of Interest Act, which has stalled due to concerns raised by the civil service and Opposition members.
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the gentleman from district 7 is simply an a&& kisser
so Walwyn wanted the UK to take over, at least he makes his position clear
Walwyn have two tongue because if it was him he would have done the same thing so dont make it seems as if the premier did something wrong.
Hush your mouth, you clueless people, who call people from other pats of the world island people
What Walwyn was saying that he should have negotiated the recommendations. Slowande accepted all of them without consultation with anyone. I believe he just wanted to be Premier and that was all on his mind.
Okay, let me get this straight…
We are condemning the Premier for accepting long overdue changes to the way the BVI are governed? Reasonable and well thought-out changes promoting >>honest<>transparent<>fair<< government? So the Hon. Mr. Walwyn is against all those things? Why am I not surprised?
But he said so. He said he dreamt of being Premier. That was his desire and he got it by any means. He also said that Andrew should focus on his case but in a smart way. He did not even send a group to look for Andrew to look about his well being.
Walwyn asked the Premier if he consulted with anyone before accepting the recommendations and he said NO! I was in. total disbelief when I heard the Premier’s answer. He said he had a threat and so he just accepted all the recommendations without reviewing their consequences and without any consultation with anyone. This is reckless and dangerous.
What about the wall case? Our money gone
Hear this moo moo now. This place is hopeless.
Dear Madam justice,
Bring Walwyn to court let’s see if he is corrupt like the greedy one in Miami.
You all letting these cases drag on for too long. This man is a w*** in sheep clothing.
Co**upt to the core and a cancer to society.
They though bringin the case would help alvera. now he in and they dont have a case so they quiet. peep game, young one.
You sound so stupid! Hater alert!!
We see the high school wall every day. We are not seeing any benefits from all that stimulus money that was given out to families, friends, supporters and lovers.
I do believe Mr Walwyn fails, or, refuses to understand the position the UK is taking, either way he needs to sit down.
The UK is not interested in what the BVI government believe they should do, or, not do. Basically they are saying get it done by day X, or, we will come in and do it for you. That’s the choice we have been given, which, is at least a choice.
We wouldn’t want Premier in the driver’s seat if this had to do with giving up people for drugs. Step down.
Bloviating season is in full effect I see.
Just remember that when you are digging a grave for someone, you should dig one for yourself also. God continues to reveal himself to the people of the BVI as a sign to change from our wicked, envious, hateful ways but our heads are hard. Not because you hid behind a pseudonym to place this post you should dig your own grave one time. We don’t ever learn in this place.
I am totally confused now. At the time of the recommendations, weren’t Mitch Turnbull and Marlon Penn with the Unity Government?
Whoever made up the Unity Government should be fully aware of the COI Recommendations. Natalio didnt sign off on the timeframe without the knowledge of other persons that made up that particular government, did he?
Or could it be that those two wanted power so badly, that they accepted the two positions within the Unity Government. Wasn’t that part of the reason the UK did not suspend our Constitution, the other part being the agreement to the COI recommendations?
Why is Walwyn picking on Natalio? He should ask questions of his two colleagues on the Opposition. I’m sure they can answer plenty.
Let me answer your question/s. Initially, if the UK had indeed taken over this Territory, Both Marlon and Mitch would have remained with their Jobs and All the Members of the VIP would have been thrown to the Curb.
Secondly, it is said that when Marlon and Mitch were
Members of the Unity Government, the Recommendations were being done. It’s only after the premier said just before 2023 Elections “We can take it from here”. So go Figure!!!
The behaviour of our people is the caise of all that is going on in this dam country. We are in too much dental. Do something…..LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET OUT THE WAY.
Because you were under pressure to give deadlines you agreed without for a split think you have to get to the people of these. It sounds like you were very afraid and you buckled for sure.