BVI News

We politicians called this damage on ourselves — Walwyn

Walwyn

Former legislator Myron Walwyn has shared his views on the upcoming Commission of Inquiry (COI), saying the territory’s politicians are partly to be blamed for the damage done to the BVI’s reputation.

“I am deeply saddened by the damage being done to the reputation of our home. In many ways we have called this upon ourselves. If we call ourselves corrupt, without evidence to support our assertions in the name of parochial politics, people will begin to believe that we truly are. In many respects, we know the things that we are promulgating are not true and in other instances, we are reckless as to whether what we say is true or false,” Walwyn said in a Facebook post.

The former Education Minister under the previous NDP administration is at the centre of a scandal involving the controversial Elmore Stoutt High School perimeter wall project. 

The police carried out investigations into the wall project after the release of a special report from the Office of the Auditor General which concluded that the former Walwyn-led Education Ministry did not comply with the government’s Public Finance Regulations — the laws that govern such projects.

The police handed their findings over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). It is likely this scandal will be brought up in the upcoming COI, which will examine political administrations within the last few years.

Drop the petty politics

Amid the possibilities, Walwyn called for the BVI to put aside “petty politics” and put the territory’s interest first.

“This country has given so much to all of us who have been privileged to live within its borders. It is high time that we all put her first. Rest down the petty politics, the useless blame games and usual manufacturing of our alternative truths that unfortunately has taken root in our community. This is not only a local matter that we are currently facing. It has serious international implications for our home,” Walwyn’s post said.

Time for introspection

The former minister also said the upcoming COI and reputational damage to the BVI call for residents to reflect and “to see how we can all become better citizens/residents and do our utmost to take better care of our home”.

The historic COI which was ordered to determine whether there is alleged political corruption in the BVI is currently underway. The findings are expected to be presented to Governor John Rankin in July of this year.

Follow BVI New’s coverage of the 2021 Commission of Inquiry on Instagram @BVINewsOnline #TrackingTransparency at www.bvinews.com.

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84 Comments

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  1. We? says:

    We, Myron?! Is we who tell you to do what you do with the wall? Strumps. Is you way have us where we is.

    Like 44
    Dislike 32
    • Read and Understand says:

      He said “We politicians”. He has accepted his part of the blame. What did you want him to say, I alone am to blame?

      Like 64
      Dislike 4
  2. Mr says:

    You can go to h**l and stay there .big party for $100000 and the wall of Jericho for how much $ million

    Like 22
    Dislike 28
    • Help us father says:

      @Mr. What you just said make any sense to you? Do you have any proof that anyone was dishonest? This is the same thing that Myron is talking about. You are perhaps a VIP supporter who is deflecting for the sake of politics. Our country is in trouble. Put your country before politics.

      Like 39
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      • But says:

        You do realise that what is said earlier in initial print points to corruption, right? You all just need hush because this thing is most definitely over you all and our politicians heads. Fill those holes up with some socks

        Like 1
        Dislike 6
  3. ? says:

    July is too d**n long sir….

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  4. Rubber Duck says:

    The wall is minor. Gus wasn’t sent because of the wall. There are much bigger fish to fry. Like how certain individuals remain at large in spite of attempts to extradite them. How tons of cocaine are passing through the country without government agencies knowing about it. Why the Royal Navy Ship was not wanted by the government. How certain officials have acquired property empires. But the wall may be symptomatic of the corruption that is now a part of everyday life in BVI.

    Like 85
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    • Sue says:

      At least Myron step up and admitted what went wrong. He did not try to sugarcoat anything. Yes, past and present politicians caused this embarrassment and scandal that is hovering over the BVI. THE PREMIER AND HIS ADMINISTRATION SHOULD STEP DOWN FOR THE GOOD OF THE PEOPLE. THE PEOPLE IS DISGUSTED AND WANT THEM ALL GONE.

      Like 44
      Dislike 7
      • @Sue says:

        THANKS FOR THE COMMENT, I AGREE. I SUPPORT THE NDP PARTY AND WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT THE NDP PARTY. THEY HAVE DONE SOME F**KED UP THINGS AND WHATEVER OTHER DIRT THEY DID JUST LIKE VIP PAST AND PRESENT. YOU GUYS VIP AND NDP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DRAMA THAT IS PLAYING OUT. AT LEAST MYRON SPOKE OUT AND ADMIT THAT HE WAS PART OF THE PROBLEM. HE IS NOT RUNNING AROUND LOOKING ALL ERATIC AND SCARED. A LOT OF PEOPLES MENTAL STATE IS NOT IN A GOOD SPACE BECAUSE THEY ARE RUNNING SCARED.

        Like 9
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      • Hmm says:

        Speak for u

      • Really.... says:

        He out of government now so we want to show the public that he have morals.

        Like 2
        Dislike 3
    • HUH! says:

      The navy ship was scheduled to be here for months before Jonah announced that he had asked it to come the following day. His announcement was an opportunistic attempt to be seen to be the big man with control over the Navy.
      Jonah’s trying to be dramatic and to be seen to be putting one over on the Premier.
      The Premier initially took the bait and reacted, but when he remembered that the ship was only ever scheduled (from months before) to be here for 36 hours he told Jonah to send it away (knowing that was going in any event).
      Jonah, who had no control over when the ship came and left, was left looking a bit silly when the ship left 36 hours later.
      Jonah’s embarrassment was probably a motivating factor in the press blitz when he announced the CoI.

      Dislike 29
    • EU Citizen says:

      Rubber Duck, you put the finger on it. That’s the big fish to fry! Hopefully a lot is done this time.

    • BuzzBvi says:

      At large and sponsoring races??!!!??

  5. He is right says:

    Myron is right. It is Politicians and their cronies is who provided all this info. They talked while the governor listened and wrote down what they said to be used on them again. And from what I am seeing the same thing is happening again because we just don’t know when to quit.

    Like 17
    Dislike 5
  6. Explain, anybody please says:

    So what exactly did Myron do that makes him responsible for what we alleged went wrong with this wall project? From what I understand this project went to cabinet and was approved. What could one man alone do during the execution of that project? Wasn’t this project done through a ministry? The talk isn’t making any sense to me.

    Like 16
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  7. Conscious talk says:

    I honestly believe that if something was in this wall it would have been dealt with already. It has been almost 4 years since we have been talking about this. It is certainly ridiculous to think that this project and other projects before it are responsible for the COI. The COI would have been called a long time ago if that was the case. As much as the cult members want to deny it this COI was called because of the mishandling of funds, victimization, interference in statutory bodies and with the criminal system etc by the VIP administration. We also do t know why the drugs have been tied to the COI. The British obviously know something that we don’t. Hold on to your hats cult members.

    Like 34
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  8. HOLD UP says:

    MR. M W , YOU ALREADY HAD YOUR SAY WHEN YOUR CASE WAS IN THE NEWS. THIS COI IS ON A HIGHER LEVEL, Y.

    Like 15
    Dislike 1
  9. Common sense says:

    I agree with you Myron and up to now Andrew is still out doing the same thing again. Our Premier was the one who allegedly started this rumor about the wall so that who could eliminate Myron. This is a fact! He started the rumor with the plane. He started the rumor with the pier park. I can’t swear for nobody and say that there wasn’t anything wrong in these projects. To have over runs doesn’t mean that people stole money. I believe if there was evidence of stealing it would have been found already in these projects. It has been years now. You have to look at the projects individually to understand what happened. But our Premier was very destructive because he wanted a political advantage. This COI was called and here he is now saying that social security lost 70 million when he knows that is not true.

    Like 31
    Dislike 2
    • smarty says:

      they steal through conflic of interest. it’s easy to fool off people like you with them old tricks, thus the need for coi

  10. Right my ass says:

    NDP and VIP are the only persons to blame……… If they had do for the people instead of do sh*t so the world would say yah he did this or she did this we wouldn’t be here…. .. always putting their hands in the cookie jar and giving it to family and friends…. Strupes Myron is one to talk bragging he did this and he did that.
    THIS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU WANT YOUR NAME BIG OUTTA ROAD.

    Like 10
    Dislike 5
    • @Right My A** says:

      “NDP and VIP are the only persons to blame……”

      Evidence is needed to substantiate such claims.

      Meanwhile, it also claimed that former VIP governments were notorious as well.

      That NDP, who were new comers only picked where they left off.

      Again, evidence to substatiate such claims is necessary.

      Otherwise, it just farts in the winds, even though it is a fart.

      Does corruption exist here and across the globe? of course it does!

      That is why it is so vexing when the EU, US and UK come with all sorts of destructive mechanisms designed to retard the economic growth of the country, under the guise of fighting corruption, when their politics and finances are just as equally corrupt.

      Like 2
      Dislike 1
  11. Do better says:

    This is very true. Every election it seems like who could tell the most lies on the other one is who wins. And we the voting public do not ask for proof or hold the makers of these statements accountable for what they are saying. We have to move beyond this. The VIP told the most lies and won and we ended up with a bunch of people who can’t do anything with a leader who is u********lable. For as long as telling lies win elections, the VIP will always win

  12. You Right Myron. says:

    When you can openly attack the Auditor-General in the manner which you did, yes you, as an elected official caused this. May we remind you of one of the roles of the Auditor-General.

    ‘Assist with performing detailed audit work on government revenue and expenditure in accordance with the determined audit programme to ensure all objectives are met.’

    So when your wall came into question, the Auditor-General was just performing her role for the people of the British Virgin Islands.

    Like 15
    Dislike 9
    • @You right Myron says:

      If someone feels that a report was not fairly or properly written and that is expressed that cannot be viewed as an attack. Each person should have the right to put their views forward. If something is written that you do not agree with do you just fold your hands and do nothing? you respectfully challenge those views.

    • Personal says:

      Something went very wrong with the auditor general’s wall report. I’m sorry but that report was based on pure personal feelings. I can see why the governor bypassed her with this COI. We the people want to know what if anything went wrong with that project. Seems like from the governor down use their power to victimize around here. I hope this COI isn’t like that wall investigation that has been going on for 4 years and counting.

      Like 4
      Dislike 1
  13. The truth says:

    Isn’t this the truth. Our Premier is the main one and he is still doing it. When the Inquiry was called rather than call the nation together he start pointing fingers at the NDP. He was the one who allegedly started the rumors on the NDP in the first place. He was down by the last two governors several times each day carrying false news and making mischief. Anything that you get through deceit will not stay with you. I heard him with another l** about some 70 million for social security. The guy doesn’t know when to stop.

    Like 20
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  14. Chosen says:

    People like you that give that was encouraging all the corruption in the ndp airplane cruise pier wall drug dealer walking free and the list goes on and on.

    Like 3
    Dislike 3
  15. Sage advice says:

    I agree with these statements because they are true. The politicians in the BVI need to do better. They need to speak about how they are going to improve the country. It is gossip and falsehoods that got this government elected. I remember there was supposed to be a debate between the party leaders last election and Andrew l**d his way out of it because he was afraid to debate Myron. We need to understand what their plans are for the country rather than going house to house bad mouthing each other to get votes. We will always end up with incompetent leaders if we keep this up. Look at this set that we have now. The most incompetent government ever assembled.

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  16. 100% says:

    I fully support your view on this.

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  17. All I want says:

    I just want the Premier and his Administration to take a hike and leave us the H*ll alone. We the people was stabbed in our backs. THIS IS UNFORGIVING.

    Like 13
    Dislike 4
  18. my piece says:

    I personally believe that this wall is a witch hunt against Myron. Firstly it is an audit on a ministry project not on Myron. I have worked in government for 27 years and I know that ministers do not get involved in payments and other administrative things with projects. They don’t put through payments and they are not the ones who go and give approval on work done by contractors etc.
    But we have had many audit reports that are far worse than this one about this wall. we had the neighborhood project which stated that money was actually pilfered but you hear nothing about this. We had the Sea cows bay harbor project that is worse where the minister’s ******* worked on the project and people who did not work got paid. We have the pier park that c***** C**** managed with the millions in overrun. Plus we had millions of overrun at the peebles hospital. We even heard from the VIp that the virgin gorda hospital had an overrun of 1 million dolars (the same cost as the wall I understand). Why are they fixated on this one project. It has always raised my concerns.
    My answer is in this BVI we crucify who want to and we make different rules for who it is. For some reason Myron is seen as a political threat that has to be removed. Because none of this make sense to me and up to now none of those talking have explained what it is Myron did. Three years and counting. lastly, wasn’t this project one that had to go to cabinet for approval by all the ministers? And it had to be brought there by the ministry of finance because of the value of it but all you hear is Myron. Something just isn’t right to me.

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  19. VI says:

    You stand tall Myron. God is in the midst of the storm. you have been good to many even to those who want to crucify you. Thanks for speaking up and giving your views. I agree 100%

    Like 11
  20. Moorings says:

    yes you did, with the small minded small island folly of hating each other and creating local scandal while not realizing the internet exposed us to the world, and there is an agenda against us. & that they come to divide us but we tell all kind of strangers all off our neighbors dirty laundry mele after they say hello to us. Who can’t hear does feel.

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  21. @ All I want says:

    I feel you mate. Sooo unforgiving.

  22. well well says:

    You with a name like that should not be allowed to post a comment. First, The world did not say anything about anyone. It was our own Residents, Politicians and Most of all , our own MEDIA vi News. Pick one. Second, this what Myron is talking about. We don`t know when to keep our mouths shout.

  23. Antigua says:

    F**** man go home

    Dislike 10
  24. Voter says:

    Now this is what being an adult is about, I just hope he is being genuine. It is time to stop the pettiness because we will all suffer if things start going further down hill. The other administrations had their issues but I am sorry, Fahie and this VIP team need to go and now. We cannot afford any more of this destructive politics with no plans and just spending so much money. Further, the level of vindictiveness and pettiness is at a level never before seen in BVI politics.

  25. lock them up !!!! says:

    The best way to solve this problem is to get rid of both ndp and vip

    Like 6
    Dislike 5
  26. OMG. Much Respect. says:

    Mr. Walwyn you have gained my respect,, Your honesty is touching, You couldn’t be more right..The Greed, The power fight, the underminding.. Our polititians truly caused this bad press and bad situation on the BVI.

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
    • Huh? says:

      Why didn’t he do this from long. He had quite a few years. All politics. We still not voting him back in. We want trusted proven people. People who we know will be honest.

  27. WEW says:

    Your right. Now lets have London take over. You guys have f… up enough

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  28. QUICK SURVEY says:

    IF YOU AGREE THAT VIP GOVERNMENT SHOULD STEP DOWN, KINDLY HIT THUMBS UP.IF YOU DO NOT AGREE THAT VIP GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT STEP DOWN, KINDLY HIT THUMBS DOWN.

    Like 26
    Dislike 1
  29. Sorry says:

    Sorry Walwyn, but I think you mean it is time for politicians to reflect! The citizens have placed you all in these positions to look out for the best interests of all citizens but you get there and you believe that you are accountable to no one! Well, now you know!!

    Like 7
    Dislike 2
  30. Anonymous says:

    Please show the facts to show that VIP did anything criminal in their 2 years in office. No rumors or speculation. Just because people don’t agree with who gets a contract or who is hired to a board doesn’t make it a crime.

    Like 1
    Dislike 8
    • Here we go says:

      So you don’t think that putting 2 or 3 cronies on several boards and giving the same cronies contracts is corrupt? You all really worse off than thought. Goes to show that we are stenched with corrupt behavior for so long that it is normal business. Hence the COI to get it right. Please pull your crony behind to the left.

    • Huh? Try says:

      Why didn’t he do this from long. He had quite a few years. All politics. We still not voting him back in. We want trusted proven people. People who we know will be honest.

  31. Chosen says:

    You are trying to jump the gun dirty politicians haha

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  32. No argument here says:

    I wholeheartedly agree with you Myron. Our politics must rise to a different level.

  33. MYRON says:

    MYRON PLEASE GO AND SIT DOWN ONLY NOW YOU WANT TO TALK YOUR WASH OUT STORY BOY GO HIDE YOU HELP BRING THE TROUBLE WE ARE IN YOU NEED TO GO HIDE YOUR SELF BECAUSE TOU PUT THE NDP GOVERNMENT IN BIG BIG TROUBLE YOU BETTER GO ANTUGIA INSTEAD OF MILLING AROUND HERE CAUSING MORE TROUBLE. IT IS TIME YOU GIVE UP BECAUSE EVERY BODY KNOW YOU AND WHO YOU ARE. MYRON STOP GOING OUT THERE TALKING KEEPING QUIET IS THE BEST THING FOR YOU RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THE SHIP WILL SOON BE HERE TO TAKE SOME ODF YOU OUT AND YOU MAY BE THE FIEEERST ONE STOP TALKING YOU WILL NOT GET RE ELECTED AGAIN GO SEE IF YOU CAN GET THE MONIES YOU SPEND ON THE WALL BACK THE CONTRACTORS TALKING AND YOU MIGHT SOON HAVE TO FACE RELAITY. …YOU MAY NOT BELIEVE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THOS COUNTRY WANT TO SEE YOU GONE SO SHUT UP YOUR MOUTH SOME OF THE SAME PEOPLE WHO WORKED WITH YOU THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT YOU SO YOU BETTER KEEP QUIET.

    Like 1
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    • @Myron says:

      You should be ashamed to say what you are saying. You have contributed nothing sensible to this conversation. Your hatred for people with different roots is permeating your blog which is exactly the same conduct that many of us detest in Donald Trump. I suggest that until you really have a sensible contribution to make that you do not say anything. Clearly you are not at the mature enough at this level to hold a sensible discussion. You should be ashamed of yourself but maybe you have no shame.

  34. Bree says:

    This has got to be the most honest thing I’ve heard any politician say.

    • @Bree says:

      Agree 100%. I COMEND MYRON FOR STANDING UP AND ADMITTING THAT TRUTH. HIS WORDS WERE HONEST. HE STOOD UP AND TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ROLE THAT HE PLAYED. WISH THE OTHERS WOULD DO THE SAME.

  35. simple says:

    The way politicians demonize each other to win a seat is shameful. It makes you wonder if their interest is themselves or the country. I support what the former minister is saying. While they sling mud at each other the British was recording everything and threw it right back at them. How can you deny it now when you were the ones that said it?

  36. look now says:

    I remember Walwyn warning the other politicians about calling each other corrupt because it will hurt the country. I heard him with my own ears saying that. Now lookeee here!

    Like 13
  37. One thing for sure says:

    This Premier is determined not to go down alone, So the political ship will be sinking..

  38. shrugs says:

    Something got to be wrong with some of us. Walwyn was one of the best politicians we had in this country. That’s why after he lost even the premier said he was surprised. This man used to help everybody and he did a good job in the ministry of education. It looks like we don’t like good people.

    Like 11
  39. CL says:

    I miss you in government walwyn. Always a genuine person.

  40. commendable says:

    I have always respected you as a person. I respect you even more now. You didn’t do like our Premier and pointed fingers elsewhere. I commend you Sir.

  41. Joshua says:

    Mr Walwyn you were not one of my favorites and I really wanted you to lose. And it was personal. I think however that your time in the wilderness will work out for your good. You have a couple more years to strategize. What the country need is leadership. I really thought the Premier had it in him to provide but sadly did not. Cross the divide, find professionals, forget ndp, form your own party from now. If you can find a few from existing parties court them. Have a plan. Forget big names and find big hearts. You can not use people with small hearts and big egos. The country is at a cross road. Don’t wait to late to engage the people with shock and awe. Become the alternate now by being the alternate out of parliament. Have your meetings. It is not too early. Have a shadow cabinet and take the fight to the government. Do not form a party, form a movement. You can do it. You have proven by your recent utterances that you are our Joshua, our leader in waiting. Good luck sir and may God go before you.

  42. The Nation says:

    Lawdy…look ndp paid bloggers out in force again.

    Like 2
    Dislike 4
  43. Alive says:

    I can see exactly what you are saying. The main person who did this was our Premier. I can see now that he must have been l***g because that’s all he seems to be doing. I don’t understand why a grown man would tell so much untruths all the time. I would never believe another word from his mouth. I voted for the VIP based on things I heard them say the NDP did. Now I don’t believe them because I have seen their true colors. They used hate tactics and deception to get the NDP out. They never had no plan for the country except to help themselves and their cronies.
    I could bet my last dollar that our Premier was behind this wall audit. It’s smacks of something underhanded and dirty that he would go to get Myron out of the way. Stay strong Myron. You is good people

  44. Come back says:

    I hope you are coming back. You are needed. The education ministry has no direction. Listening to the House without your voice is a waste of my time. Most of them could hardly talk and say anything sensible.

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  45. Good views says:

    I agree with all you have said. Don’t mind those who say different. I don’t see how any well intentioned person could read your statement and have a problem with it. They must be the ones still stuck in politics and personality and can’t see country. Disregard those.

  46. ? says:

    Like you all forgot the Governor had someone from the UK at the Treasury working for a while.

  47. ReX FeRaL says:

    Personally I do not want to hear any thing this lab mice have to say.

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  48. HE WILL GO DOWN ALONE says:

    He will go down alone with his clique who have been at the center of BVI corruption since the early 1990s

  49. Yo says:

    Loon island people commenting on here ayo can’t vote so you doing nothing but talking.

  50. MUD says:

    LET ME SAY SOMETHING STOP BIGGING UP MYRON IT GOT MORE TO COME AND YOU WILL SEE AND HEAR THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT THE MUSCLE MAN SO YOU ALL WHO BACKING HIM UP WILL SOON SEE WHAT TIME IT IS

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