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Hon Turnbull lashes back @ Premier & Walwyn; 'I am no little boy'

- The Second District Representative scoffed at the idea of him disrespecting the Premier; said 'it's free speech'
Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull, centre, hit back at Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), left, and Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), right, while a guest on the online radio show, Fresh Radio Vybz, on December 15, 2017. Photo: VINO/Facebook
Cane Garden Bay, days after the passage of Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. Photo: VINO
Cane Garden Bay, days after the passage of Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. Photo: VINO
Mr Ryan Geluk has been accused of interjecting the Rotary Club of Road Town into local politics, a move that can undermine the service organisation’s credibility. Photo: BDO
Mr Ryan Geluk has been accused of interjecting the Rotary Club of Road Town into local politics, a move that can undermine the service organisation’s credibility. Photo: BDO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The heat, tension and civil war continue within the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP). While tension was boiling behind the scene, it went public first when Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) slammed his boss, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), on a local radio station ZBVI 780 AM on December 6, 2017.

At the time Hon Turnbull, who is an NDP backbencher, ridiculed Premier Smith over statements that the Virgin Islands (VI) was “open for business.” Hon Turnbull said that is not the truth on the ground. He further stated that he received no help from his own Government in the clean up efforts for his district, particularly Cane Garden Bay.

Background

Then Premier Smith fired back on December 11, 2017, via a Government Information Service press release, stating that the first termer Honourable Turnbull was misrepresenting the truth, as “all my Ministers were involved in the clear up efforts in Cane Garden Bay.”

In fact, they even got the Rotary Club of Road Town involved, a non-governmental organisation that should be non-political, to report that they had also assisted in the Cane Garden Bay clear up efforts. A Rotary Club of Road Town spokesperson, Ryan Geluk, had an interview with ZBVI claiming that they were one of the firsts on the ground in the Second District.

Many persons said Mr Geluk was interjecting the Rotary Club into local politics, a move that can undermine the service organisation’s credibility.

Then came December 13, 2017 in the House of Assembly. Hon Turnbull was on full throttle when he hit Dr Smith some upper cuts. He told the public that Dr Smith lied about help given to his Second District when in fact it was he “along with some volunteers who started the early clean up following Hurricane Irma.”

Mr Turnbull, the youngest member of the Legislature, also made clear what many within his own party had been saying for months that Dr Smith should be stripped of the Finance portfolio and it should be given to Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), a former Finance Minister (2003-2007). Hon Skelton is also the current Minister for Health and Social Development.

Hon Turnbull's bold statements sent shockwaves throughout the country. However, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), the Education and Culture Minister whom many have alleged is the chief architect of divisive politics after the 2011 elections in the Virgin Islands (VI), jumped to Premier Smith's defense, claiming that he will “leave the NDP, if members are disrespecting the leadership” and with a straight face even quoted bible verses.

Walwyn the most disrespectful member

Walwyn, over his tenure has insulted and disrespected Premier Smith before, claiming that he gave the public misinformation in the House of Assembly (HoA) on the cost for a small wall around the Elmore Stoutt High School, costing tax payers over $1.6M.

He has also disrespected former Premier Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, calling him an “Emperor without clothes” and insulted former Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), telling him “ask yourself the question” when Hon Fraser posed a question to him in the HoA.

However, Hon Deloris Christopher (R5) came to the young politician Turnbull's defence, warning members that the HoA is the place to “speak your mind.”

Premier Smith, for his part in response in the HoA on December 13, 2017, condemned his own member Hon Turnbull, saying “I was rather disappointed with comments which basically demonstrated some lack of respect for the leadership and Premier of this county, and I am disappointed by that.”

Upper cut no 3 –Mitch hits Dr Smith & Walwyn

However, yesterday December 15, 2017 Hon Turnbull fired back at both Premier Smith and Hon Walwyn's statements in the December 13, 2017 HoA. He told an online radio show, ‘Fresh Radio Vybz’ hosted by Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’, that “what I said, were issues that needed to be addressed, nothing about what I said, or the way I said it, when you take it in its fullest context was in anyway disrespectful.”

He lambasted both Dr Smith and Walwyn saying, “what was taking out of context and tried to be purported as facts was what was said after…”

Hon Turnbull said that if he “see and experienced something that is wrong and not right, I have a responsibility in our democratic society… I will speak out against it.” The fiery politician, first elected in 2015 with the ruling NDP, warned Premier Smith and Hon Walwyn that, “I am no body's child expect my fathers’ and my mothers’ and most importantly God’s child.”

In a jab at his boss Dr Smith again, Hon Turnbull emphasised that the people of the Second District elected him to his post and therefore “I am nobody's child in terms of what to say and what not to say. I have a responsibility to speak in the House of Assembly, and it’s the place to voice our opinions whether persons agree or disagree with it.”

When asked if he has confidence in Premier Smith as the Leader, the young elected Member ducked the question saying Dr Smith is the Premier of the country and he has utmost respect for him, but “I can follow you and not agree with you.”

The former Youth Leader noted that the issues he came public with was discussed with the Premier repeatedly in private and now he had a responsibility to go public. He rebuked both Dr Smith and Hon Walwyn for claiming he was disrespectful simply because he had a “dissenting view.”

No Little Boy! Turnbull doubles down

Hon Tunbull said the attempts to make him seem like a “little boy” or “immature” are not going to be believed by the public as “the people of the Second District would not have elected a little boy, all 600 plus of them, to represent their thoughts and actions.”

The Second District Representative said all the things that they are trying, is simply to “distract” from the issue and the message and he “stands committed to what he said.”

Hon Turnbull also said the only plan he has right now is to represent the people of the Second District and that is his “job and duty and my responsibility,” when asked whether he will run for office again.

The first termer said he is laser focused on what his duties are and his agenda is to represent the people of the Second District, and the county.

In another upper cut, this time at Hon Walwyn, the young politician told Mr Peart, yesterday December 15, 2017 during the online radio interview, that he is an ordained Minister and “I will not use scriptures out of context, I will not use scriptures to try and make myself look intelligent…I have no other agenda..”

Mr Turnbull doubled down that the Leadership of the NDP is not listening to the people and stated, “it’s important that after hurricanes Irma and Maria we rebuild the country with the input of the people.” The now popular member of the HoA admitted he does not “have all the answers” but he said the direction of the country must be determined by the people of the country and “the only way to go forward is with the people of the country.”

He ended by wishing former Premier and former Virgin Islands Party Chairman Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE a ‘Happy Birthday’, having turned 84 on December 15, 2017.

50 Responses to “Hon Turnbull lashes back @ Premier & Walwyn; 'I am no little boy'”

  • Windy (16/12/2017, 21:50) Like (71) Dislike (2) Reply
    well my piece, I need two bags of popcorn! trouble in the bull pen
    • Naw (17/12/2017, 03:44) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
      @Wendy, I need a 12 pièce hot wing plate with blue cheese and celery to enjoy while i watch the showdown.
  • ... (16/12/2017, 21:56) Like (43) Dislike (2) Reply

    SMH you expect him to say anything else . Remember that is a director of BVI Airways...may I say more?

  • Yes (16/12/2017, 22:24) Like (28) Dislike (2) Reply
    They can't fire him because he has no seat
  • Changing Paradigms (16/12/2017, 22:33) Like (73) Dislike (3) Reply

    After the hurricane I have been on the listening and observing mode in respect of what our beautiful Virgin Islands have just been through; however, I must interject here. Mitch, allow no one to silence your voice; I did that for years when I should have voice my knowledge, experience, and wisdom. Today, I am much more aware of how the "laws of duality" works between supposed good and evil, right and wrong, bravity and cowardice, and I have learned that standing for TRUTH will live forever- beyond our physical existence. Speak your TRUTH and allow no one to silence you. It's all part of the trickery within duality. There is no testimony without its test. Stay strong youngman. Our Virgin Islands need our young progressive-independent-thinkers; we need young people like yourself and others-to not only survive-but strive beyond the struggles of today for our people. Forgive those who may not stand in support- for all may not discern the wisdom of your heart. Hence- The Christ Story. Thus- B.I.B.L.E: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

    • Young People (17/12/2017, 05:07) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
      treat the youths right or you go and up in a fight..Young people ain lying down and let people walk on them.. Older people turn the next Cheek, Young people slap back and more.. Mitch is the back benchers spoke person, Just saying Aloud what they are secretly saying..
  • True (16/12/2017, 22:45) Like (30) Dislike (2) Reply
    looks like a new VIP member for CGB he will jump ship
  • VG (17/12/2017, 00:18) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
    Wish we had somebody like mitch to rep the 9th district
  • Why (17/12/2017, 00:36) Like (18) Dislike (12) Reply
    So everybody is going to act like nothing is wrong with a Jamaican confusion maker now living abroad so heavily involved in our local politics? Wow! Keep up the good works.
  • Party fan (17/12/2017, 00:37) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why is my government allowing us to move back in a moldy complex. Why cant the building be fully gutted n cleanrd. We are talking about building back better but how moving back into such building at this time going benifit anyone in long run. And why put back in them long glass windows. Build up the wall n put in stronger smaller glass windows n leave the excape doors
  • Political Observer (PO) (17/12/2017, 00:48) Like (30) Dislike (4) Reply
    The people of D-2 consistent with the VI constitution democratically elected the Hon Turnbull last election to represent them in the HOA. They elected him to fully represent their interest in the HOA, not just vote Yes or No on legislation. And only the people can fire him; Mitch works for the people of the D-2, not the Premier. For too long, Back Benchers were like buffaloes (shout out to Eagle & Buffalo) that followed the ruling party in lockstep and sometimes off the cliff. Members had no voice of their own; it was sacrilegious to have an independent view. They had to act like sheep being led to slaughter. This is why Mitch is being lambasted for having the audacity to have a different view. Back Benchers have an obligation either as districts or at large members to represent their constituents. Where does the power lie? The NDP has an 11-2 advantage in the HOA. There are 5 senior ministers and 2 junior ministers. Surprise that more members save for Honorable Christopher didn’t advocate for Mitch’s right to express his opinion in the HOA. No profile in courage. Just going along to get along. Strong leadership???

    The Hon Turnbull is being treated like a little boy that is smelling his p....s. Really! Well, he is a grown a...s man with a voice that D-2 sent to the HOA. Here is a news flash to the leadership of the NDP. Respect cannot be demanded or legislated; it has to be earned. Furthermore, strong and effective leadership do not come merely from positional status; it is attained through confidence in performance. Look like leadership wants to be revered and put on a pedestal. Is this episode a waterloo in BVI politics or just a flash in the pan or a minor skirmish? Hope D-2 is not punished for its rep doing what he was elected to do. Tribal politics is worming its way like a cancer into BVI politics and ruining the territory.
  • Wall-win (17/12/2017, 01:41) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    The devil knows the Bibble better than anyone.
  • please (17/12/2017, 01:45) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    You ever hear more nonsense? Imagine this bald head disrespectful dictator minister who buys his love with money, things and intimidation is talking about being disrespectful. Satan correcting sin.
  • BRAD BOYNES (17/12/2017, 02:25) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stand your ground. This gang does not like the truth. In a time like this the truth is very Important. Even the DEVIL Quote scriptures but he/she is still the DEVIL. Whenever you are straight and following the rules this gang gets twisted and show their true colours. Just look at how despicable they treated guy hill and other government employees who will not lie for their a$$. Time will tell
  • Gumption. Official (17/12/2017, 02:56) Like (14) Dislike (11) Reply
    Stop!! This madness have to stop it’s a worse example than those who was found with guns, drugs etc. this back and forth thing is petty. Leave that to those artist who goes back and forth. You guys are leaders. Prime example. You guys need to seriously sit have tea and work it out. We the people can’t respect none of you as you all can’t respect yourself. The back and forth have to end & Sadly to see so many adults pushing for the back and forth, but only the ratchet ones tho not the mature people.
    • chad (17/12/2017, 09:23) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      I agree with you 100%. Best comment so far. This hurricane season has taught us absolutely nothing. We are a set of head strong, think we are always right people. We have to stop, listening and be humble.
      I think this is a season of madness.
  • Charley Rose (17/12/2017, 03:29) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    It looks as if the elephant starts to drop its waste matter for the owner to smell. For many years the NDP has been showing signs of cracking at the seam and efforts were made to cover up. Well all that happen in the dark coming to light.
    Unless someone eye is attended to by the district nine representative they will not observe that the NDP is playing with the minds of the electorate fof their personal development. Now that Hon. Turnbull is speaking out we can see clearly that he has in own vision. The government is sleeping at the control of leadership. Hon. Walyn is deceiving the Premier because he is trying to protray himsejf as the next premier since he had the most votes at the election. I have good news for him because Dr. Carl Dawson is waiting for him.
  • Lord o (17/12/2017, 04:58) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    If Mitch isn't lying then he ain doing anything wrong...Truth is God and God is truth and is in charge. One should never be afraid to speak what they know is truth....
  • Not2Sure (17/12/2017, 05:11) Like (8) Dislike (60) Reply
    If you have to tell people that you not a little boy it means infact you are a little boy!
  • voter (17/12/2017, 05:14) Like (31) Dislike (3) Reply
    Myron should be ashamed of himself...making a mockery out of the holy bible
  • one eye (17/12/2017, 05:18) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    These rotary clubs have always been political one is ndp the other is vip and the new one is mixed.

    I will never join any of them and I am very disappointing in Ryan
    • Scrutineer (17/12/2017, 08:30) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
      Is Mr Geluk also involved with the BVI Airways project?
      Some serious scrutiny required of this player, his employer and the terms of his work permit. In whose best interest is he operating?
      • @ scruntineer (17/12/2017, 09:09) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
        its so sad Ryan allowed himself to be used. I guess its pay back for that deal with BVI Airways...more in the mota but the truth will come out
        • Yes (17/12/2017, 10:16) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
          Not sure how he was used. He was asked a question and answered. Mitch himself said Rotary was there helping in his district. We talk about truth but what we really love is confusion.
          • @ lol (17/12/2017, 15:00) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
            two things 1. Most if not all Rotary club members of RT are distancing themselves from Ryan on this and many have told him so. In fact one put some bad word on he.

            2. Zan was told by ball head to go talk to Mr. G, so the streets knows everything no more time to fooling the people, we on to the game. Can't wait until next election
  • Love for My Country (17/12/2017, 05:45) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am tired of all the bickering by our politicians. This country was hit by a Category 5 or as said by some bigger than a Category 5. This is something that has never been seen in this part of the world. The mere fact that we were able to withstand it - and yes I say withstand it because many did not expect to find so many us around following the passage of this catastrophic hurricane - we should spend our time being thankful and finding ways to build back this country. No district has more right than any other because they are all equal! It is not fair to say that Cane
    Garden did not get Government's help because the Solid Waste Department did a lot of clean up in that area - that is a Government Department utilizing public funds. What if the rest districts were to behave the same way! There are problems everywhere - the capital still has potholes and rough roads as well as the stench of sewerage! To dispel the Premier's action to say that we are ready for business is not right! The USVI and Puerto Rico are open for business as well as St. Maarten. If we do not start now, how do will find our way back? By the time we wait to get back, we would be so far behind, that it would be damn hard to catch up! Politicians and citizens please spend your time being more thankful and working together for the good of this country! THIS COUNTRY NEEDS ALL HANDS ON DECK WITHOUT ANY SELF INTEREST. LET US TRULY SHOW THE RESILIENCY OF VIRGIN ISLANDERS!

  • wize up (17/12/2017, 05:53) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Will mitch make the switch? Stay tuned !!!!
  • Mark (17/12/2017, 07:48) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is why we elect members to the HOA, to represent the district becuz he haveve a responsibility to do just that. Its not his business as to who wanna be salty by him sharing his views or simple having an opinion. We all understand that u have to be a team player but I am not gonna put a rope around my neck to make nobody looks good when u know its wrong.

    I give him credit for defending himself and we might be on fence whether he was wrong or right but i must say with or without the NDP party. Mitch already did hi calculations and he already recognized this is his seat to lose going forward and this move validate that. So the NDP need to treat situation good and don't muddy the waters because they will only know they had the second district in their grasp in the next general elections.
    • point (17/12/2017, 09:08) Like (24) Dislike (4) Reply
      Cgbay alone isnt the 2nd District. Look at the voters list again and tell me if it is really his to lose. Jumping up and making noise isnt equal to representation brcause when the dust is clear the real question will always be why after 90 days he was unable to get the business community together and start rebuilding if tourism is so important. He is not a lil boy but cant move fwd without the govt. JVD is also in the 2nd District and are opened for business. Is Mitch against Foxys going forward with his NYE party and against the people of White Bay who only weeks after Ir a were rebuilding and reopening ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT MITCH? Why cgbay couldnt do the same thing? Sometimes its good to think before we speak! District 2 is no better off now with all the ranting than they were before and thats a fact. He should keep his mouth shut and work for the people proving he is indeed not a little boy. By sitting around and complaining about govt instead of proving yourself says alot. The 2nd District biggest problem is greed and deep family issues especially with the businesses on the beach not NDP.
  • zone 2 (17/12/2017, 09:06) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    I also give Hon Deloris lots of credit for standing up to the bully MVW...Mitch speak your mind, keep speaking truth to power them set of oppressors cannot forgo the will of the people
  • belonger (17/12/2017, 09:08) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Breaking News: According to CNN the following persons are meeting behind closed doors to discuss the possibility of a new political party lead by the Hon. J. Fraser D3 rep., Hon. D. Penn and others working in high playing govt and private sector, the team also has a former PS, a former Ports Director, a renoun clergyman, including a Senior Police Officer who is gearing up to retire soon and a former accounting officer from the Water & Sewage Dept. Secret meetings are being held in different locations across the VI. Will they finally coming out of hiding in an effort to the country out of the ditch it finds itself in. The territory is still on the EU blacklist only not named because of the Spanish girl Irma that came through in effort to clean up the country from wrong doers. Stay tuned for more information as it comes available. This is CNN the most trusted name in news.
  • vip (17/12/2017, 09:15) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mitch always belong with the VIP - I can't understand why he with that gangster outfit
  • Local (17/12/2017, 09:49) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    The writing is clear.Bvi will struggle .Why should i lend you my money and the NDP divided.who is going to see how it is spent..
  • Well (17/12/2017, 10:54) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    People earn respect the NDP is a disgrace to the voters who put them there.
  • Hmm (17/12/2017, 12:15) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    But why are these people going on this radio show. The host does not live here why didn't he stay on Tola and start his online show. There are radio stations here struggling to get back on its feet why not express the concerns of the people on these media that have to pay taxes and salaries every month. I really dont know what to say about these people some of them just dont understand representation in its fullest scope.

    We cant criticize unjust on one end and not hold the mantle on the next.
    • @hmm (17/12/2017, 18:22) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
      Are you for real?? Capitalism - pardna does ask the hard hitting questions whether he gone here or not matters not. Blame the advent of technology and gtfo the mans pistachios.....smdh
  • Sunshine (17/12/2017, 12:53) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mitch, You got m'y respect. Do not back down.You stand tall. Do not let the i am Alpha dog, flip flopping bullies get to You.
  • hah (17/12/2017, 15:01) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    In 2019 it’s anybody but the NDP. Enough is enough! You failed miserably at the worst times in our history. You fooled the foolish and ate while your constituents starved.
  • All ah wee (17/12/2017, 19:45) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mitch THE people ARE with YOU boss
  • Poor VIP. (17/12/2017, 19:56) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why nobody good wants to join VIP?
  • musa (17/12/2017, 19:59) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    me a bet my loss cent no team moving ndp in the next election
    • Not at All (17/12/2017, 21:14) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @musa, once You get fed up You are going to make a change. Look at all those powerful men in America who violate women for years now they are all being called out.
    • the rock (17/12/2017, 21:16) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      And that's the bottoms line!
  • respect (18/12/2017, 08:52) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    You are a ray of hope for your district and beyond.Truth hurts Christ Died for it. follow his heart beat. Praying for you


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