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'I made the decision to vote NO based on principle'- Hon Turnbull

- was one of two legislators to vote against the Virgin Islands Recovery & Development Agency Act 2018 Bill
Second District Representative and Backbencher Hon Melvin M. Turnbull, left, again defied his boss, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), right, when he voted against the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Act 2018 Bill. Photo: VINO/File
In a video posted on his Facebook page today, March 28, 2018 Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) said his decision to not support the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Act 2018 Bill was based on principle. Photo: Facebook
In a video posted on his Facebook page today, March 28, 2018 Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) said his decision to not support the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Act 2018 Bill was based on principle. Photo: Facebook
Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA was one of two legislators to vote against the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Bill on March 27, 2018. Photo: Andre Dawson aka ‘Shadow’
Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA was one of two legislators to vote against the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Bill on March 27, 2018. Photo: Andre Dawson aka ‘Shadow’
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- It came as a surprise to many yesterday, March 27, 2018 in the House of Assembly when Second District Representative and Backbencher Hon Melvin M. Turnbull stood as the lone member of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Government to vote against the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Bill.

Hon Turnbull and Opposition Member and Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA were the only two legislators to vote against the Bill while Fifth District Representative Hon Delores Christopher was the lone member absent.

The Bill received a 10-2 vote with one absent.

Standing on principle

In a video posted on his Facebook page today, March 28, 2018 Hon Turnbull said his decision to not support the Bill, which sets the stage for the Virgin Islands to receive loan guarantees from the United Kingdom as it seeks to borrow monies for the recovery efforts following the hurricanes of September 2017, was based on principle.

“Yesterday I took a stand and voted no for the version of the recovery plan that passed through the House of assembly. There is no, and absolutely no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision. I made the decision based on principle, based on the principles which I debated in the House, as it relates to how we got to this point, of the agency being set up, the lack of information, the lack of transparency.”

'We must be transparent & accountable'

According to the first term representative, who has previously expressed a no confidence in the Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) holding the portfolio of Finance, he sits as a part of a government that is supposed to be accountable, transparent and able to give to the people of the Virgin Islands all the information to allow them to make an informed decision.

He added that over the last two and a half days Members went through tremendous amount of discussions and amendments of which he participated in.

“But the principle still remains we got to a point where we were forced in a direction to make a decision, given a timeline where we didn’t have adequate discussions on.”

He noted too that he was not naïve to think that the Virgin Islands didn’t need help.

“I do agree that we need the money to recuperate and rebuild this territory. I do agree that we need help to do so….but I believe the process is more important.”

Hon Turnbull said there is no doubt in his mind that the Territory will recover. “As I said during the debates, we took over 50 years to build this country. I don’t expect we will take 50 years but what I do expect and hold true is that we take our time, do it right with the people for the people of this Territory which we love.”

See link to video:

https://web.facebook.com/melvin.m.turnbull/videos/1610082889056759/

32 Responses to “'I made the decision to vote NO based on principle'- Hon Turnbull”

  • good (28/03/2018, 15:40) Like (47) Dislike (23) Reply
    Always Be Youeself no matter what- vote on principle and conscience. Don’t mine the noise; history will unmask our present, for better or for worst. Keep it moving; no judgment nor shame here.
    • Bull (28/03/2018, 16:04) Like (50) Dislike (45) Reply
      Pure foolishness. The place is in terrible shape and needs rebuilding and you here talking about conscience. There is nothing brave about standing by and doing nothing. If this bill was voted down the UK would take over here just like T&C.
    • Disrespectful (28/03/2018, 16:04) Like (90) Dislike (74) Reply
      YOUR A DISRESPECTFUL YOUNG MAN. YOUR MOVING TO FAST. RESPECT YOUR LEADER
      THERE'S A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING. WHO'S ADVISING YOU?
      • lolol (28/03/2018, 17:58) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
        dady oooooooo lol
      • Peaches (28/03/2018, 19:34) Like (23) Dislike (9) Reply
        @Disrespectful YOU'RE talking nonsense! so if the leader is doing wrong he has to follow him? Exodus 23:2 says:
        "You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice."
        • Toto (28/03/2018, 20:17) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
          He’s in the wrong position cause the entire government departments and their leaders lack a conscience and jumps on the evil band wagon to save their backsides
        • Gold (28/03/2018, 21:01) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
          Peaches where is the wrong doing?
          • Peaches (28/03/2018, 21:55) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
            I still do not believe that they were made privy to everything. NDP is covered in corruption. A 7 million dollar plane that can't take off up to now, Pier Park, High School wall and the list goes on. Now this Recovery 3 page..... (oops 5 pages) bill. What is the darkness, it MUST COME OUT TO LIGHT! Money will forever be the the Root of all evil.
            • @PEACHES (29/03/2018, 09:39) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
              If NDP is so bad and Mitch is such a man of principle he should have left them a long time ago! Action speaks louder than words was ironically the NDP's last campaign message. You can fool some of the people some of the time... you know the rest! All this hoopla is about power and nothing about this Territory.
              • family man (29/03/2018, 10:29) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
                Just because Mitch disagreed with his party leader doesn't mean he should leave the party! Families have disagreements all the time, which I'm sure you and others have had disagreements with your families, that doesn't mean you break away! Somebody Has to Stand for Something!!! Somebody has to SPEAK UP When the Others Remain Silent!!! At the end of the day we agree to disagree and we move on!
        • Real (28/03/2018, 21:25) Like (31) Dislike (3) Reply
          There were others in the past who bravely spoke about their own Government spending wastage and they were not disrespectful. It is alleged he is lost been led by others who have a personal grudge to pull down the premier.
      • if (31/03/2018, 07:53) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply

        If you’re going to come at my cousin make sure you in perfect grammar. It’s YOU’RE! He’s out here in plain sight with out anonymous names hollering! Get your illiterate old chrone of a Stone Age mother’s @$$%& out of here! To each their own.

    • Go ahead M (29/03/2018, 12:42) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      Sure take your time and see if other competiting islands will wait on us. We cannot afford to drop behind and leave an open door for others! Thank God the decision not only yours to make!
  • Courage (28/03/2018, 15:50) Like (24) Dislike (8) Reply
    Don't be misled like a sheep to the slaughter
    • a proud bvislander (28/03/2018, 16:08) Like (34) Dislike (12) Reply
      This is not a game, nor is it something to joke about..this is a very serious situation and thank God it will bring us all the assistance we need at this very critical time....and that is "us all"/
  • wow (28/03/2018, 15:52) Like (23) Dislike (16) Reply
    Strupes, stop flying so high.
  • voter (28/03/2018, 16:03) Like (17) Dislike (9) Reply
    Mich when you going make the switch?
  • cgb (28/03/2018, 16:03) Like (15) Dislike (9) Reply
    Mitch you were brave on going against the grain, even foy voted yes it’s just a matter of time to see who gets a seat if any come next election, Dr. zzzzz Run the GOV right now until then tune in
  • viewr (28/03/2018, 16:05) Like (33) Dislike (12) Reply
    The video was horrible and made no sense at all.
  • Reminder (28/03/2018, 16:29) Like (29) Dislike (5) Reply
    The voters too will be voting on principle.
    • if (28/03/2018, 17:08) Like (31) Dislike (3) Reply
      If we had principle we would have ensured that we saved money for when we needed it. Now we have principle when we flat on our faces and dead broke?
  • apple pie (28/03/2018, 17:53) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    Hail to the chief Hon mitch
  • BVIslander (28/03/2018, 18:05) Like (16) Dislike (16) Reply
    It is correct to vote based on your principles. But it gives rise to serious doubts as to the individual when those principles are so fundamentally flawed. My gut feel is that many will make the switch and vote for someone other than mitch next time.
  • licks (28/03/2018, 20:04) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Standing on my aass
  • De Ting Start (28/03/2018, 20:26) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Don't be too quick to condemn Mitch, it's early in the game. Lets see how things work when the rubber hits the road.
    Old people used to say all that glitters ain't gold. There is a group whose motto is by deception we do war....be careful. Some of you forget too quickly. For others it's all about self. BVI your troubles are far from over. Keep your eye on the game.
  • Bull (28/03/2018, 21:19) Like (46) Dislike (15) Reply
    Your decision to vote against it was based on pride and arrogance. Just like in your district if a project is not been done your way you kill it no matter even if its badly needed. You are too immature and disrespectful. What principle you are talking about the country needs the money.
    • Funny as funny can be (29/03/2018, 08:57) Like (21) Dislike (37) Reply
      How funnyman here screaming bull, "how our country needs the money," when he and sidekick know exactly why we are in such bad shape today. Our situation was inevitable. "God don't like ugly." The little token being given back here and there will not cut it. Stop deceiving the people. Conflict of interest and steering public funds to you know who have got us here. Years from now when the bull-bud start whipping we hope you're lined up in front for your share. Sell-out! Nuff said.
  • @LOLOL (29/03/2018, 01:04) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    You don't know the real daddy. You soon find out. Time longer than what?
  • Boo (29/03/2018, 06:45) Like (32) Dislike (5) Reply
    What a childish stunt. Principles? The point was made very strongly about the lack of transparency and participation. When we need the bill fixed and passed you come with this emotional ego trip. You and Delores will be remembered come next election one for absence and the other for obstinance.
  • @funny as funny can be (29/03/2018, 09:11) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    to Bull. And still none of them gone to jail yet. Their ropes run long..............................xx.
  • Unlike (31/03/2018, 07:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Unlike Archibald, Mitch stood by his principles. He didn’t publicly said he’s not going to vote yes until he has all the facts then still turn around and voted yes unlike Archibald. I’m guessing Archibald was bought. If a man can stand up against his party it speaks volumes on the entire party. Jesus stood against all odds despite and look at y’all now. Alive and well capable of repenting y’all sins


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