Opposition letter outlines breach of Parl. rules by Hon Walwyn
The letter dated August 13, 2014 was signed by Leader of the Opposition Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE (R9), Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), Hon J. Alvin Christopher (R2) and Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1).
“Reference is made to the Eighth Sitting of the Third Session of the Second House of Assembly convened on Thursday July 22, 2014 and more specifically to the contribution made by Myron Walwyn during the debate on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Report on the Cruise Pier Development Project,” the letter said.
“Whereas at Chapter 9, page 131, paragraph 3 of the Twenty First Edition of Erskine May Parliamentary Practice which addresses “Obstructing of Witnesses” and is shortly entitled “Molestation and Interference” reads:
“…molestation of or threats against those who have previously given evidence before either House or a committee will be treated by the House concerned as a contempt.”
“And whereas Mr. J. Edward De Castro, Mr. Wendell Gaskin, Mr. Clyde Chalwell, Ms Naomi Turnbull, Mr. Claude Skelton Cline, Ms Myrthlyn Hodge, Ms Vareen Vanterpool and Mr Gene Creque (herein referred to as the BVI Ports Authority witnesses) were amongst the list of witnesses summoned by the PAC on various dates between the period of January to May 2014,” the letter stated.
The letter noted that Hon Myron V. Walwyn has confirmed by his statements during the debate that “after he conducted interviews or communications or conversations with various witnesses summoned by PAC they were prepared to submit correspondence to you as Speaker of the House of Assembly seemingly with the expressed aim of having either the witness statements and/or the PAC Report amended or retracted.”
“And, whereas the above mentioned correspondences addressed to you as Speaker was seemingly interceded by Hon Myron Walwyn and distributed to each Member of the House of Assembly during his contribution to the debate of the PAC Report on the Cruise Pier Development Project, without your knowledge and permission;
“And, whereas the House of Assembly shall ensure that ALL witnesses who are summoned before the House or any Sub-Committee of the House would be free from all direct and indirect interference or intimidation by any Member of the House of Assembly or by anyone;
“Be it advised that we the Members of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition hereby request that a) Members of the HoA be cautioned against Interference, in any regards, against any witness called before the HoA or any Select Committee, b) Hon Myron Walwyn apologises in writing to you as Speaker for interceding and distributing correspondences addressed to you without your knowledge and/or approval and, c) Hon Walwyn apologises to the HoA for conducting interviews or communications or conversations with various witnesses that were summoned to appear before the Public Accounts Committee,” the letter stated.
“Your urgent attention in this matter and in any regards before the closing of the proceedings of the Eighth Sitting of the Third Session of the Second House of Assembly is much appreciated,” it said in the concluding paragraph.
In response, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Delores Christopher (R5) in a letter dated August 14, 2014 and addressed to Hon Ralph T. O’Neal, Leader of the Opposition, said that the matter should be dealt with by the substantive Speaker of the House of Assembly upon her return to office.
“…I wish to point out that the letter is correctly addressed to the Hon Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe, Speaker of the House who is absent from the Territory until 27th August 2014 and who took certain actions during the Sitting referred.
“The Hon Minister for Education and Culture is also absent from today’s continuation of the Sitting and it would be necessary for him to be present when this matter is brought forward. A perusal of the minutes may also be required to verify the details mentioned in your letter.
“Taking these points into account, it is fitting that your request be dealt with by the Hon Speaker on her return to office,” wrote Hon Delores Christopher in her letter.
It was this refusal to deal with the matter that led to Hon J. Alvin Christopher excusing himself from the Eighth Sitting on Thursday night August 14, 2014, leaving the House without a quorum and therefore unable to continue.
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30 Responses to “Opposition letter outlines breach of Parl. rules by Hon Walwyn”
He in jouvert for the first time in his life trying to score political points around the young since election is next year and doing the dirty work of the party. You see, he trying to embarrass Andrew in the HOA as if he knows more that everybody and now look what has come out of this one.
AS THE MATTER OF FACT VOTE HIM OUT!!!
Four veteran politicians signed a letter to a rookie Speaker about the violating actions of a Rookie politician oh curious for the outcome. This a serious crime against the practices if what the opposition letter say through. If M..on doesn't admit the tape is rerun of proof.
How did M..on get around to getting witness letters and motive? I can imagine the thought process and trouble. This is disturbing. Bottom line the house is not a courtroom. the fact that 4 veteran reps sign that letter to the Speaker says a lot. I'm curious about the whereabouts of the speaker and Myron during the debate.
1. What prompt Myron to get witness letters?
2. Why Myron so anxious to throw out PAC report?
3. Why Alvera and Marlon distant themselves from the PAC report?
4. Why govt refuse a commission of inquiry?
5. How could any Government failed on a due diligence check on a foreign company for a major project on a massive economy pillar?
A full investigation is required and if any wrong doing. M..k, M..on, Al..ra and M..lon should be held in contempt, charge and impeached for covering up evidence, corruption, abuse of power and not doing their job as appropriate. The behavior of the speaker and witnesses involvement with M..on curious too. The Governor has a piece a job. Anybody could do investigation and see theirs substantial evidence for an inquiry as it relates to M..k, Cl..de, TPP and the investment club involvement. curious hoe Speaker handle this.
Here we go again of an individual who just took office wanting to receive praise for something teachers and children worked for all their lives.
Myron dear not try to be recognized over such triumph of our children and teachers.
The Minister of Communication and Works is in the middle of everything. What is troubling most of all, is that members of the House of Assembly who are members of the investment club are voting to approve the project that they will benefit from. That is the conflict of interest.
I have no qualms with the investment club. However, the playing field in not level. Some of the ministers are members of the investment club. Look at CCT, it controls all the government phones. Ocean conversion selling water to the government; and now the cruise pier. Who are some of he principal investors, some of the ministers and members of the investment club. People open your eyes and see.