“This role is not about power” - Hon Skelton as new Opposition Leader
The Governor’s appointment of the new Opposition Leader came through Section 70(2)(a) of the VI Constitution Order, which provides that the Governor shall appoint the person who is recommended by the majority of the elected members sitting in the Opposition.
Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) as the then Leader of the Opposition, immediately saw his appointment revoked giving rise to the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) as the new main opposition party, which takes effect from today, December 22, 2018.
No power grabbing
Hon Skelton—a fired government minister and former key member of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP)—through his first statement as Opposition Leader says his appointment is not about power, rather, it is about the importance of the role and working together with the government.
“Accepting this role is not about power. Accepting this role is about its importance. The role is important because, according to the established practice, it is the Leader of the Opposition that will be consulted, together with the Premier on any matters relating to the upcoming general elections, where necessary,” the new Opposition Leader said.
“The Progressive Virgin Islands Movement is about good governance: transparency, honesty, integrity, accountability, empowerment, hope; and inspiration for our people,” he continued.
“We, therefore, have a responsibility, to be honest with ourselves,” he uttered, stating the Hon Fahie does not currently command the support of the majority in the Opposition.
“In accepting this post, I have constitutional footing and I am therefore able to help our democracy. No harm has or will be caused to anyone.”
PVIM Elated
Meanwhile, the PVIM is elated at the appointment, via a press statement today, December 22, 2018, the party says, “Mr Skelton’s appointment is the first significant appointment for The Movement. We are humbled and delighted and take this time to congratulate Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton on his appointment with a firm admonition never to become weary in doing good for the people of this Territory.”
They noted that while the VI House of Assembly (HoA) may shortly be dissolved, it is instructive that the government continues and government business continues.
“It is therefore important that the legal and constitutional roles which are vested in the Leader of the Opposition, including in relation to the upcoming general elections, be performed by the person who commands the support of the majority of the elected members in the Opposition as mandated by the Virgin Islands Constitution Order,” the party says.
The statement continues, “The role of the Leader of the Opposition is, therefore, a critical role to the Leader of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement during this time and the Movement is appreciative of all the members of the Opposition who has this confidence in him and encouraged and supported his appointment as Leader of the Opposition,” they said.
The two Opposition Members who supported Hon Skelton's appointment as Opposition Leader includes Hon Archibald C. Christian (AL) and Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), all of the PVIM.
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14 Responses to ““This role is not about power” - Hon Skelton as new Opposition Leader ”
Why do we go after our own and leave a clear pathway to others; is it fear of the wrath of country or love of the feud of locals!