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Walwyn challenges VI Political Leaders to debate

- Says he hopes leaders will see value in such a proposition
Embattled Co-Leader of Government and Minister for Education and Culture, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), has issued a challenge for a national debate to all political leaders in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Facebook
To face the “hot seat” Debate in a first time move at Virgin Gorda are politicians Jose C. B DeCastro (left) of the new Progressive Virgin Islands Movement’s (PVIM), Vincent O. Wheatley (Centre) of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and current Ninth District Representative with the National Democratic Party (NDP) Hon Hubert R. O’Neal (Right). Photo:VINO/File/PVIM
To face the “hot seat” Debate in a first time move at Virgin Gorda are politicians Jose C. B DeCastro (left) of the new Progressive Virgin Islands Movement’s (PVIM), Vincent O. Wheatley (Centre) of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and current Ninth District Representative with the National Democratic Party (NDP) Hon Hubert R. O’Neal (Right). Photo:VINO/File/PVIM
In her report, the AG noted that there was “no value for money, workers being paid for which was not done,” and blatant violations of the law, in particular the “Public Finance Management Regulations.” Photo: VINO/File
In her report, the AG noted that there was “no value for money, workers being paid for which was not done,” and blatant violations of the law, in particular the “Public Finance Management Regulations.” Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Embattled Co-Leader of Government and Minister for Education and Culture, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), has issued a challenge for a national debate to all political leaders in the Virgin Islands (VI), adding that he is pleased to see such calls being made by the public.

The Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP) made the challenge during his 2019 New Year’s Message released on January 1, 2019, via JTV Channel 55 in the VI.

Fit & Ready

“2019 will be a significant year for the NDP….  I am proud to be at the helm of the next generation of NDP leaders, leading the charge to take the development of the territory to the next level and deliver a better quality of life for our people,” Mr Walwyn said in his opening remarks.

According to the NDP Chairman, the party has not always done things right but he is promising that in 2019, the group will adopt a new commitment to serve.

“We have not always done things right, but our hearts have always been in the right place doing what we thought at the time, was best for our territory,” he said, “With our principles and new commitment to service, the New NDP is fit and ready to bring new ideas and solutions in this new age.”

Mr Walwyn added, that given calls made for leaders to debate, he is ready to take on the challenge. In late December 2018, Youths of Virgin Gorda, have taken Ninth District Representatives to task via an upcoming public debate where at least three candidates will be made to face tough questions regarding their vision for the district and their ability to deliver on promises.

Challenge to leaders

 “I am particularly pleased to see the requests being made for debates, this shows that our territory is, in fact, maturing politically and in the spirit of national involvement. I make myself available for a national debate amongst the leaders of all political parties so that we can provide a platform for residents to openly hear our positions,” he said. 

“I encourage and hope that all political leaders, will see value in such an opportunity and answer the call of residents for such a debate.”

They are currently five political parties in the VI, these include the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) headed by Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), National Democratic Party (NDP) headed by Mr Walwyn, and NDP breakaway group Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) headed by Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL).

Additionally, there is Progressives United (PU) headed by Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) and the new Reform Action Alliance (RAA) launched on January 1, 2019, with their leader unknown.

Mr Walwyn, no stranger to controversy, is currently embroiled in a large scandal surrounding a wall he commissioned around the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) costing taxpayers some $1.6M. 

In a Wall Report—now with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) for further action—Auditor General (AG) Ms Sonia M. Webster had concluded that taxpayers received no value for money, there were violations of the law and contractors were getting paid for work not done.

34 Responses to “Walwyn challenges VI Political Leaders to debate ”

  • pat (02/01/2019, 12:31) Like (25) Dislike (34) Reply
    when you behind you always want a debate smh
    • voter (02/01/2019, 13:02) Like (37) Dislike (18) Reply
      Just call the dam election already you moron. Nobody got no time with your stupidness.
      • Accra (02/01/2019, 16:55) Like (11) Dislike (12) Reply
        So tell me why are you so angry? Would you have reacted the same way if it was one of the other leaders making mention of a national debate? What are you afraid of? Inquiring minds want to know
    • Citizen (02/01/2019, 19:05) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      I Believe in democracy its a fair request. There should have a televised debate between political parties. That's why I love the United States.
  • Lb (02/01/2019, 12:43) Like (31) Dislike (33) Reply
    He thinks he slick. He is clearly the most articulate of the 4 established party's leaders. He just picking a battle he thinks he has the advantage in. Ronnie should send Kedrick. Andrew should send Sowande. Fraser should send ummm well he only got he. Cindy know it all so she going to squawk for she self.
    • @ LB (02/01/2019, 13:52) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      please with his bad grammer, just stop ok
    • @Lb (02/01/2019, 15:42) Like (10) Dislike (9) Reply
      Don't be so sure. Articulation only works well in speeches. Myron cannot out think Ronnie on his feet in debate style. In a debate, Ronnie is more intelligent and cerebral than Myron and will win. Haman was building a gallows for Mordecai but it was used on him so let Myron get what he asked for.
  • smh (02/01/2019, 13:11) Like (37) Dislike (28) Reply
    Why this man don't go sit down? I am tired of him now.
  • Take it how you want (02/01/2019, 13:55) Like (33) Dislike (20) Reply
    He wants to get on the stage with the giant Ronnie and Fraser so he can look like Premier material hope his idea is rejected hands down.

    Maybe the money and Obeah not working anymore, when a man desperate he desperate
  • Well Sah (02/01/2019, 14:32) Like (28) Dislike (6) Reply
    He didn't ask for debates when they went with our $7million for those bogus planes.
  • Luvz (02/01/2019, 15:16) Like (24) Dislike (7) Reply
    For goodness sake, what debate now. Too much time and money has already been wasted. No time for no debate. You should have called a debate when 70 contractors were hired to do a simple wall that is yet to be completed and who have already been paid.

    Btw; when is the HOA going to dissolve?
    • wow (02/01/2019, 18:57) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
      @Luvz. I agree 100% Where the hell he going now but debate! Who wants to hear what he has to say, except the date of the Council's Dissolution. Boi, gwan, golong!
  • Leh (02/01/2019, 15:43) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
    We want a coalition government
  • Voters (02/01/2019, 17:19) Like (15) Dislike (8) Reply
    Jail no debate
  • Jaigon (02/01/2019, 18:16) Like (21) Dislike (6) Reply
    He better save up all he debate for the court house.
  • Vipm (02/01/2019, 18:59) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    He and Ronnie should debate over how the chairmanship was stolen
  • Political Observer (PO) (02/01/2019, 19:49) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Political debates have become a de facto part of the electoral process. But do debates move the needle? Do they significantly change the views either for or against political combatants? Studies have indicated that few voters may not remember the substance of the debate. Instead what they remember are gaffes ( Late former Prez Ford gaffe on Poland in a 1976 debate with Prez Carter), theatrics........etc. Generally, challengers or candidates behind in the polls clamour for debates. The challenger wants more and incumbent/leader wants less, if any at all. From my position, the BVI is at a crossroad, having been devastated by September 2017 catastrophic hurricanes, and needs a strategic and tactical plans for rebuilding the territory. As such, each political party needs to layout its blue print for charting a new sustainable path forward. The blue print must include how it will fund the path forward. True, the territory must borrow money to rebuild but residents/voters need to know the source(s) of funding to repay the loan. How long will the loan be for? Will existing taxes increased? Will new taxes be introduced? Will new fees be introduced?
  • sam the man (03/01/2019, 01:56) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply
    This red eye devil needs to go back Antigua
  • Mel (03/01/2019, 04:21) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    A debate is a reasonable request but only after the house has been dissolved so that all candidates are seen as equals, not honourable this and that vs Mr. and Ms. I believe more persons in the community would feel comfortable questioning a regular person than a current minister that is if they allow the community to direct a few questions in this debate.
  • SHAME (03/01/2019, 04:48) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Have the decency to retire from politics and keep that same energy when it comes to spending money reckless with your own damn money.
  • How About (03/01/2019, 09:59) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Speaking the dam truth for once. Debate that.
  • John (03/01/2019, 18:52) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tell mark please to fix the dam road Before you talk about Debate Shame on you The road need Debate
  • Mr. Hodge (03/01/2019, 21:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think debates are quite necessary instead of the pointless rallies with prearranged speeches and mudslinging insults. Making jokes trying to embarrass your opponents are nothing more than distractions! How about a debate with all of the at-large candidates and with the varied district representatives. Anonymous questions drawn from a fish bowl... why? from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Why should we have beauty pageant contestants held to a higher standard than our elected officials? We judge contestants on poise, intelligence, deportment... how they handle pressure. Shouldn't our would be politicians be scrutinized in like manner? I would like to see how they handle difficult questions and come up with solutions to problems off the cuff. How up to date are they with local, regional and international issues? How are they without the assistance of a coach, personal secretary or google? Let's test their mettle to see if they're made of aluminum or steel. Are these not the same people we expect to go abroad and represent us as a territory? Do we expect them to mumble and fumble here at home and when they are in front of world leaders and parliaments they all of a sudden they become eloquent and oratory masters... I think not! shine the spotlight on them, heat um up. Mind you, intelligence isn't based on education alone
  • RealPol (03/01/2019, 21:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Debates are overrated and offer voters little, if any, substance/value. Few voters, if any, shift positions as a result of debates. Empty suits with a gift for gab agitate for debates.
  • Debate 1 (04/01/2019, 17:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let them debate. This will tell us who depend on their writers or who know what they are talking about in taking this country forward.

    Put your money where your mouth is!!! Sha!!!
  • fat cat (05/01/2019, 09:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No debate just elections
  • what (06/01/2019, 18:22) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Does this Antiguan born in Tortola want to Debate? He has not say.


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