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Calls for suspension of the constitution was an 'assault on our human dignity'– Hon Walwyn

Opposition legislator in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) says the initial calls for suspension of VI’s constitution was an assault on VI’s democracy even as the Governor is calling for more powers to execute CoI recommendations in the VI. Photo: Facebook/File
“What is important is it's not necessary to look at what he does if those powers are granted, I think, the interference with our constitutional rights is in fact the issue, and particularly in the 21st century,” he said during a January 9, 2024 opposition press conference. Photo: Facebook
“What is important is it's not necessary to look at what he does if those powers are granted, I think, the interference with our constitutional rights is in fact the issue, and particularly in the 21st century,” he said during a January 9, 2024 opposition press conference. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Opposition legislator in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) says the initial calls for suspension of the VI’s constitution following the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) was an assault on the territory's democracy.

Hon Walwyn's remarks come as the unelected Governor, John J. Rankin, CMG, is calling for more powers to execute CoI Recommendations in the VI. 

“What is important is it's not necessary to look at what he does if those powers are granted. I think the interference with our constitutional rights is, in fact, the issue, and particularly in the 21st century,” he said during a January 9, 2024 Opposition press conference. 

So far, Opposition Members have indicated they stand in solidarity with Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and his Government against the UK giving the governor more powers in the VI, after Governor Rankin, in his Fifth Quarterly Review published on January 5, 2024, reached the conclusion that he must request additional powers to help ensure the Framework Agreement proposed by the VI Government is delivered.

“And I recall saying this even before I was elected; for the Commissioner to even suggest suspension of our constitution, to me, was an assault on our human dignity,” Hon Walwyn added.

No colonial measures in modern partnership - Hon Walwyn 

“I mentioned that the preamble of the Constitution speaks about a modern partnership and, within the modern partnership, you don't take these types of colonial measures," the Opposition Member reasoned. 

He said regardless of the reasoning or what the intention is, one is to move very slowly to interfere with the constitutional rights of the VI people and it is only done in the cases of a national emergency or some sort of major crisis, "none of which exist.”

“At this time and I've also said, and other members have said the reasoning or the rationale given by the Governor for asking for those additional powers, to me, does not meet the threshold.

Hon Walwyn reminded that the Governor through the Constitution or the normal functioning of government, already has the authority to perform certain functions to ensure transparency and accountability even without needing a CoI.

37 Responses to “Calls for suspension of the constitution was an 'assault on our human dignity'– Hon Walwyn”

  • You're correct Myron (10/01/2024, 10:46) Like (20) Dislike (19) Reply
    Imagine the Governor wants more power to allow him to ignore the democratic process to do the following(Note these are just a few of his alleged intentions cloaked as good governance):
    1) Take over Immigration: He wants to immediately give over 4000 of his kind status so they can out number the people of the BVI and then allow them to have a secondary take over plan.
    2) Pass the new police act on his own: He wants to give the police unlimited powers to do many anti-democratic things such as but not limited to searching anyone's home without a warrant and do so on mere suspicion. Talk about making the BVI a police state where people will have no basic human nor democratic rights.
    3) He wants to pass the Jury Act: Here is where he wants the cases to proceed without any jury to decided the cases but rather have the Judge themselves decide if you are guilty. Not only is this anti democratic but it represents dictatorship as all the UK will do next is flood the position of Judges with persons from the UK who have like minds as them against the locals and Caribbean people. It is another tier of their take over plan.
    4) Powers to pass laws by himself without HOA: Here is where he wants to legalize same sex marriage. Here is where he wants to redefine who is a Virgin Islander.

    I will stop there for now but people of the BVI these people have no good intention for us. They have no respect for our democracy and democratic rights. It is time to wake up and stand up for what is right and represents true democracy and not sit back and allow a wicked agenda by the Brits to get through.
    • herbs power (10/01/2024, 12:50) Like (9) Dislike (13) Reply
      If lieing Rankin is leaving that means the other Governor is coming in with the same agenda. He should not be welcome to the BVI.
    • @You're correct Myron (11/01/2024, 08:59) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      I would reserve "assault on our human dignity" for other aspects of government function such as no water, open burning of toxic materials, high cost of basic utilities and necessities compared to income levels, inadequate education. Maybe none of these examples apply to Myron, but then he should rephrase to "an assault on my human dignity".
  • That's my boy Myron- Secure our democracy (10/01/2024, 10:54) Like (12) Dislike (10) Reply
    The BVI has a democratic system and if any one wants to run the BVI then let them seek to get the people's support through the established democratic process which is through the polls on election day. No one knows the agenda nor history of any Governor as they are appointed by the UK and not selected by the people of the BVI. So like most people in the BVI on the ground, I share in the strong views that no Governor should have such unlimited powers without going through the democratic system.
  • Bob Marley did warn (10/01/2024, 10:56) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    Whenever one race see themselves as superior and others as inferior there will always be war.
  • He is spot on (10/01/2024, 11:00) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Myron is spot on. If the Governor who is over the public service sees there are issues with achieving the deadlines especially due to the lack of human resources and the Governor was acting in good faith then he would have worked in unity to use his powers to second public officers to the areas that needed more human resource and train them so they can help to meet the deadlines. The issue is the Governor does not care about meeting the unattainable and unreasonable deadline. He is only interesting in achieving what was always their end game --- an unjustifiable take over. We must fight for our human and democratic rights.
    • @he is spot on (10/01/2024, 17:58) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      How would the governor know the objectives aren't being met if he is not included in that part of the process. I was for the Premier or DG to alert him that things are not moving along. This is a direct interest of the Premier and his nose ears and everything should have been in the middle. The leader is the problem
  • The watchdog (10/01/2024, 11:10) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    I not a fan of Myron but he speaking good
  • Bunkum (10/01/2024, 11:12) Like (7) Dislike (13) Reply
    The Opposition members are a set of Jokers. How can you say that you stand with the VIP Government on this issue but refuse to sit down with them and have a conference call together? The 6 of you are full of yourselves. That is the reason you will always sit on the Opposition side. Remember I said so
    • Move yo rarm (10/01/2024, 12:56) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
      The VIP is a one man show since Hon Ralph gone.....We are n ot hearing from other VIP members on this topic
  • resident (10/01/2024, 11:13) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    we need to practice good governance first and foremost
    • @resident (10/01/2024, 15:16) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
      You mean to practice the UK & their Governor's version of good governance with how they are dealing with the alleged corruption of the Commissioner of Police and Boris? I think not.
  • jack@$$ (10/01/2024, 11:25) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Myron sounds like how the leader of the opposition should sound.
  • BUSY BEE (10/01/2024, 11:39) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    Hon. Mr. Walwyn: "Hello pot? This is kettle."
  • Common Sense (10/01/2024, 11:40) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
    If you and your spouse have a problem will you allow someone else to take them over for 2 years or any amount of time and then give them back to you? Of course not! You may never get them back and they may be in a worse position thinking they were going into better. So the same principle applies for those who are saying let the UK take over for a while. We say NO!!! The grass always seem greener on the other side but the water bill may cost more to maintain. We built the BVI and brought it to where it is so we can take it to the next level with unity and in unity.
    • @common sense (10/01/2024, 15:17) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      I love this post. It makes the most sense and puts everything into their right perspective.
    • Lawl (11/01/2024, 09:20) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Yes because the marriage between 2 people is completely comparable to persons running a country with tens of thousands of people living.

      I swear THIS is WHY the constitution need to be suspended. Just like most locals the government is OVERWHELMINGLY unqualified to run a country.
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (10/01/2024, 11:45) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    Hon Myron Walwyn, Rep D7, I too do not agree that the suspension of the BVI constitution Will be the best move to make, but the use of force against political leaders misrepresentation by our local politicians use of the financial affaires of the people of the BVI is definitely an urgent, even if that means suspension of our constitution for a limit time and dealing with all alledge guilty politicians accordingly for the betterment of all the citizens of the BVI better interest, and daily visitor too. The 48 recommendations of the CoI stipulation completion will be a positive start in stabilizing a more economic balance, and also to help build up our shabby, rotten cars, trucks and broken down backhoes , not to but yes to mention that many pot holes in especially our main road from Beef Island Bridge to west End Ferry Dock and beyond, in order to quickly develop our infrastructure to a more acceptable level in the shortest time frame possible without waiting additional finances on unnecessary personal venturous desires.
  • Occam’s Razor (10/01/2024, 11:46) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    A sensible and reasoned comment by tge Hon Myron Walwyn. ““I mentioned that the preamble of the Constitution speaks about a modern partnership and, within the modern partnership, you don't take these types of colonial measures," the Opposition Member reasoned.“ The term modern patternership purported by the UK is a rich, deep oxymoron. Watch what the UK does, not what they say. Their word is as good as a Chinese or Zimbabwean wooden nickel.
  • Buyu (10/01/2024, 11:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hmmm
    #1 a nd #2 would benefit these VI in a big b pig way,
    Fingers crossed!
  • Take a survey (10/01/2024, 12:10) Like (16) Dislike (15) Reply
    I am in favor of the suspension of the Constitution and the Governor getting the additional powers. You will be surprised at the outcome of the survey. The Europeans living on the Island is not the only ones in favor of such. However, the Government is afraid of what the survey is going to reveal.
    • Quiet Rebel (10/01/2024, 13:20) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply

      To Take a survey, cart yu sambo, @%$ kissing, dependency liking, prideless, browsing, sickening, r@$$, crawling back under the blue b*tch rock and stay there with the other old dinosaurs,etc. you living in a time warp. Get out of it; this the 21st Century, not the 16th Century.

  • I THINK (10/01/2024, 13:18) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is my opinion and I will not insert me or everyone so don’t come for me if I did not tell you to come for me. People don’t want the Constitution suspended due to the fact that some of them will have to give up the comfy seats that they are sitting in. Let the Governor do what he has to do and get this mess over with.
  • stop whining (10/01/2024, 13:57) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Stop your complaining, buck your ideas up and get on with dealing with the recommendations put forward and the our constitution won't be suspended. It's simple really. Stop procrastinating. Stop resisting and get on with it.
  • Community (10/01/2024, 14:54) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ayo need to put Myron as the primier ,somebody who can get the job done ,are else UK will surely take over this place with this clown primier we have here .all the primier good for is to come on the news and talking about things what don't really make sense
  • We understand.. (10/01/2024, 15:59) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    You all are so terrified and nervous of a Britain take over and you all know why..We know why also.
    • We understand (10/01/2024, 19:24) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      We are terrified because we know the terror our fore fathers went through. History must not repeat itself.
  • Wiggie (10/01/2024, 18:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Myron I get to agree with you for the first time
  • No, No and No. (10/01/2024, 18:22) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    The only ones that will benefit from a Rankin and uk Take Over, are the Brtis, brits and Brits.. The local Financial System, which is where their eyes are focused on, and the rest of the economy, will be taken, appropriated and usurped by those don't mean any good for local Black people...That. is a fact.

    It is noteworthy that many of our leaders are beginning to standand be counted to fight against the multiple wrongs that the UK has been and is planning to execute against us the people of the VI.

    Hence,wemust perpare tofight tooth and nail to ensure that our Constitutional, human and economic rights arenot usurped by the colonialist and greedy UK nation and its people.
  • africa (10/01/2024, 18:54) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    Myron has an interest in the expat meaning the island people. He had made two statements wanting to give the same rights as the BVIslanser and we have to watch him closely. I rather England take the Constitution right from us because Myron goes to overflow BVI with the island people.
    • H..m (11/01/2024, 05:37) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ africa. You are a racist against your own kind. Go get educated.
    • @Africa (11/01/2024, 07:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You have the head coach to thank for that instead of Myron. You all made up lies to say Myron would do it and look who was the one that did it. Your lies would t work again. But instead of the Caribbean people taking over, it’s the UK people walking on us and not one of you can say a word. They will soon take everything we have. Continue with your slave mentality and attack your race.
  • dignity (10/01/2024, 20:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    is earned and no BVI politician has earned any dignity since 1969!
  • PT09 (10/01/2024, 21:40) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Myron V. Walwyn I thought you had more sense, the BVI is owned by the UK and all of you in government can’t get it through your tick heads, the joker for a Premier believes he can do what he want and get away with it, all of you who are backing him is just as bad as him.

  • TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN (11/01/2024, 08:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHATEVER IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY SHOULD BE DONE / AND THOSE WITH UNCLEAN HANDS NEEDS TO BE EXPOSED AND BE DEALT WITH , ACCORDING TO THE LAW . IF THE BVI IS EVER TO BE TRANSPARENT IN INTEGRITY AGAIN , WE HAVE TO CLEANSE OURSELVES OF THOSE WHO ARE CORRUPT AND HAVE HIDDEN AGENDERS , NEEDS TO DO THE SAME IF THEY ARE REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT GETTING THE COUNTRY BACK ON TRACK INSTEAD OF SPEWING OUT RACISM RETHORIC AS A DISTRACTION TO CONCEAL THEIR CLANDISTINE OPERATIONS , HOW CAN WE ADVANCE AS A COUNTRY WITH THAT KIND OF NEGATIVE MESSAGE / WE ALL HAVE TO START THINKING POSITIVE / MAKING LAME EXCUSES AND POINTING YOUR DIRTY FINGERS IS NOT GOING TO NEGATE THE TRUTH ( AND SOME OF YOU ARE SO BAREFACED TO EVEN LOOK FOR SUPPORT WHEN YOU KNOW FULL WELL YOU ARE THE ONES WHO IS MAKING THE COUNTRY
    LOOK BAD ) REPENT HYPOCRITES ???? OH @ NATIVE CITIZEN ~ YOUR COMMENT WAS WELL PUT ????
  • Sigh (11/01/2024, 09:16) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    More like a desperate cry for relief from you incompetent locals incapable of running a country.

    Really hope they suspend the constitution and reform this pebble in the ocean.
  • Breathe In Breathe Out (14/01/2024, 07:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    [ In 2024, a King in a distance country has the ultimate authority in the Virgin Islands (Br) and it is exercised on his behalf by an undemocratically "selected " Governor of the Virgin Islands (Br).]


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