Constitutional Negotiating Committee members named; No place for Walwyn!
The disclosure was made at the Continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, when Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) moved a motion for the HoA to approve the members he named to the committee.
Not surprisingly, there was no place for the controversial Opposition Member Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), who was publicly accused of not having the interest of Virgin Islanders first and foremost. The Opposition Members chosen to travel to London are Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL). The names were brought to the House on the same day Walwyn was ousted as Opposition Leader.
The Members
The Constitutional Negotiating Committee, which was approved in the HoA without opposition or debate, will be led by Premier Wheatley and includes Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3); Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5); Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro, Attorney General, Hon Dawn J. Smith; Chair of the 2005 Constitutional Review Commission, Mr Gerard St. C. Farara, KC; Hon Skelton; Hon Penn; Chair of the 2023 Constitutional Review Commission, Mrs Lisa E. Penn Lettsome; and Member of the 2023 Constitutional Review Commission, Mrs Maya Barry.
Resource Persons
It was further resolved that the Committee shall be supported by the following resource persons:
1. Mrs Carolyn E. Stoutt Igwe, Permanent Secretary, Premier's Office
2. Ms Dwynel Davis, Acting Director of International Affairs Secretariat
3. Ms Ayana L. Glasgow, Director of Financial Services, Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation
4. Ms Xyrah A. Wheatley, Private Secretary to Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation
5. Mr E. Benito Wheatley, Special Envoy to the Premier
6. Ms Tracy Bradshaw, Director of BVI London Office
It was agreed between the United Kingdom Government and the Government of the Virgin Islands that the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, U.K.S.I. 2007 No. 1678, may be reviewed after ten (10) years after the date of which it came into force, and it is now nineteen (19) years since that Constitution came into force.
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41 Responses to “Constitutional Negotiating Committee members named; No place for Walwyn!”
Great Team! I like that Ronnie and M.Penn are a part of this. Y’all does Myron bad! I don’t know if this is his karma or what not… lord I feel for him.
Leave the witch craft alone and turn to God… you’ll see how things will go your way . Surpass what any witchcraft can do for you. Give it all to the most high almighty God. He will do wonders in your life. Don’t force or rush things. Turn to God for help and watch him work.
Every Country put things in place for their locals , why does the B VI have to be an exception?
Someone or some people dropped the darn ball on this. How irresponsible can people be? Wow, just wow.
Diversity is real, rejecting someone who have so much to offer, simply because where his parents are from is nuts. Not respecting the man as a VI descendant while knowing-- in the eyes of the law he has all the rights and protection just like any other Virgin Islander.
It seems like a form of subtle disenfranchisement, discrimination and oppression. I would like to say to the leadership of the VI, be careful how you represent VI people, because we all came from somewhere, and its no sin to have relatives from the other islands in the caribbean.
It is deeply disappointing to see yet another situation where a qualified individual is overlooked—not because of their ability, character, or readiness to serve, but because of where their parents come from.
This isn’t just about one person. It reflects a recurring issue in the British Virgin Islands that continues to hold us back.
We often speak about progress, development, and improving our institutions. But how can we truly move forward if we consistently sideline capable people based on whether they are considered “indigenous” enough? When merit takes a back seat to identity, we all lose.
The reality is simple: when the best people are excluded, the system weakens. Opportunities are missed. Standards drop. And the same issues we complain about persist year after year.
There is no doubt that protecting local identity and ensuring opportunities for belongers is important. But that cannot come at the expense of competence and fairness. A system that prioritizes origin over ability ultimately undermines itself.
We should be asking ourselves:
Are we selecting people based on what they can contribute?
Are we being fair and consistent in our decisions?
Or are we allowing bias—however subtle—to shape outcomes?
If we truly want a stronger, more effective BVI, we need to strike a better balance. That means investing in local talent while also ensuring that positions are filled by those most capable of doing the job—regardless of background.
Until we address this honestly, we will continue to see the same frustrations, the same limitations, and the same lack of progress in this small but promising place we call home.
It’s time to do better.
Gerry Farara? Again? Nobody from the previous constitution review should be on this team going to England. Not negotiating for me. Evil wickedness some of y’all will burn in hell.
The UN tasked the UK with being the Administering Power for the VI, a non-self governing territory, with responsibility(s) for guiding it towards a full measure of self- governsnce.
However, the current constitution (2007) is a dependency model constitution with the VI touted as self-governing. Nevertheless, the UK-appointed governor exercises unilateral power( reserve, assent, special, etc).
Currently, the power sharing responsibilities with UK include, viz, Defence, External Affairs, Internal Security (including RVIPF), Judiciary, HMP( partial?), and Civil Service; VI, Finance, other. In the spirit and letter of self-governing, some of these functions currently under the purview of UK should be transferred to the local government, eg, civil service ,etc. Further, some devolve powers can be easily reversed, eg, suspending the constitution, giving the UK direct rule, etc.
Moreover, Parliament, and the Privy Council (on advice of ministers) approve constitutions and constitutional amendments. After WWII, the UK devastated and indebted, started to reduce the size of the empire , for it was getting cost prohibitive/expensive to maintain. Today, the last remnants of British Empire include the 14 small Overseas Territories (OT)and Crown Dependencies. Is the UK trying to hold on to and maintain control of the OTs to regain some of its past glory, prestige, global influence,,etc—Global Britain?
What will the Constitutional Negotiating Committee/team success look like, entail? Will success include a referendum on self-determination, ie, free association, independence, integration, status quo, etc? Will the VI attain greater control over its affairs? Will the UK maintain unilateral power?
Harmony In The House
Harmony In Paradise
by Tafari Zharr
“One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel all right.” These powerful words from Bob Marley resonate deeply as we explore the intricate dance of ancestral rights in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). They remind us that unity and understanding are essential in a community as diverse as ours.
We must honor the historical connections of our indigenous peoples while also recognizing the realities faced by non-natives—those among us who hold varying degrees of citizenship and rights. This isn’t merely an academic discourse but a vital call for cohesion in a shared journey into the future.
For non-natives living in our islands, the path can be fraught with uncertainty. Those who possess UK rights may feel a semblance of security, yet they often find themselves adrift in cultural waters where their voices carry less weight.
This scenario is akin to navigating through a calypso rhythm—each note representing their individual challenges. For non-natives without legal status, the situation is even more precarious. In a society that emphasizes ancestry and belonging, their rights can feel like whispers against the roar of local authority.
Imagine navigating life where accessing health, education, and essential services hinges not just on merit but on the arbitrary boundaries of legal recognition. There’s an underlying tension, a silent worry—what happens when policies shift in favor of ancestral claims?
In stark contrast, our indigenous brothers and sisters search for validation of their ancestral rights, striving for recognition that is not just legal but also moral. This need mirrors the sentiments expressed in the Mighty Sparrow’s anthem, “Black Man.” Their claims to land and cultural heritage are deeply intertwined with our history, often battling against modern governance that frequently overlooks their significance.
Amid this, we must heed the warnings and vision of Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, who believed that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” His legacy urges us to forge a collective identity that honors both the past and the future.
It’s worth noting that “one way to deny or denigrate is to use the oldest excuse: let’s go way back to the beginning—except when it suits certain narratives.” Acknowledging our history should not be a selective exercise but a holistic understanding of our shared experiences.
Let’s weave the spirit of funghi music into this conversation, echoing the playful whimsy found in the song “All I Want Ah Getting.” Like the lyricist’s straightforward desires, our communities need clarity and recognition of rights—a shared sentiment rooted in every verse, resonating with both the indigenous and non-native experiences of the BVI.
The BVI has become a battle cry for ancestral heritage, yet we cannot ignore the shadows cast by colonial history. The UK’s abstention from voting on reparations highlights lingering injustices that have shaped our relationships today. This abstention symbolizes a larger denial of historical accountability, complicating the quest for reparation and recognition by indigenous groups.
Lavity Stoutt’s vision serves as a reminder that acknowledging our past, while striving for equity, is essential for healing. Indigenous groups seeking recognition confront not just legal battles but also the weight of inherited biases. We must navigate these complexities thoughtfully, transforming inherited legacies into opportunities for unity.
In our quest for justice, the introduction of new social structures prioritizing ancestral rights can lead to divisions if not managed carefully. Stoutt’s commitment to a balanced society can serve as a guiding principle as we face these challenges.
Crafting governance that honors both ancestral claims and the rights of all who share this land is paramount. It’s essential to find a practical balance between preserving the tourism industry and economic growth while honoring our indigenous heritage. Granting extensive rights to one community without considering the larger social picture can breed resentment.
As Machel Montano sings in “Soca Warrior,” we are called to conquer and unite: “We will rise, we will fight for the right!” This spirited resilience is vital as we progress toward a balanced society.
The dialogue around ancestral rights in the British Virgin Islands is vibrant and evolving—one that resonates through our shared histories and uplifts the aspirations of our future. As we navigate this complex tapestry, let’s listen to the voices of those who have walked these lands for generations while also acknowledging the rights of all who have chosen to call this place home.
By embracing Stoutt’s vision of unity and intertwining the whimsical aspirations from “All I Want Ah Getting,” we can create a harmonious society that reflects our collective identity. Just as the funghi melody resonates with joy and simplicity, we can forge a path toward equity that honors our diverse histories and propels us into a united future.
Let’s also recognize the shadows of colonial history and the UK’s abstention on reparations, creating not just a future defined by coexistence but one enriched by healing.
Together, we can feel the rhythms of our identities blend—much like a lively calypso tune—lifting every voice to craft a future where the essence of the islands is celebrated by all: one love, one heart, one BVI, with one harmony in heritage, house, and paradise!
Copyright (c) 2026 by Tafari Zharr. All rights reserved.