Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

DPP slams Walwyn for public statement about his arrest

- accuses ex-education minister of trying to ‘undermine course of justice’
Ex-Education Minister Mr Myron V. Walwyn, right, has been lambasted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for allegedly trying to undermine the course of justice in the Virgin Islands (VI). Right: Director of Public Prosecutions Tiffany R. Scatliffe. Photo: Facebook/LinkedIn
Former Minister for Education under the National Democratic Party (NDP) administration Myron V. Walwyn, on November 1, 2022, became the third person charged in relation to criminal investigations into the Elmore Stoutt High School Wall Project. Photo: VINO/File
Former Minister for Education under the National Democratic Party (NDP) administration Myron V. Walwyn, on November 1, 2022, became the third person charged in relation to criminal investigations into the Elmore Stoutt High School Wall Project. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Ex-Education Minister Mr Myron V. Walwyn has been lambasted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for allegedly trying to undermine the course of justice in the Virgin Islands (VI).

This follows a statement by Mr Walwyn on November 1, 2022, notifying the public he had been arrested and charged for Breach of Trust by a Public Official and, among other things, questioning the motives behind the criminal investigations into the Elmore Stoutt High School Wall Project commissioned under his tenure.

Witch hunt?

According to Walwyn, former Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews had disclosed that the investigation was completed in early 2020 and its findings were sent to the DPP's Office, to decide whether the evidence warranted a pursuance of prosecution.

“Though this matter was publicly discussed by the Commissioner on talk shows and various media during its process, to date, no update has been given to the public about their findings following its conclusion.

“It raises the question as to why a completed investigation by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force that was sent to the DPP's Office, could still find itself as a subject of the Commission of Inquiry as an open investigation. Again, it's worth noting that the Commission of Inquiry recommended that the investigation should continue when according to Commissioner Matthew of the RVIPF, that very investigation was concluded in early 2020. I am left to believe that the original investigation did not yield their desired results,” Mr Walwyn stated.

Not so says DPP

According to the DPP, in a statement on November 1, 2022, contrary to Mr Walwyn’s assertions, an incomplete investigative case file was submitted in 2020, and the same was “quickly returned” to the RVIPF to conduct further investigations.

“However, the case files were never completed by the RVIPF at that stage. The decision was made to bring in an independent team of financial investigators from the United Kingdom to review the investigation, and that review commenced in early 2021. The review was done to ensure that the investigation was completed fairly, transparently and to standard.”

Walwyn seeking to influence potential jurors- DPP

The DDP described Mr Walwyn’s statement as disappointing.

“The statement, among other things, seeks to adversely influence the potential array of jurors who will eventually decide his fate and the fate of other persons similarly charged.  Such rhetoric only serves to undermine the course of justice in the Territory.”

It also said the Office of the DPP has always operated in accordance to the law, and “strongly refutes the erroneous and unfounded statements that otherwise has been done.”

Mr Walwyn, an attorney, is one of three persons charged in relation to criminal investigations into the ESHS Wall Project.

Mr Kelvin Thomas, 55, of Chalwell Estate, Tortola was charged in June 2022 with Obtaining property by deception; Making a false statement to a public officer; and Possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Public Officer Lorna Stevens was arrested and charged on October 20, 2022, for Breach of Trust by a Public Officer.

29 Responses to “DPP slams Walwyn for public statement about his arrest”

  • DPP again (02/11/2022, 07:30) Like (105) Dislike (39) Reply
    Walwyn is entitled to issue a statement.
    The DPP needs to be very careful - her statement was clearly intended to sway jurors, and may come back to haunt her (although I doubt she will be allowed to prosecute it).
    Walwyn said that the CoP previously announced that the investigation was complete and the file submitted to the DPP - if the CoP did say that, then Walwyn stated the truth.
    The DPP said the investigation was not complete when the report was submitted. So is calling the CoP a liar?
    • Ighoo (02/11/2022, 20:26) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
      Why is her reason for publishing a rebuttal? Isn’t she also trying to influence the jury pool? Pot calling kettle black! Is it then that the DPP office gave the go ahead or the new officers charged him without her permission? If she gave the go ahead when and why it took some new arrives to pull a yass from her hands.
    • GT (04/11/2022, 00:15) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      She is a vip
  • ccc (02/11/2022, 07:40) Like (28) Dislike (45) Reply
    Poor Myron he has fallen from grace
    • lol (03/11/2022, 10:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Many have no regard for the man yet espoused some height he’s fallen from. Lol!
  • resident (02/11/2022, 07:40) Like (79) Dislike (23) Reply
    the dpp will somehow lose this case too, its what they do
  • Ddp (02/11/2022, 08:03) Like (59) Dislike (15) Reply

    Office is more corrupt, all the cases entire they loses files or can’t prove their case. Stop issuing statements that will make you look bad in the end. Myron has all right in a democratic country to issue statements that the public can choose to read or not. DDP sat on this for over 5 years and now they want to charge him in an election cycle. Political gimmick if you ask me, how many of these cases they will win, I’m waiting… entire department is breach of trust.

    • @Ddp (02/11/2022, 09:30) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
      You need to go back to school & check your math.... 5 years? From 2020 to 2022 is just 2 years!
  • LAW (02/11/2022, 08:04) Like (41) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where are the other like who sign off in the field for work being complete and wasn't so that payments can be made. The BVI has been a joke for years and now it's a bigger joke to get justice.
  • Loose mouth (02/11/2022, 08:14) Like (27) Dislike (18) Reply
    It is for this reason trials by Judge only should be considred. Those who are popular and have the money are likely to be aquitted by a " jury of his peers" even when there is overwhelming evidence that the defendant did in fact commit the crime for which he has been charged than the average person who is not popular or does not wield. The same leverage within the community.
    • @loose mouth (02/11/2022, 08:23) Like (32) Dislike (11) Reply
      you are correct, he is entitled to issue a statement and start his defence , he knows he is a lawyer and is doing his groundwork early, that is why Judge only trials need to be done in high profile cases. Bring in another Caribbean judge so bias is not coming in from UK but still an impartial judge.
    • Josiahsbay (02/11/2022, 08:25) Like (45) Dislike (4) Reply
      Judges are also biased and prejudiced. There might be a need for both.
    • @loose (02/11/2022, 08:41) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Seems like the mouth isn't the only thing loose here. Anyone have a screw driver???
      • @@loose (02/11/2022, 14:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        A screw driver is too small for what else "loose mouth" has loose.
  • Reparations pls (02/11/2022, 08:21) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
    Well if the DPP didn't said anything about the completion of the report at that time. Of course yone can assume the investigation was complete.
  • Justice for Frandie (02/11/2022, 09:05) Like (27) Dislike (5) Reply
    They keep bringing their peers from the UK to prosecute the black locals. And what surprising me is they getting the blacks to fight each other while their peers walk free.
  • cuba (02/11/2022, 09:53) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    i am puzzled because for the past 60 years I thought i was a native of a democratic society whereby whomever have the freedom to speak

    the DPP should demonstrate her skills in the court room, not on social media. Nothing against the DPP likewise the fellow who was arrested and let the games begin

    I hope whomever is voted unto political office clearly understands that they have an obligation to do what is upful and right
    • Forbidden Truth (02/11/2022, 11:33) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Cuba et al....Freedom of speech is one thing. The consequences of that speech is another dilemma. Seize the time.
  • lol (02/11/2022, 11:07) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    The UK is prosecuting BVIslanders yet an independent team of financial investigators from the UK was brought in to review the investigation to ensure that the invetigation was completed fairly, transparently and to standard. Give us a break not everyone is stupid.
  • unprofessional on all angles (02/11/2022, 11:31) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Like any other matter before the court, the defendant, who should have known better, should have kept quiet, and the DPP, who also should know better should not have responded. BVI has a tit for tat way of life, the only thing nobody comes out and debunk is the meekaberry accusations
  • Try Him in the UK (02/11/2022, 11:37) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
    Try these cases in the UK: too much politics in the BVI for a rational and fair trial process
  • Big Me Stuck On Stupid (02/11/2022, 14:11) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is the Virgin Islands going to continue the silly charade while the fox in the hen house gets over-stuffed. See where your stupid ways have brought you. You were warned but you too big to take heed.
    • Just me. Bush lawyer (02/11/2022, 18:32) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Myron is talking himself to jail. Now the investigators will know where they fall short and need to look for. Silence is the best defense. I also believe that after all of them being arrested individually, they are going to add a conspiracy charge of "Wilful intent to defraud the govt Treasury".
  • vi (02/11/2022, 17:02) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone get arrested for the $11000000 bridge
  • NezRez (02/11/2022, 19:58) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    He has a right to speak out and fight tooth and nail to protect himself. It is his head on the chopping block.
  • @lose mouth and her supporter (02/11/2022, 20:29) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Are you people serious? Bunch of a.... The only reason they want this judge thing is because they could bring people in guilty whenever they choose. Like back in the days, LETS GET A BLACK MAN HE SUITS THIS CRIM
  • down2earth (02/11/2022, 21:16) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    If I recall correctly, Myron was the one who first brought a draft report on the wall to the attention of the public. It was for his eyes only! Fast forward, he is the one who also brought his arrest to the attention of the public.
    Is all this shenanigan so that his case can be tried by the public? This shows a lack of respect for the law and said actions smack of Trumpism.

    A native Virgin Islander to the Nth generation.
  • The LAW! (02/11/2022, 22:12) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Breach of trust?
    Isn't breach of trust under the criminal code 1997,a summary offence,for a summary trial in Magistrate's court?
    dpp say is for jury trial??
  • lol (04/11/2022, 06:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    The DPP is a ID***! Myron issued a statement because he could, he's not trying to taint anything. But what are you trying DPP don't you do the same thing all the time? Are you scare because he's a better lawyer than you? Or is because you're a inco**** f****? Up to yet as the DPP you haven't tried any [major] cases especially a murder trial. The DPP suppose to handle the big cases because they have more experience right or wrong. I don't know so I ask lemme know



Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.