Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) during the Continuation of the Ninth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Monday, September 22, 2025. Photo: YouTube/HoA

Governor Daniel Pruce, the current Governor of the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands is still a British Overseas Territory. Photo: Internet Source

Member of the House of Assembly is currently debating the 2022-2023 Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) Report, which was broght before the HoA in January 2024. Photo: YouTube/HoA

Hon Walwyn said this during the Continuation of the Ninth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Monday, September 22, 2025, where he gave his contribution to the debate on the 2022-2023 Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) Report.

The Opposition Leader referred to a section of the report which says, “Throughout the constitution, there are examples of where there is reserved to the Governor authority to exercise power without the need to consult or otherwise refer to any person. In other words, the Governor is clothed with authority in such cases to act in case of his or her own discretion.”

Hon Walwyn said, “That has to stop, that has to stop.”

Not consistent with what we’re trying to achieve

He explained that, like ministers of government, who should not act in their own discretion, the Governor too should not be allowed to act in his or her own discretion. 

“That is not consistent with the level of parliamentary democracy that we’re trying to build, the maturity that we’re trying to build. And it’s certainly not consistent with the tenets of good governance, transparency, and accountability. If you’re carrying out a public function, there must be transparency; you cannot be acting in your own discretion.”

Hon Walwyn questioned how that discretion is being exercised and what factors are being taken into consideration when that discretion is being exercised. 

“Some people believe when you have discretion, you’re doing what you want, no. It’s an implied term that the discretion must be exercised justly and fairly. It just can’t be in terms of doing what you want to do, so we have to address that.”

He backed up his statement, saying the Governor’s reserved legislative power under Section 81 of the Constitution “drew heavy criticism” during the consultation process. 

The debate continues in the HoA today, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM.