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‘Hold our feet to the fire’- Hon Melvin M. Turnbull

- blames electorate for allowing politicians to go unchecked
Oppositon members and members of the newly formed political Alliance Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), and Hon Stacy M. Mather (AL) on JTV's The Big Story on February 21, 2025. Photo: Facebook/JTV Channel 55
The Alliance members are now blaming the voters for not making good judgments when going to the polls and then allowing politicians to serve without accountability. Photo: VINO/File
The Alliance members are now blaming the voters for not making good judgments when going to the polls and then allowing politicians to serve without accountability. Photo: VINO/File
De-facto leader of the Alliance, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), centre, and Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), right, were guests of The Morning Braff on Tola Radio on February 21, 2025. Left is host Floyd P. Burnett aka 'Heritage' Photo: Facebook
De-facto leader of the Alliance, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), centre, and Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), right, were guests of The Morning Braff on Tola Radio on February 21, 2025. Left is host Floyd P. Burnett aka 'Heritage' Photo: Facebook
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI- Members of the Opposition splinter, the Alliance, continue to make their case to the voting public, even as they have been criticised for fostering disunity and disregard for the duly appointed Opposition Leader and their party leaders.

The Alliance members are now blaming the voters for not making good judgments when going to the polls and then allowing politicians to serve without accountability.

“Not because you are a good teacher means that you’ll be a good principal; Not because you are a good principal means that you’ll be a good education minister. Leadership and management judgment are what matter."

This, according to the de-facto leader of the Alliance, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), and Hon. Deputy Speaker Stacy R. Mather (AL), under scrutiny during a live interview on Tola Radio’s Morning Braff talk show, on February 21, 2025, hosted by Floyd P. Burnett, also known as Heritage.

On the issue of electing leaders based on their ability to effectively represent the people, rather than mere party loyalty, Hon Walwyn was adamant, "...people have to decide, do you want effective representation or do you just want to be part of party politics?"

‘Don’t walk away & let us make the same blunders’- Hon Turnbull

Hon Turnbull articulated the Alliance’s commitment to breaking the cycle of political stagnation by fostering greater accountability and citizen engagement telling the listening audience, “The people have said for eight years, across two election terms, that we need to get back together; We have waited and waited, and nothing was done. So, we three decided to get together and say, ‘This is what we're going to do—start the conversation and lead the charge.”

As such Hon Turnbull encouraged the public to take on a more active role in governance by holding leaders accountable.
"When you elect us to office, don’t walk away and let us make the same blunders; Hold our feet to the fire," he urged, emphasising that elected officials should be constantly engaged with the electorate, ensuring promises are kept and progress is tangible.

National Development Plan

Meanwhile, on the matter of a national development plan to ensure structured governance and long-term stability, Hon Turnbull reminded, "If you have a national development plan, then the issue becomes implementation, and you can judge based on that plan in terms of delivery at the end of the requisite period."

As such, according to his colleague legislator, Hon Walwyn, beyond party manifestos, a broader national strategy must be implemented.

“There has not been enough political education in the BVI; It’s not being done to educate the public on what is happening in the community, that is one of the things that the Alliance has said we are going to do."

12 Responses to “‘Hold our feet to the fire’- Hon Melvin M. Turnbull”

  • Lb (23/02/2025, 14:03) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    How about we just vote you 3 power hungry and disloyal snakes out of the HOA! We did it to Myron before and now it is time for you and Mather to get a taste too!
    • @Lb (23/02/2025, 21:21) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      Please stop with the rubbish about power hungry blip. This thing about power hungry is becoming one of my pet peeves. LB, is see you as one big instigator
  • 3BM (23/02/2025, 14:05) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    3 Blind Mice, see how they run
  • Awesomeness (23/02/2025, 14:29) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
    Three of my favorite guys. Mr. Walwyn, Mr.Turnbull and Mr.Mather continue to do the work that you are doing and continue to put in the good work, don’t allow the distractions of the nay sayers stop you from doing what is right.
  • Jimmy smith (23/02/2025, 15:08) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    The more the Alliance talk the more the people are turned off power is the only aim they hate people and country
  • 2024 (23/02/2025, 15:15) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    can these 3 boys form an administration these guys are something else

    we need people in political office that are unified with the people’s interest at heart

  • blaze it (23/02/2025, 16:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Between them we have we have the church, the roots and the high society in the house. Feet to the blaze.
  • Senior native citizen of the British Virgin Islands (23/02/2025, 19:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Hold our feet in the fire." says opposition minister, Hon. Melvin Turnbull, one of three bow out disloyal members. The fact is in order to hold your feet in the fire with you.
    At a time of global shifting political alliances, and fastly high rising for basic needed goods, this certainly was not a good time to split the opposition of the B.V.I. The continuing efforts to unite opinion differences would served the citizens of the B.V.I far better than putting selfish ambitions before the people's business. Better social and financial business practices is our business, not división for selfish gains. Swallow your pride, and seek for the way of unity for the benefit of all the citizens of the B.V.I, and other people, too.




  • Promises Promises (24/02/2025, 01:03) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    #1. They say voters are not making good decisions when at the poles.
    I totally agree - we elected you three loosers.

    #2. Not because you're a good teacher makes you a good education minister.
    That minister must be doing something good since you're so obsessed with her.

    #3. Effective leaders.
    Not evident in this little pact. Just check the records.

    #4. Mr.turnbull says 8 yrs and nothing done. Thank you for letting us know that there's nothing new here - nothing different will be done.

    #5. Tangible progress.
    Where? Insulting and demeaning females mr.turnbull? No thanks.

    #6. A broader national strategy mr.walwyn? Implement one now where you three are and we'll have something to work with.

    #7. Not enough political education.
    Well make changes from where you are now. Why wait for another 4yrs?
  • Rattler (24/02/2025, 14:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VI is a representative democracy, ie,,voters, some voters any way, elected to the HoA to represent their and the national interests. However, after voting in the popularity contest they go in hibernation mode, complaining that their elected representatives, government , etc are not doing anything and they done with voting as if voting is going to solve the problem. Complaining and venting about government action or inaction is a past tine, a sport. The electorate has the power and needs to get off their lazy asses out of their slumber and get engaged. Here is a news flash. Politicians like being the HoA, and you have a big say in their being there..Hold their damn feet to the white heat fire..
  • BRAD BOYNES (24/02/2025, 17:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    None of you can handle that Fire.
  • HOUSE (24/02/2025, 17:27) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sharie is the loser and so too are ALL VIP ministers. She is to r little girl and so too are: Kye and Natalio. VIP running scared now to at things about to heat up in the kitchen. I for one would’ve never apologized to Sharie as she grandstands and whines like the woman child she is while having nothing substantial to bring it the HOA.

    VIP elected a bunch of non-performers who aren’t ready for Prime Time anywhere. Hats why Head Coach had his way with them and they couldn’t say diddly squat to him! They are the real salad tossers that accomplish little to zero.


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