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Hon Vanterpool withdraws comments about ‘puppet’ gov’t in HoA

- said he respects what the coalition gov’t is trying to do
Arguing that the Virgin Islands is currently under a dictatorship, as in his opinion it is being run by the governor, veteran legislator and Fourth District Representative Hon Mark H. Vanterpool described the Cabinet Ministers as 'puppets' but later withdrew the comment. Photo: YouTube
It has already been revealed that the governor. John J. Rankin, CMG allegedly bullied his way in Cabinet to force through his nominations to the Constitutional Review Commission despite opposition from the Unity Government. Photo: GIS/File
It has already been revealed that the governor. John J. Rankin, CMG allegedly bullied his way in Cabinet to force through his nominations to the Constitutional Review Commission despite opposition from the Unity Government. Photo: GIS/File
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Arguing that the Virgin Islands is currently under a dictatorship, as in his opinion it is being run by the governor, veteran legislator and Fourth District Representative Hon Mark H. Vanterpool described the Cabinet Ministers as “puppets” but later withdrew the comment.

VI under dictatorship!- Hon Vanterpool

Googling a definition of dictatorship government, Hon Vanterpool, during the debate of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Recommendations at the Fifth Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom, Tortola on July 19, 2022, shared that it states a dictatorship form of government is one which one person or small group possess absolute power without effective constitutional limitations.

“Right now he is running things, absolute power, that is a dictatorship, the Territory of the Virgin Islands is under a dictatorship,” Hon Vanterpool said of the power conferred to Governor John J. Rankin, CMG by the Order in Council, which threatens to suspend the local constitution and impose direct rule.

He said persons sometimes criticise his forceful statements but he urged the people to wake up and realise the fact that the VI is under a dictatorship, being run by the Governor as a dictator.

“That is the power he has been given.”

Cabinet members are ‘puppets’

According to the long-serving legislator, his Cabinet Ministers have been reduced to puppets as they dare not challenge the governor on anything.

It has already been revealed that the governor allegedly bullied his way in Cabinet to force through his nominations to the Constitutional Review Commission despite opposition from the Unity Government.

“Look at my government in front of me, five members of the Cabinet, puppets,” Hon Vanterpool stated.

He continued: “They might not like me saying that but it is the truth. That’s what you are. I am going to speak the truth. They dare not go against the Governor because they know what he is going to do and you know what he can do so you better lap your tail and snuck up. You know the truth, you better do as he says, because that is what we are under….What else you want me to say?” Hon Vanterpool stressed.

Hon Vanterpool withdraws ‘puppets’ comment

After asking for a recess; however, to amend the motion being debated in the HoA, Hon Vanterpool not only returned to withdraw his proposed amendments but also withdrew his comment about Cabinet members of government being puppets.

“My comments about my good government of which I am a part of, as a puppet government, I withdraw those comments because I respect my leadership and all the things that they try to do,” Hon Vanterpool stated.

16 Responses to “Hon Vanterpool withdraws comments about ‘puppet’ gov’t in HoA”

  • dont back up (20/07/2022, 08:42) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    You're correct they are puppets
    • lol… (20/07/2022, 10:52) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      The governor must have given him a call too? I guess he too is a puppet! All of them are!
  • FACIAL EXPRESSION (20/07/2022, 08:49) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    IS SAYING ( I SCREWED UP , DAMNNNNN
    • @ FE (20/07/2022, 10:54) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      He didn’t screw up, he told the truth…. but he should’ve included himself!
  • Oilhead (20/07/2022, 08:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Spineless much
  • Citizen (20/07/2022, 08:55) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Them are some damn puppets yes. When time to vote nearly half of them disappeared. Just talk talk talk. Empty barrels makes the most noise.
  • mad max (20/07/2022, 09:01) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    He sounds a bit like Fahie before he was arrested …. I guess time will tell ….
  • Windy (20/07/2022, 09:11) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why withdraw the truth?
  • Puppets (20/07/2022, 09:29) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    WELL YOU HEARD IT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH ???? HE SIMPLY REVEALED HIS THOUGHTS ALOUD , YET HE WAS HAPPY TO
    JOIN THEM ???? ( AH GUESS HE IS JUST YAPPING LIKE THE ONE IN MIAMI WHO WAS YAPPING ,YAPPING YAPPING
  • wake up (20/07/2022, 09:33) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    once they got andrew out of the picture the mindset set was for Buckingham to come back and take full control of this territory

    a few of our own people got together and look at our territory today, still in the hands of our political leadership(unity party)….

    Once London had taken over our own people would have been out of jobs but as of now our people remained employed in their own land

    I see no harm in having the UK review or put check and balances in place



  • Aphorism (20/07/2022, 09:40) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    One is reminded of a sign, often seen in bars, that reads "Engage brain before putting mouth into gear" often next to the sign that says in God we trust, all others pay cash!
  • lol (20/07/2022, 09:43) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Speak the truth and shame the devil. You were right don't apologize, you included. You said what you said. Lol
  • really?? (20/07/2022, 10:29) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply

    Mark when they and the former Premier Dr. Smith were your puppets, you were quiet, but now you have the most to say. You and anyone who kept quiet when all the crap was taking place, are just as much to blame for the mess the BVI is in today with the COI. Andrew called for the COI on the NDP, thinking he was exempt and forgot he also was doing wrong. Now the "Puppets" as you call them, are left to try and clean up you all mess and you have the nerve to insult them. Mark you are a self righteous hypocrite and in your own words "go sid down" 

  • Absent Man (20/07/2022, 11:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    He is speaking with a new found confidence. Guess he knows his name is clear now. It's odd to me the everything is being investigated except what he was involved in. Andrew asked for a COi on Pier Park and everything is being investigated except Pier Park....
  • RedStorm (20/07/2022, 14:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mind you words, it can return to bite you, out of the mouth the heart speaks. Every government for years sit back and see what was happening and turn their eyes, now the disrespect shows how much you hated them and think you were not included. Silly people, should stay quiet, as it’s only then people think you are intelligent, but you open your mouth and people think otherwise. My grandma say po boi don’t got nothing good to say should shut he mouth.
  • Styles. (20/07/2022, 15:11) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    They are muppets for sure.


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