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Opposition pledges to make life difficult for ruling VIP Gov't

- says if it has to resort to filibustering it will; Predicts @ least 2 motions of no-confidence
Promising no-confidence votes and filibustering, His Majesty's Loyal Opposition has said it will do all it possibly can to achieve its agenda when up against the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government in the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA). Photo: PVIM/Facebook
Leader of the Opposition Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), left, and Member of the Opposition Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), right, at the joint Opposition press conference on April 27, 2023. Photo: Facebook
Leader of the Opposition Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), left, and Member of the Opposition Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), right, at the joint Opposition press conference on April 27, 2023. Photo: Facebook
Opposition Member Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3) has said debates in the House of Assembly are going to be vigorous and embarrassing. Photo: Facebook
Opposition Member Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3) has said debates in the House of Assembly are going to be vigorous and embarrassing. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Promising no-confidence votes and filibustering, His Majesty's Loyal Opposition has said it will do all it possibly can to achieve its agenda when up against the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government in the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA).

It was during a joint press conference of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), National Democratic Party (NDP) and Progressives United (PU) held on April 27, 2023, that Members of the tri-party Opposition were asked by a reporter how they intended to hold the government accountable.

'We have the bully pulpit'- Hon Ronnie W. Skelton

Opposition Leader and PVIM Chairman Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), who is also Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), registered his intention to make the meetings of PAC public, as he pointed out that the Opposition has ‘the bully pulpit’.

“While the government can pass bills in the House of Assembly, collectively we have ‘the bully pulpit,’ so to speak, and we will allow the public to know what is happening so they can talk to their representatives; and based on that we believe we can control a lot of stuff that is in the interest of this country and make sure it happens,” he said.

Opposition to 'push' for Committee Stage of HoA to be public

Opposition Member Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) was in full agreement, adding that the Opposition also wants the Committee Stage of the House of Assembly (HoA) to be made public, as he had discussed on the political campaign trail.

“The Premier agreed with this…We want to make sure that we are fully transparent with the process so the public can see the machinations in terms of how things happen, the changes that we’re making and the decisions that we’re making that are going to impact their lives, not when it comes out in a gazette. They need to understand clearly the process. And I’m going to push and I hope I have the support of my colleagues here to push to ensure that those committee stages are made public so the public can have full transparency of the legislative process moving forward,” he said.

Hon Skelton also agreed that he will push for these proceedings to be public as well. 

“I will push to have a real office of the Leader of the Opposition where people can actually understand that we’re building institutions, where we will be on the road to some internal self-governance,” he said.

'If we have to resort to filibustering we will'- Hon Fraser

Meanwhile, Opposition Member Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3) also called for the meetings of the PAC to become public as he pledged his full support.

Hon Fraser said they will resort to filibustering if they need to, in an effort to ensure this.

Filibustering is the ‘activity or practice of obstructing progress in a legislature, especially by speaking at inordinate length.’

“We have to, for the first time, attempt to prevent the House of Assembly from being a ‘rubber stamp’ to the executives… If we have to resort to filibustering we will, and the committees of the House of Assembly has to work. They have been established but not functional, and in order to serve the public in the way it was intended by the Westminister system our committees has to work,” Hon Fraser said.

Motions of non-confidence ‘predicted’

Hon Fraser, acknowledging that the VIP administration has a slim majority, said he doesn’t think it will change the dynamics as far as votes are concerned.

“It’s going to be almost impossible for us to sway a member of the government to vote with us, but I could tell you whatever the issue is we are debating, it is going to be difficult to move forward with the kind of Opposition it will receive.”

Further, Hon Fraser said he sees at least two motions of no-confidence on the horizon.

“I don’t see any challenge coming from the Government side as far as the health of a debate is concerned, Opposition versus Government, [but] what I can predict right now is you will see not one but more than one, probably two, motions of no confidence coming before the Fifth House of Assembly. I can predict that is going to happen and the debate is going to be vigorous, embarrassing, it’s going to be everything,” Hon Fraser said.

66 Responses to “Opposition pledges to make life difficult for ruling VIP Gov't”

  • Six (01/05/2023, 10:33) Like (89) Dislike (8) Reply
    politically impotent men threatening the VIP. What a joke. Last week you all had a chance to form a new government and you were all outfoxed by one lady. Just go back to running your private businesses and leave the governing to the new government. Suggest you each take turns attending the upcoming HOA sessions. No sense all 6 showing up because you are all powerless. The lady who defected will do the opposition's job for them.
    • Outspoken (01/05/2023, 14:21) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Six, I share your sentiments 1000%. And that one mousey still in his very arrogant ways, talking about filibustering and no confidence. That man will never get it. Pity for the people of the third.
    • Josiahsbay (01/05/2023, 17:53) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Assuming that Mrs. Smith can be the tipping vote in Government she may become the most important person in government.
    • Madussa (01/05/2023, 22:14) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      The most asinine thing I have ever heard! Grown old men talking about making life difficult as if we don't have it difficult enough just living here. Acting like a high school gang fighting after school. Grow up and make life livable in the BVI by working together, but I guess that is too much to ask! SECURITY!!!!!!
  • Lilly (01/05/2023, 10:34) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
    Opposition pledges to hold the ruling VI Party accountable
  • Brooke Shields (01/05/2023, 10:36) Like (86) Dislike (7) Reply
    Making things difficult for the sitting Government is to make things difficult for the constituents and the Territory as a whole. Therefore, we the constituents will vote all of you out totally in the next four years and revert to VIP all the way. So be careful with your vindication.
    • @Brooke Sheilds (01/05/2023, 10:54) Like (48) Dislike (6) Reply

      Those &….ers need to be abated ASAP. That is a threat against the sitting Government and the people of the territory. You make things hard on the sitting Government you are making things hard on the people. You all setting yourselves to get some good ****** in your behinds when seen on the street

    • So help me (01/05/2023, 12:09) Like (44) Dislike (2) Reply
      Every last one will TAKE A SWIFT KICK TO THE CURB, NO IFS ANDS OR BUTS. WE THE PEOPLE IS NOT PLAYING THIS TIME AROUND. IDIOTS, YOU MESS WITH THE GOVERNMENT YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE THINGS VERY BAD/DIFFICULT FOR THE PEOPLE. AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THE PETTY NONSENSE FROM A BUNCH OF SCHOOL YARD LITTLE BOYS IN GROWN MAN BODIES IN SPONGE BOB SQUARE PANTS AND HOMER SIMPSON UNDERWEAR.
    • @ Brooke sheilds (01/05/2023, 14:58) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
      You said it best! They better get over their incompetence and let the chief do his job. Bunch of bitter incompetent men.
    • RedStorm (02/05/2023, 18:56) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ brook shield,
      My sentiments exactly. I will never vote for those five men, because I have not seen classy in their action of governing. Silliness always. Stop it now! I want to see and hear how you will support some of their ideas. Ways and methods that are managed skills to help share ideas to make this place better. Tell us how you will support Marlon in the East will all this killing going on.

      Stop saying that you predicted non- confidence in government, when it is your plans to destroy them. It is never a prediction hen you already plan it. So man I need the government to sensor all this crap going on with the opposition. Same thing you did with the election, focus on the wrong and see the results in four years. Stop it now man, stop it.
  • warning (01/05/2023, 10:36) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    ITS NOT GOING TO BE AN EASY ROAD
  • BVIslander (01/05/2023, 10:57) Like (42) Dislike (0) Reply
    None of these guys don’t seems fit or qualified to run the country, all fighting for power in a childish manner
  • Disinterested (01/05/2023, 10:59) Like (33) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop the crap! You mummies are real patriots and statesmen? Deliberatively setting out to muck things up is childish crap. If you mummies have legitimate cause(s) to extend debate on issues fine. But to deliberately set out to muck things up is political but childish and unnecessarily stifles the good governing process for no legitimate reason. Fraser stop the damn nonsense bout fillerbustering. Here is a news flash you are in the BVI, not the dysfunctional US Senate. It is you mummies greed, selfishness, refusal to compromise, overplaying your hands, misplaying of your supposed trump card is the prime reason why you mummies are in the Opposition, not the government.
  • Roll eyes (01/05/2023, 10:59) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    And this is for what.....in the name of what? Can't be progress. This is pure uckery.
  • pat (01/05/2023, 11:04) Like (17) Dislike (17) Reply
    They think the young girl speaker is a joke let them try
    • @pat (01/05/2023, 12:49) Like (11) Dislike (24) Reply
      The Opposition Members are intelligent people and know it all and they are going to run circles around that young girl Speaker. She cannot handle them. She will be put to shame many times.
      • Outlaw (01/05/2023, 14:27) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
        @@pat, did you listened to the last sitting when she fixed Frazer’s backside. Not because she look quite, she is no walk over.
        • @Outlaw (01/05/2023, 15:49) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
          I remember that. she ain’t no walk over for real. They keep forgetting not because a woman look quiet you can walk all over her. Keep telling these men, DONOT underestimate a woman and the power she can WELD when provoked or pushed.
    • TO PAT (01/05/2023, 14:20) Like (5) Dislike (20) Reply
      The young girl speaker will have to yield to the opposition as they are ten times brighter than her and know the rules better. She is out of her league this time.
      • RedStorm (02/05/2023, 19:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @pat,
        Wheeeel and come again! Have you ever met the speaker, had lunch or dinner with her or her family, come again. It’s a reason she is having the law degree and none of them have it. They know constitution, but she is very much strategically placed. Come again please.

  • ... (01/05/2023, 11:11) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    That's a terrible thing to decide beforehand which shows that they do not care about the country's progress or the people's perspective. I personally would hate for them to destroy young Mather's career with this. Oppose what needs to be opposed and support what is good for us. Don't just jam up everything for sake of stopping the government's work just because you are all bitter and sore losers. Had the VIP had lost you would want them to accept it and move on for the people. Be statesmen and do the same. You were planning to govern with Lorna naturally you won't hate everything she does so get over your hurt feelings. Myron is sounding like the only sensible mature one right now.
  • Outsider (01/05/2023, 11:15) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    You are a disgruntled set of people. It should country first, not vengeance. That’s why you’re sitting in the opposition. The Marjorie Taylor-Greens of the BVI.
  • Six stupid senseless stooges (01/05/2023, 11:19) Like (34) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ayo sound so stupid and childish. Buddah needs to come out from amongst this group, lest he become like them. Not because you are.on the Opposition means you have to oppose every single thing, even stuff that is good for the VI
    • Agree (01/05/2023, 14:34) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      Buddah needs to get out of that den of poisonous snakes. ANYTHING FRASER THE SLICK ALLEY CAT DICTATOR AND MITCH THE MIDGET IS INVOLVED WITH IS DRAMA AND CONFUSION.
  • Am we the PEOPLE (01/05/2023, 11:22) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    Will walk into the HOA AND PICK EVERYONE OF YOU UP BY THE SCRUFFS OF YOUR NECKS AND TOSS YOU OUT THE DOOR.WE ARE NOT PLAYING THIS TIME. WE ALLOW THAT, THE PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO SUFFER. THIS BEHAVIOR WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN OR TOLERATED.
  • lodger (01/05/2023, 11:34) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Filibustering ? No change there then! They have been practicing it for years. I am waiting for the day someone actually votes AGAINST a bill.
  • Rubber Duck (01/05/2023, 11:37) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Half of them will be arrested soon.
  • WOW (01/05/2023, 11:39) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    A set of guys with evil intentions cloaked as good governance. What a pity.
  • youth man (01/05/2023, 11:41) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
    The election results showed the people of the BVI do not hate VIP like these guys and their loud mouth supporters were saying.
  • Clearly (01/05/2023, 11:42) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    These guys are clearly saying that since they did not get the Government then no one else should have it. A set of greedy, bad minded, evil fellows.
  • Sometimes (01/05/2023, 11:45) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sometimes I get the feeling these guys feel no one else can run the country well but them. Sometimes I get the feeling these guys have no regards for women in power and over them. Sometimes I get the feeling these guys can only unite to destroy but not to build up & form & run a government.
    • @Sometimes (01/05/2023, 14:01) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      They have no regards or respect for women in leadership roles. These guys don’t even know how to figure out where the right or left side of their mountain oysters is located. But they want to run Country.
  • enough (01/05/2023, 11:48) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    They have shown they cannot speak truth & cannot be trusted. They all spoke about VIP contacting them but never admitted they called people in VIP to join them because they couldn't get the government formed with their seven members due to egos, pride, greed, and lust for power.
  • Amazing (01/05/2023, 11:51) Like (24) Dislike (5) Reply
    I am amazed how all of them keep overlooking the fact that Myron was arrested on corruption charges and facing a trial which may end up with him going to jail for a while. This is amazing for a set of leaders on that side talking about integrity and holding others accountable.
  • chill out men (01/05/2023, 11:53) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    Stop the bullying. It is no longer acceptable in this day and age. Stop it with the VIP, NDP, etc... work together to fix the mess we are in. Make it a better BVI. Stop the fighting. Respect one another. Do what is right. Chill out!
  • Not good (01/05/2023, 11:55) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
    How can they determine these negative actions already? Pure mischief is what we will see from these guys out of bitterness that they did not, could not, & would not form the government out of greed, ego, personal agendas, and selfishness but will make their now wicked intentions look like good governance. Destroy at all costs is now their aim because if they cannot have it then no one else should have it. What a pity. What a shame. What a disgrace.
  • Disgust (01/05/2023, 11:58) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just listening to these people have further turn me and plenty others off from politics.
  • Caution (01/05/2023, 12:00) Like (31) Dislike (3) Reply
    Word of caution, they need to keep an eye on the Governor and the British more than the VIP Government.
  • VIslander (01/05/2023, 12:04) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is one thing to hold the government accountable and to carefully scrutinize all activities. It is a different story if you plan to bully, object and make life difficult just for the sake of opposing. I am asking the Opposition NOT to become overzealous and create havoc and make life difficult for the Virgin Islanders. Do not oppose simply because you are in the opposition. Do not make yourselves look worse than you already do ( sore losers). Concentrate on ensuring that residents are fully informed along the way.
  • Strupes (01/05/2023, 12:12) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    All your egos got in the way, you lost, so now let it go and work together for the betterment of the Territory. Geeze man.
  • nonsense (01/05/2023, 12:47) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a man with limited power wanting to act out of ultimate power bro you can’t lead from behind
  • SHAME (01/05/2023, 13:11) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    Comments like these just proves why they are incapable of running a government. Good thing their true colors are showing early in the game, after all it came from their own mouths. Set of Jack.... ...need to go siddung
  • hmm (01/05/2023, 13:21) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    pure badmindedness
  • Final Analysis (01/05/2023, 13:55) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fighting the Government or making things unnecessarily problematic for them if basically fighting against the Territory. The Opposition should keep in mind that the people of this country do not forget white easily. Four years may seem far away but when it do comes they will face the voters again. I do not like the tone of the district Rep. It seems as though he eats and breathes confusion. His obsession for power and control has harmed him in more ways than one. Even though he was able to retain his seat for four terms,(or more ) now it has kept him from reaching the top post of Premier. Here again he will make another bid to the top post by instigating a vote of no confidence of the Government with the hope of bringing instability to it's functions and hopefully its fall. He will eventually leave the house a broken and bitter old man and that is no prophecy.
  • resident (01/05/2023, 14:15) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    You all are interpreting this wrong. We want the opposition to be vigilant. We want them to hold the govt accountable. We want them to ensure that projects are not overblown financially. Go Oppisition.!! We the residents are with you!!
  • herbs power (01/05/2023, 14:23) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not expecting to hear Myron speak like so. He's more intiligent than that.
  • NDP supporter (01/05/2023, 14:24) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most people are totally ashamed of these men.
  • 2023 (01/05/2023, 14:41) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    the 13 of them needs to make sure the people of the country have good roads: good daily water: good sewage: fix pockwood ponds:

    our politicians back in the 60s: 70s: 80s all of them held the interest of the people and the development of our territory in their harts

    They did not got up in the "legislative Council" back then with talk and looking to promote their personal agenda

    Elections are finish until some other time try fix our home land and stop seeking to show-off your self just to score political points!!!!

    run chat dat
  • Fools rush in (01/05/2023, 15:16) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Leave them with their bullying. Who have in pace maker might cause it to break apart and be flown out of the country to save their life, and FRASER NEEDS TO GO ISLAND DEPARTMENT STORE AND BUY A RECLINER AND GO HOME TO RELAX HIS OLD SELF from making trouble
  • johnny (01/05/2023, 15:18) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who tell ou shse going to remain speaker
  • Nothing but BS (01/05/2023, 15:39) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Those dudes on the oppression is acting like angry frustrated roosters that the hens reject or don’t want anything to do with. They are just sore and sour that a WOMAN is sitting in the chair they wanted and FAILED because of their quest for power and greed.
  • Crazy Crazy Crazy (01/05/2023, 16:16) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pledge to make life difficult! I understand your purpose as the opposition but this is literally saying you intend to block everything and fight everything. Is this why we elected you. Lorna made the right choice and got away from this madness. Then you want to be Government and if the opposition does the same thing to you, you will call on Jesus saying how vindictive they are. We voted for mather and pray and hope he does not turn into an idiot like how you guys are presenting yourselves. Geese Man
  • stupid (01/05/2023, 16:32) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why the divisiveness. Don’t we already have enough? Work together on solving the Territory’s problems like grown ups. Is it really necessary to have a party of No?
  • Tvip (01/05/2023, 16:53) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I call BS. The people of the BVI are tired of living in 3rd world conditions! Get past the politics and work FOR the country that ELECTED YOU! Ronnie and Marlon this INCLUDES you. Hasnt Biden taught you anything? You have to cross party lines to make a government work.
  • Think before you speak (01/05/2023, 17:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    that just sounds like sour grapes to.ke and what an imature way to look at things. Just bwcause you sre the opposition party doesnt mean that you must oppose everything, just for the sake of opposing it.
    doesnt give us much confidence that together the elected gicernment and the wlected opposition will get things done for us..Its no wonder Lorna jumped ship. she wants to get things done, not oppose ecerything that is place before the houae..
    rediculous
  • WOW (01/05/2023, 17:53) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can believe theses men’s let them go and make thing difficult for the government it not them alone is the people of the virgin island them just proved them self a set of power hungry men’s let me say just we vote you in we have the power to vote the whole opposition out be careful of what you all say you had the power and could get it form so what is you problem
  • Paranoia 1 (01/05/2023, 19:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Is it not Possible for the Government and Governing Body to Create an Vote Of No Confidence in the Opposition as Well..???!!!

    There Should be Balance on Both Sides of the Fence...Legally..

    Apparently the Opposition does not understand the Implications of an Order in Council...

    Being His Majesty's Loyal Opposition is not Impunity to Destroy a Government and not withstanding an Appeal can be made to His Royal Highness...
  • Voter6 (01/05/2023, 20:27) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    LET THEM GO A HEAD VIP WILL CALL A SNAP ELECTION AND GET THEM BACKSIDE OUT. IF THEY THINK THAT THEY GOING TO INTERRUPT PROGRESS THEY BETTER THINK AGAIN. VIP ALLLLLL THE WAY.
  • Observer (01/05/2023, 22:16) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    I am sure that many of you are ashamed of the attitude of the opposition. They pretended all the time as if they love country but you the voters can see and hear how these guys plan to function. I am so sorry that Mather had to be between these power hungry men. Lorna an intelligent lady saw what was taking place and made her decision to join the party that the people wanted. Lorna will bring much stability to the party. The government will do a good job in the next four years and I am sure that these hungry power guys will feel the voters in the next election if they continue with the bullying attitude.
    • RedStorm (02/05/2023, 19:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ observer,
      It’s likely they continue this bullying attitude. I wish Mather move for the sake of getting more done for the children, and implement his ideas for growth and development on a wide scale both locally and internationally. Youth development is now recognized worldwide, and BVI have people he can work with, who are qualified.
  • And you know what? (01/05/2023, 23:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    ALL THE DISRESPECT, VIOLATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT THAT WOMEN IS FACING IN THE WORK PLACE EVERY DAY FROM THE MEN IS GOING TO END AS WELL. SO ALL YOU MEN, WHEN IT ENTER YOUR MIND TO START HARASSING THE WOMEN IN THE WORK PLACE YOU BETTER WATCH YOURSELVES. AIN’T GON BE NO MORE COVERING UP AND SWEEPING UNDER THE CARPET.
  • Body Language (02/05/2023, 08:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look a bunch of losers.
  • FOOLISH BULLIES (02/05/2023, 08:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ronnie, u said u all are “The Bully Pulpit”
    That’s the same reason why u all COULD NOT come to an agreement to form the Government.
    All the BULLIES wanted to be the PREMIER.
    Don’t be Spiteful becuz u all made a FOOL of yourselves on the morning after Election trying to form the Government.
    Instead try and work with the Present Government instead of coming with a vengeance. It’s not good at all.
    U all show the people of the Virgin Islands what type of persons u all are.
    I’m so HAPPY that NONE of U of the BULLIE PULPIT DID NOT become PREMIER. THANK GOD.
  • whadeva (02/05/2023, 17:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    all ayo is the same ting, chupes


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