Unity Gov’t ‘selected’ as a result of a coup– Hon Carvin Malone
Hon Malone was a guest on the August 11, 2022, episode of ‘The Narrative’ talk show with host Calistra Farrier on the VI and other current matters in the territory.
When asked about the state of politics in the VI, Hon Malone said, “Right now it's been clouded with this Commission of Inquiry because, at the end of the day, you will recall that after the events of April 28 [2022] within a five day [period], whether it's questionable or not, we were able to… form a coup, for lack of a better word.”
As such, he said the VI moved from a “Change of government elected by the people” to one selected, which resulted in a coalition government that came without the people ever going to the polls.
With the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Opposition, along with the people, against direct rule by the United Kingdom (UK), the Government and Opposition announced a unity government on May 4, 2022, with the hope of staving off UK direct rule over the findings of a Commission of Inquiry.
VIP Gov't, Opposition forms new Unit Government
The National Unity Government includes Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7); Junior Minister for Tourism, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6); Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Minister for Transportation, Utilities and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5).
Other members include the previous Opposition Leader as the new Minister for Health and Social Development in the person of Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8); Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL).
Dr Wheatley has said the elected political party members met and agreed to propose a national unity government to Governor John J. Rankin and said that different political parties would be represented in Cabinet as this would give the best political representation as a government that will be working closely with the governor and the United Kingdom on reforms.
Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) has reached out to Premier Dr Wheatley for his response to the formation of his Government of National Unity being described as a coup by Hon Malone; however, no response was received up to publication time.
The former Opposition Leader Hon Penn; however, has said the National Unity Government was only expected to last for 10 to 12 months ahead of the 2023 constitutionally due elections.
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28 Responses to “Unity Gov’t ‘selected’ as a result of a coup– Hon Carvin Malone”
You are the only one offering clarity and bring the facts! It’s unfortunate you were tarnished by your leadership for the last 3 years!
I can say in agreement it was a coup, orchestrated by our mutual antagonist in the west!
Some people want to cover up for the British but we know the truth and we know who helped them quell the anger of the people!
You are speaking like a child. You think the recommendation to suspend the constitution was a mere threat? The removal of the Fahie-led government was a certainty, one way or the other. It came down to a choice as to who would implement the COI recommendations - whether it be the proposed Unity government as a caretaker until the next elections, or the Governor as a dictator for years.
Grow up and use your head, not your emotions.
Mr Malone is correct, young leader moved unilaterally in a time when the people wanted to have a say!
The votes belong to the people, government is to work for the people!!!! Not be overridden by overly zealous politicians with desires of grandeur!
Long look please keep this man out!