Alliance playing hardball! Attempts to block HoA sitting
The sitting commenced with Opposition Members Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), immediately leading an aggressive challenge against the entire proceedings, arguing that the government had failed to adhere to the mandated 10-day notice period.
The Opposition Members claimed this procedural lapse rendered the session—and all legislation under consideration—invalid. Notably, the duo are part of the trio of Opposition Members of the House that recently confirmed the formation of the Alliance.
After a number of recesses, and even the Speaker ruling that the Sitting would have to be suspended, a consensus was reached after the Opposition Leader was called into the fray.
Procedural Objections
Hon Turnbull, citing Standing Order 8-1-D, told Speaker, Hon Corine N. George-Massicote, “We received notice for this sitting on the 31st of January 2025. By my calculations, that is either seven or eight days' notice, which is a clear violation of the Standing Orders."
Hon Walwyn, backing his colleague, meticulously dissected the interpretation of "clear days" in parliamentary procedure, and argued, "If the summons came to us on the 31st and you followed the Standing Orders as we should, then Saturdays and Sundays should not have been included, meaning this notice period stands at eight days. There is no curative measure in the Standing Orders for this situation. As we say in law, it is point ab initio—from the beginning. The procedure was not followed, and thus, this sitting should not be happening today."
The Opposition Member referenced a prior ruling by the Speaker, where she had invalidated a motion [No Confidence] due to procedural technicalities as they argued that consistency demanded the same treatment be applied in this case.
Unhelpful set of Members
Responding to the allegations, Premier Wheatley launched a vehement defence, portraying the Opposition as obstructive to national interests telling members bluntly, "I have never before in my life witnessed such an unhelpful set of members in this Honourable House as it pertains to financial services matters. We have a Mutual Evaluation Report; The post-observation period finishes on February 21st. The lifeblood of our financial services industry depends on us being united, and yet, here we are again, dividing the House on national issues."
The Premier further justified the urgency of the sitting, revealing that he was scheduled to travel to Asia on February 14, 2025, to address crucial financial services matters and warned that any delay in passing key legislation could have dire consequences for the VI's financial sector.
According to Dr Wheatley, "If we abide by what the Alliance says, our financial services industry will go down the drain. Any matter in the Standing Orders can be suspended by motion; You, Madam Speaker, preside over this House, and where the Standing Orders are silent, you have the authority to act."
He, as such, stressed that previous sittings had proceeded without formal notice and argued that invalidating this session would set a dangerous precedent pointing out that, “...the only reason we are calling this sitting is because of the Mutual Evaluation Report; I’m travelling in the next few days to secure progress on this matter. What is the motivation behind frustrating the government’s ability to do the work of the people of the Virgin Islands?"
Past precedents
In a measured response, maintaining order and decorum during an otherwise raucous opening to the session, Speaker George-Massicote acknowledged the Opposition’s concerns but reminded the House that past special sittings had often been preceded by agreement between the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition.
"Yes, we have had sittings where adequate notice was not given, but most times, that was by agreement. Convention has played a role in ensuring the business of the House proceeds."
She also cited Standing Order 91, which allows her to reference the House of Commons' practices in cases where the VI’s Standing Orders are silent.
"While the Standing Orders do not explicitly provide for emergency meetings, I have previously applied the practice of the House of Commons in allowing such sittings to proceed."
As such, she decided on a recess to deliberate further before making a ruling.
Opposition rejects Premier’s justification
Hon Walwyn, however, was unconvinced, accusing the Premier of misleading the public, complaining to the Speaker, "The Premier is giving the public the impression that members are trying to stymie the progress of the country, which is false.”
According to Hon Walwyn, “Justice must not only be done, but it must be seen to be done. The Member for the Second should be given an opportunity to challenge the Premier’s claims."
The Speaker denied the request, citing Standing Order 37, which limits members' rights to respond during such deliberations but as tensions mounted, Hon Walwyn insisted, "The Premier raised new matters that were not discussed in the original exchange. The member for the Second must have the right to reply. This is about fairness and transparency."
Despite the Opposition Member's persistent objections, the Speaker called for order and upheld her decision to deliberate before making a ruling.
Speaker rules to suspend HoA sitting
Speaker George-Massicote, on returning, agreed there was inadequate notice for the HoA to meet but said the Standing Order didn’t say whether the sitting should be adjourned or suspended.
She surprisingly; however, announced that her decision was to “suspend or recess to a later date.”
Premier Wheatley reminded about the post-observation period for the Mutual Evaluation Report and his date of travel to Asia. “In essence, what we are saying is that we would not be able to do what we are supposed to do at the end of the observation period. He said since the Speaker noted she didn’t get the consensus of the Opposition he was craving “the indulgence of the Opposition Leader on a very important matter of financial services”.
Consensus reached
Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) replied that it was true that “the Premier and I” had a conversation.
“To me there was sufficient date when I counted, taking out Saturdays and Sundays. I don’t know what happened in between there."
The Speaker then called for a recess after which Hon Skelton announced that a consensus had been reached.
“It was agreed that there would only be a first reading of bills and that the Order Paper would be reordered and it’s either we do it this way, Madam Speaker, or we adjourn it until we satisfy the requirements of notice.
“We have agreed that the first reading of the financial services matter will be done today and then on Thursday we come back for questions and the statements will be done after the questions.”
The Speaker then asked Hon Skelton if he was speaking for all the Opposition Members. “Well, yes, if I am not speaking for anyone please stand up.” After no one stood, Hon Skelton said with a smile: “I think I am speaking for all.”
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20 Responses to “Alliance playing hardball! Attempts to block HoA sitting”
if the sitting had anything to do with a raise for members of the house all would have gone smoothly
The gentleman for #2 needs to make up his mind one minute homeboy on the river one minute mr man on the bank
Okay
one minute NDP
next minute PVIM
Now M.M.M(myron|Mitch|Mitter
Our people have no future with this type of joke politics: We require serious Men & Women in the House of Assembly
Mitch and Myron what wrong with ayo.
The Mutual Evacuation Report is very vital to our country and all you guys can think about is showing yourselves?
Come On Man!! Ayo losing respect!!!
The Premier must have known that this is something that had to be done so why was it not done in the proper time. Stop blaming the members of the opposition as they are correct in their actions . It makes me sad to see this kind of thing happening as it could have been avoided