Opposition walks out as Premier objects to No Confidence Motion on Order Paper
The Opposition came to the Nineteenth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands, this morning, September 3, 2024, “salivating” at the opportunity to get their first Motion of No Confidence against Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) rolling; however, they were left disappointed to the point of walking out of the House of Assembly.
The first disappointment for the Opposition came when Premier Wheatley made a motion for the resolution brought by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), to be placed under Private Members Business rather than on Public Business/Government Business.
This would mean that the motion would be addressed in a delayed manner since Government Business would be given priority.
The Opposition, namely Hons Skelton, and Julian Fraser RA (R3) challenged the motion presented by Premier Wheatley.
The Premier is in order- Speaker rules
After two recesses, Speaker Hon Corine M. George-Massicote ruled that the Premier’s challenge was in order and that the motion would be placed under Private Members Business.
That was not the end for the Opposition; however, as the Premier then challenged the Opposition Leader’s resolution being included on the Order Paper, since notice was not given to the clerk seven days prior and he was only made aware of the motion yesterday, September 2, 2024.
The Premier said he was objecting to the motion on the grounds that correct procedure was not followed under Standing Order 23, and that the resolution could be brought at a subsequent sitting, once the proper procedure is followed.
Hon Skelton accused the Premier of being unfair and using the Standing Orders to suit himself and government.
Hon Walwyn said for the past 3 months the Opposition has been accommodating to the government, including the Premier, to introduce bills that were “last minute” and not on the Order Paper.
Opposition walks out
The Members of the Government, rising in support of Hon Wheatley, made it clear they respect that the Opposition has a right to bring a Motion of No Confidence; however, proper procedure must be followed. Regarding bills brought at late notice, they also stated that the right procedures were followed and that the Opposition was not granting any favours as they have an obligation to work in the best interest of the territory.
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) even made reference to the case where former legislator Mark H. Vanterpool did not initially follow proper procedure when he attempted to resign in April 2019 and then subsequently changed his mind. The resignation was accepted by the Speaker; however, the court ruled that the resignation was invalid since it was not given to the Clerk of the House of Assembly.
The Speaker was about to give her decision on the matter when the Members of the Opposition walked out. This move left the HoA wanting of a quorum; however, Hon Fraser subsequently returned to the House.
After Hon Wheatley was allowed to wrap up his Point of Order, the Speaker called for a recess after which she is expected to give her ruling.
More details to follow.
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29 Responses to “Opposition walks out as Premier objects to No Confidence Motion on Order Paper”
VIP must go now!
Memory serves me right, there was an agreement between Ronnie and Julian to form the government should they win. On election night the got that opportunity but blows arguing over leadership. To all opposition members, you had your opportunity and blow it so go sit down.
Horrible
May I add, that those people on the opposite just got paid for the day , and did nothing, silt, nada, . I pray this country will have visionary leaders who depend on God and not their selves. Silliness!