Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) has Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) of using offensive and insulting language towards three Opposition members during an informal sitting of the House of Assembly. Photo: Youtube

The matter was raised during the continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Photo: Facebook

Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) said he was 'terribly embarrassed' that the Opposition brought an in-camera matter to the public domain. Photo: YouTube

Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull asked Speaker Corrie George-Massicote to determine whether the matter engaged parliamentary privilege, the Standing Orders, or other parliamentary procedures, and whether an apology to the three affected members was warranted. Photo: Facebook

The matter was raised during the continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Hon Turnbull seeks apology

Hon Turnbull told the House that during an informal sit-in on Thursday, October 15, the Premier referred to the conduct of Opposition members using language including “fri**ing bull crap,” “ fri**ing stupidness” and “fri**ing crap.” He said the Premier also accused members of holding up progress and grandstanding.

Although the remarks were made during an informal sitting, Hon Turnbull argued that they raised an urgent concern about the respect and dignity owed to elected representatives in the performance of their parliamentary duties.

“I rise on this point of privilege concerning remarks made by the Honourable Premier towards three members of the Opposition, including myself,” Hon Turnbull said.

He asked Speaker Hon Corrie N. George-Massicote to determine whether the matter engaged parliamentary privilege, the Standing Orders, or other parliamentary procedures, and whether an apology to the three affected members was warranted.

Premier says matter is ‘much to do about nothing’

Premier Wheatley responded that the House is governed by the Standing Orders and that, at most, the incident could be considered a breach of order during an informal meeting.

He cited Standing Order 46(2), which provides that a member whose conduct is grossly disorderly may be ordered to withdraw from the House for the remainder of that day’s sitting. 

The Premier said the Speaker had already acted appropriately by asking members to withdraw when the exchange became heated, before the informal meeting resumed. 

“I was incensed by the behaviour of the Opposition members,” the Premier said. “I have never, in my life, witnessed Opposition seeking to bargain with financial services legislation for the ability to ask questions.”

Wheatley argued that Hon Turnbull had placed selected remarks into the public domain without the full context of the exchange. 

He maintained that the incident did not amount to a breach of parliamentary privilege.

“At the most, it was a breach of order of an informal meeting, and nothing more,” he said. “This is much to do about nothing.”

Standards & accountability

Hon Turnbull also referenced the Parliamentary Commission for Standards Act 2024, saying it recognises the importance of promoting and safeguarding high standards of conduct among members. 

He acknowledged that the Act excludes certain conduct occurring within the Chamber from the Commission’s jurisdiction, but said the standards and obligations under the applicable code of conduct remained relevant.

He further urged consistent application of parliamentary standards, recalling that he had previously been asked to provide a formal written apology after telling the Minister for Education to “go sit down.”

“The same principles of respect and accountability should apply fairly to every member, regardless of the office or political affiliation,” Turnbull said.

Speaker’s view

George-Massicote said she could not officially sanction the Premier’s behaviour but indicated that an apology was needed.

Hon Turnbull said the issue was not whether members may disagree vigorously, which he acknowledged happens often, but whether disagreement should come at the expense of respect for fellow elected representatives.

“The dignity of this honourable House rests not only with respect for the Speaker, but also with respect to serve the people of the Virgin Islands,” he said.

Premier Wheatley has apologised to the Speaker but stopped short of giving the Opposition the satisfaction of an apology.

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) said he was "terribly embarrassed" that the Opposition brought an in-camera matter to the public domain. "Think about what we are doing to ourselves," Hon Fraser said.

Speaker George-Massicote agreed with Hon Fraser and had earlier cautioned legislators against making it a habit of bringing in-camera matters to HoA Sittings. "It's unfortunate that it has happened twice," Speaker George-Massicote lamented.