Oppositon members and members of the newly formed political Alliance Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), and Hon Stacy M. Mather (AL) on JTV's The Big Story on February 21, 2025. Photo: Facebook/JTV Channel 55

The Alliance members are now blaming the voters for not making good judgments when going to the polls and then allowing politicians to serve without accountability. Photo: VINO/File

De-facto leader of the Alliance, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), centre, and Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), right, were guests of The Morning Braff on Tola Radio on February 21, 2025. Left is host Floyd P. Burnett aka 'Heritage' Photo: Facebook

The Alliance members are now blaming the voters for not making good judgments when going to the polls and then allowing politicians to serve without accountability.

“Not because you are a good teacher means that you’ll be a good principal; Not because you are a good principal means that you’ll be a good education minister. Leadership and management judgment are what matter."

This, according to the de-facto leader of the Alliance, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), and Hon. Deputy Speaker Stacy R. Mather (AL), under scrutiny during a live interview on Tola Radio’s Morning Braff talk show, on February 21, 2025, hosted by Floyd P. Burnett, also known as Heritage.

On the issue of electing leaders based on their ability to effectively represent the people, rather than mere party loyalty, Hon Walwyn was adamant, "...people have to decide, do you want effective representation or do you just want to be part of party politics?"

‘Don’t walk away & let us make the same blunders’- Hon Turnbull

Hon Turnbull articulated the Alliance’s commitment to breaking the cycle of political stagnation by fostering greater accountability and citizen engagement telling the listening audience, “The people have said for eight years, across two election terms, that we need to get back together; We have waited and waited, and nothing was done. So, we three decided to get together and say, ‘This is what we're going to do—start the conversation and lead the charge.”

As such Hon Turnbull encouraged the public to take on a more active role in governance by holding leaders accountable.
"When you elect us to office, don’t walk away and let us make the same blunders; Hold our feet to the fire," he urged, emphasising that elected officials should be constantly engaged with the electorate, ensuring promises are kept and progress is tangible.

National Development Plan

Meanwhile, on the matter of a national development plan to ensure structured governance and long-term stability, Hon Turnbull reminded, "If you have a national development plan, then the issue becomes implementation, and you can judge based on that plan in terms of delivery at the end of the requisite period."

As such, according to his colleague legislator, Hon Walwyn, beyond party manifestos, a broader national strategy must be implemented.

“There has not been enough political education in the BVI; It’s not being done to educate the public on what is happening in the community, that is one of the things that the Alliance has said we are going to do."