Hon Walwyn accused of divisive politics over ‘indigenous’ label
An indigenous Virgin Islander is one who can trace at least three generations to being born in the Virgin Islands. In other words, one or both of your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents were born in the Virgin Islands.
Protect indigenous Virgin Islanders
The Constitution Review Report suggested that the word ‘indigenous’ in the Constitution be replaced with ancestral Virgin Islanders.
Mr Walwyn, in public statements, has dismissed the need to recognise indigenous Virgin Islanders, which has offended many residents, including members of the House of Assembly (HoA). He has sought to trivialise the voices of indigenous Virgin Islanders, saying that all they need is “economic empowerment” and other offensive statements like “being an ancestral Virgin Islanders you cannot take to the bank....what they need is jobs, and water when they get up in the mornings...”
One social media influencer noted that “I was able to take my land handed down from my grandfather to my father, then to me, to the bank to obtain a mortgage to build my home, so Myron is off the rail again”.
Many residents and talk show hosts strongly believe that certain positions in the Territory, including that of the Premier, should only be held by an indigenous Virgin Islander. Mr Walwyn has no ancestral ties to the Virgin Islands, as his father was born in Nevis and his mother in Antigua. He was born in the Virgin Islands (Tortola).
Walwyn stop it!
During the debate this week on the Constitutional Review Report many legislators, including Honourables, Sharie B. de Castro (AL), Marlon A. Penn (R8), Julian Fraser (R3), Karl Dawson (R1), Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) and Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D Wheatley (R7) all stated how proud they were of their heritage and had no apologies to make for being an ancestral Virgin Islander.
Hon Penn and Hon de Castro, both indigenous Virgin Islanders, said that “we are one people even if we are Virgin Islanders through different paths.” Both noted that this issue must not be used to divide us but bring us together, a shot at Mr. Walwyn, while avoiding calling his name.
While they did not name the Opposition Leader, they warned persons not to use this issue to divide us as the delegation is preparing to go to London to negotiate a new constitution. There are 10 indigenous Legislators out of 13 who can trace their roots to four generations of Virgin Islanders, some on one side, others on both.
Who was behind letter?
Meanwhile, there are quiet whispers about a letter and its authenticity written to members of the House of Assembly from allegedly a group of Virgin Islanders, ages 19 to 42. The letter, dated September 12, 2025, does not have the names of the persons penning the letter, but only their reported signatures. This means no full names and addresses can be reliably identified.
Some Social Media bloggers have accused Mr Walwyn of being the author of the letter, however our news centre cannot independently verify these claims.
The letter addressed to all 13 Members of the HoA and the Speaker raised concerns of qualifications for elected membership, particularly the exclusion created by section 65 (2)(b) of the constitution. No young persons have come forward to defend the letter or identify the twenty six signatures affix to the correspondence or verified who they are.
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29 Responses to “Hon Walwyn accused of divisive politics over ‘indigenous’ label”
Persons who were born, are belongers here & are here all their lives aren’t necessarily “Virgin Islanders”. Those qualifications aren’t necessarily good enough. We have to look back at where their ancestors are from!
What country on earth treats its people like that? What “common good”can this promote? Can the territory demonstrate some maturity, and move on?
It is imperative that we establish our own benchmarks for conformity. While we have historically permitted various groups to reside in and utilise our natural resources, it is now essential that we enact legislation that acknowledges our unique identity, affirms our autonomy, and imposes necessary restrictions on access to our natural resources.
We acknowledge the regrettable history of forced displacement that many Africans have experienced, resulting in the diaspora of our people across the globe. Nevertheless, we are resolute in asserting our claim to our new homes—territories where our ancestors endured significant suffering and loss. Guided by 'God Almighty', we have been the stewards and architects of prosperity in these lands.
Furthermore, we are committed to conducting this process independently and without external influence, particularly from those within our community who may not share our deep-rooted connection to our ancestral lineage. It is crucial that we prevent any negative commentary that stems from a misunderstanding of our identity and rights, particularly those who may view themselves as entitled to destructive opinions, based on a Western interpretation of belongership.
In return, we pledge to respect the rights of those individuals who, in their respective Caribbean and global ancestral territories, wish to exercise their rights in a manner that honours their own heritage, preserves their national resources, and promotes effective governance—regardless of whether they were born in the Virgin Islands.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we navigate this important journey towards self-determination and resource management.
Just like a Permanent Resident vs A born or Naturalized American it has its limitations.
Moreover, in an approximate population of 40,000 , ancestral Virgin Islanders find themselves in the minority in their homeland, resulting in increasing social friction. Other countries protect, preserve, reserve, etc, certain rights, privileges, entitlements, etc., for their citizens, so why can’t the VI, including identifying themselves as either indigenous or ancestral Virgin Islanders.
Further, I don’t have no dog in this skirmish, though I can peek back multiple generations. Nonetheless, inarguably, Virgin Islanders need economic empowerment, employment, first world infrastructure, social services, diversified economy, etc. Nevertheless, they also need quiet, enjoyment,,etc. The alleged comment that one could not take ancestral to the bank was interesting. By the way, any special rights, privileges, entitlements, etc., for ancestral Virgin Islanders don’t deprive other residents of the rule of law, democracy, access to social services, etc.
Similarly, I suppose during apartheid in South Africa no one was deprived of the rights that were conferred on them either. Unequal rights, of course!
rule of law, democratic practices, etc . Both situations are like Apple and oranges.
Immigrating to /emigrating from, residing in the Virgin Islands ( British) is privilege, not a right. A small locale like Virgin Islands (VI) cannot exercise the same liberal immigration policies as big developed countries, ie, US, Canada, USA, Jamaica, Guyana, Australia, South Africa, China, Dominica, Antigua, etc. Nuff respect for Virgin Islanders to make their own policies, not violating basic human rights. Other regional countries which are bigger have the same attitude and behavior towards immigrants. Is it not ironic that back in time, the big islands didn’t want people from small islands immigrating to their countries, for they were parasites. Now, the tide has turn. Ain’t karma a b!+ch. Be aware of the people you passed on the way up the ladder, for they will be there on the way down when you fall.
The BVI will never move forward whilst tied up in the who's from where, surname nonsense.
Tainos, Arawaks, Kalinagos are the true indigenous of these lands we called Virgin Islands for their names of each islands was erased by the Europeans. But they would not wanna go deep into the truth of ancestral cause they will not fit into indigenous .