The Opposition has always been harping about a Vote of No Confidence against the sitting government; however, it seems its is the one that should be facing a Vote of No Confidence. Photo: Facebook/File

The latest episode of Opposition chaos comes in the form of a glaring coup spearheaded by Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), Deputy Speaker Honourable Stacy R. Mather (AL), and Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), who have declared themselves an 'alliance'. Photo: Facebook

They were supposed to be the most formidable Opposition in Virgin Islands history, a united force standing against the government, ready to hold the administration accountable and fight for the people. Instead, they have become a house of cards—weak, chaotic, and consumed by egos and personal ambitions. Photo: YouTube

The Opposition in the Virgin Islands, despite initially holding a majority in the House following the 2023 General Elections, has been nothing short of a disaster, proving incapable of even executing the most basic parliamentary function—filing a Motion of No Confidence. Now, with reports of palace coups, backstabbing, and internal betrayals, the real question is: Should it be the Government facing a vote of no confidence, or the Opposition itself?

Masterclass Dysfunction

From the outset, the Opposition- comprising the National Democratic Party, the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), and Progressives United (PU)- was poised to be a force to be reckoned with. Seven seats to the Virgin Islands Party's six should have made them a dominant political force. But what did they do with that power? Squandered it!

Firstly, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (NDP) crossed the floor to help form the government with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). 

Secondly, the Opposition botched their attempt to file a motion of no confidence—an embarrassing display of incompetence. Then, when things got tough, they didn’t fight. They didn’t strategise. They walked out of the House in protest, abandoning their post like petulant schoolchildren (granted, the government has done the same before).

Hon Smith, who has now declared herself an Independent, was subsequently fired from the government; however, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) of Progressives United crossed over to help the government maintain power. 

And now, in the most damning display of political self-destruction, they are turning on each other.

Palace Coup with No Crown in Sight

The latest episode of Opposition chaos comes in the form of a glaring coup spearheaded by Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), Deputy Speaker Honourable Stacy R. Mather (AL), and Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), who have declared themselves an “alliance.” Many in the public; however, are calling it a desperate power grab.

The problem? They don’t even have the backing of their own party leaders. Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, (AL- PVIM), Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R6-NDP), and Honourable Lorna G. Smith (AL- Independent) were noticeably absent when this so-called alliance was announced. If this was meant to be a show of strength, it failed spectacularly.

Hon Walwyn insists this move is about unity and that "the alliance is born out of what we've heard from the people; The people of the country did their utmost. They supported the Opposition and not the Virgin Islands Party. They did their part, and we didn’t do ours because we were divided."

Yet, as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. How does one preach unity while simultaneously staging a coup?
Hon Turnbull, trying to spin the chaos into something noble, remarked, "A house divided amongst itself cannot stand." He is right—this house is crumbling, and they are the ones swinging the sledgehammers.

Public Accounts Committee: MIA

Meanwhile, as Opposition members fight among themselves for control, critical work remains undone. The Public Accounts Committee—one of the most important parliamentary bodies responsible for scrutinising government spending—is reportedly yet to meet.

The Opposition was elected to serve as a check and balance, to demand transparency, to hold the government accountable. Instead, they have become consumed with their own infighting, rendering themselves useless to the people they swore to represent.

2 Failed Coups, Zero Leadership

If the failed alliance wasn’t proof enough of the Opposition’s dysfunction, reports indicate there have already been two separate attempts to oust the Opposition Leader, but neither succeeded because—surprise—no one could agree on who should take over.

Think about that. Even when they agree that they want to remove their own leader, they can’t agree on who should replace him. It is the ultimate testament to their disarray.

With their repeated failures, lack of unity, and blatant disregard for their duty, the Opposition has become a national embarrassment. They were given the numbers, the power, and the mandate to challenge the government—and they have squandered it all.

Maybe it’s time the people ask: Does this Opposition even deserve to exist in its current form? If anyone should be facing a vote of no confidence, it’s them.