Members of the Opposition, including its leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), in photo, have expressed shock and disappointment over the government’s actions which resulted in the failing of their attempt to yet again bring a motion of no confidence against Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D Wheatley (R7) in the House of Assembly on October 30, 2024. Photo: YouTube

Members of the government, except Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M Rymer (R2), walked out of the House of Assembly chambers on October 30, 2024, leaving the House without a quorum for the Opposition’s motion of no confidence to be read. Photo: YouTube

A press release from the Opposition on October 31, 2024, said the move by the government to leave the HoA chambers “prevented the debate and vote on a Motion of no Confidence, which was scheduled as the next item on the Order Paper at the Twentieth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on 30th October 2024’, therefore sidelining the motion."

The Opposition Leader was called to read the motion in the house sometime after 11:00 PM.

All but one government member walked out of HoA

According to the press release, the events unfolded when Speaker of the HoA Corine N. George-Massicote called for the motion to proceed; however, except for Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M Rymer (R2), all government members left the chamber, which resulted in the House lacking a quorum.

Also absent was Hon Marlon A Penn (R8), who was preparing to leave for a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association trip with other HoA Members to Australia. The Speaker had no choice but to adjourn the session.

“Given that we do not have a quorum of seven members present, I have no other choice but to adjourn this House,” the Speaker said after counting the members present.

“I am frankly astonished at the disregard shown for the House of Assembly and its procedures by the Government side. The Premier’s lack of maturity and respect in this matter leads me to question his commitment to our Democratic Institutions and to good Governance in the Territory,” Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W Skelton (AL) said.

The Motion of No Confidence against Premier Wheatley alleges several reasons, from lack of fiscal responsibility to neglect of key sectors.

According to Hon Skelton, the motion highlighted significant leadership failings and that the Premier’s “refusal” to face that motion in the House reinforces his view that Premier Wheatley is “not fit to lead the Virgin Islands”.

Government unity in question

Hon Skelton also questioned the unity in the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). He noted that the motion could have been defeated by a majority of government members in attendance.

He therefore suggested the walkout was a tactic to avoid a potentially divisive role.

The press release added that the opposition calls for a “greater accountability and commitment to Democratic Principles, urging the Government to demonstrate transparency and uphold the integrity of the House of Assembly”.

The Opposition too has been guilty of walking out of the HoA on more than one occasion and may have even been the reason the Vote of No Confidence motion was about to be addressed so late on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

With the Sitting of Tuesday, October 29, 2024, after the Supplementary Additional Provision (SAP) was passed, the Opposition, with the exception of Hon Melvin M Turnbull (R2), had left the Chambers. This resulted in the SAP debate being put off until late October 30, 2024, by the Speaker even though all government members were present and there was a quorum.

It is unclear when the motion will be heard, as a new Sitting will start on November 11, 2024, when the Budget Address will be delivered.