Despite two failed attempts, His Majesty's Loyal Opposition is not giving up on bringing a Vote of No Confidence Motion against the Premier and the Government of the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook

The House of Assembly was lacking a quorum late October 30, 2024, when Leader of the Opposition Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) was ready to read the Motion on the Vote of No Confidence against the sitting government. Photo: YouTube

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) can expect another Vote of No Confidence being brough against him and his government by the Opposition. Photo: YouTube

Addressing a joint press conference held on January 17, 2025, the member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition reaffirmed the intention to bring another Vote of No Confidence against the government, accusing Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) of manipulating the parliamentary process to avoid accountability.

The legislator labelled the Premier's actions as undemocratic and disrespectful to the legislature and the people of the Virgin Islands.

No backroom deal

Meanwhile Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), in outlining the Opposition's determination to pursue the motion—despite setbacks—reminded media operatives that “the introduction of the motion was already in process, and they (the government) walked out; The government walked out on their own House that they have the majority for,” referencing a previous failed attempt.

The first ‘Vote of No Confidence’ Motion brought by the Opposition in September 2024, failed since the Opposition did not follow proper procedure and it was taken off the Order Paper.

It was then placed on the Order Paper for the Twentieth Sitting of the First Session of the Firth House of Assembly (HoA) in October; however, it was after 11:00 PM on October 30, 2024, and at the time when Leader of the Opposition Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) was ready to read the motion the House was lacking a quorum.

It appeared that most Government Members had left the Chambers, along with the absence of Hon Marlon A Penn (R8) who was leaving for a Commonwealth Parliamentary Trip with other HoA Members to Australia.

Addressing allegations that the Premier had offered a backroom deal to delay the motion, Hon Skelton dismissed the suggestion. “He cannot do that based on the democratic process; The Speaker is in charge of the House.”

I have to try to flip the Member for the Third- Hon Skelton

The Speaker is in control of the House,” he reiterated, highlighting the three main parliamentary leadership branches—leader of government business, and Leader of the Opposition and Speaker, Hon Corine N. George-Massicote.

Hon Skelton used the occasion to also disclose a strategic plan to secure the motion's success, noting his efforts to gain support from government members, “If we do actually get to a vote, it is 7-6 in the Premier's favour; So I have to try to flip the Member for the Third [District, Hon Julian Fraser RA.]”

According to Hon Turnbull, “…the Opposition will bring back another Vote of No Confidence and we will continue to bring challenges to the government because even the 21 items listed in that motion in November, if not 99 percent of them, are still very relevant.”

According to the legislator, “The people of the territory are saying they are hurting, and hurting people hurt people; You have $100 million. You have almost a $500 million budget. What are your plans to address the needs of the people?”

Lack of respect?

Meanwhile, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) also criticised the Premier's leadership, accusing him of disregarding parliamentary norms. “The Premier has consistently shown a lack of respect for the legislative process.”

Detailing several such instances, Hon Walwyn pointed to the Premier’s alleged tardiness, procedural violations, and attempts to manipulate the parliamentary agenda.

“The Premier is late every single sitting of the House. The last Throne Speech, the Governor’s people were there, and he had the Governor waiting almost 40 minutes for him to arrive so the Governor could give the speech.”

According to the Sixth District Representative, “This is somebody who has absolutely no respect for his first call of duty; You were voted first to be a member of the House of Assembly, and that is where your power is derived from. To carry out your executive functions; This is not just about politics; it’s about ensuring that the people of the Virgin Islands get the governance they deserve.”