Alliance Questionnaire Sparks Political Backlash
A questionnaire circulated last week by the Alliance, led by Hon. Marlon Walwyn, seeking further input on the Constitutional Review Report has drawn sharp criticism from residents, civil society and members of the House of Assembly. Critics say the move undermines the two-year consultation led by the Constitutional Review Commission and risks turning a national review into a partisan exercise.
The Alliance’s recent questionnaire asking for additional public input on the Constitutional Review Report has provoked widespread criticism in the British Virgin Islands, with opponents saying the approach risks politicising a process that many consider foundational to the Territory’s future.
Mather, said it wanted residents’ voices heard during the committee stage of the review. But residents and social media commentators told this newsroom — some on condition of anonymity — that the move insulted the extensive public consultation already carried out by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), which reportedly spent almost two years collecting views across the BVI and the US Virgin Islands.
Penn-Lettsome, chairperson of the CRC, described the Alliance initiative as "unusual," noting the commission conducted "extensive consultation" and provided private meetings for members of the public. She reminded that appointments of other CRC members expired on submission of the CRC Report and that the chair remains only until the review process is completed. "So, the review process is actually well-advanced and in its final stages," she said.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley defended the official process, telling Virgin Islands Voice that both the government and the CRC have led a transparent and accessible review rooted in residents’ views. The CRC’s report was laid before the House of Assembly (HoA) and debated last month; it now moves to a committee of the whole House where elected members will determine final recommendations for adoption.
Walwyn of using the questionnaire to shape outcomes and to galvanise support for personal political ambitions. Some say the wording of questions appears to push respondents toward predetermined answers and that calls to make committee hearings public do not align with current HoA Standing Orders.
Premier Wheatley reiterated that opening committee hearings to the public requires a formal amendment of Standing Orders. Penn warned during debate that the Territory must present a united negotiating team in London and speak with one voice when negotiating any changes. Many residents, civic leaders and other members of the HoA urged political actors to set aside personal aspirations and treat constitutional reform as a collective responsibility to the generations who built and will inherit the Territory.
The controversy highlights tensions between political manoeuvring and institutional process at a critical moment in the BVI’s constitutional review. Observers say preserving public trust in the process is essential if the Territory is to move forward collectively on any constitutional change.
Primary source: VINO