For the first time under Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn, the opposition has renewed its attempts to topple Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley’s government through a no-confidence vote.
The vote Mr. Walwyn requested is scheduled to come near the end of the House of Assembly sitting that began on Tuesday and is scheduled to continue at 1 p.m. today.
His motion cites numerous grievances, including the “deplorable conditions” of roads, sewerage, and other infrastructure; underfunding of education and public health sectors; the “underestimation of the salary increases to public officials by approximately $20 million,” and others.
Past attempts
The opposition began its attempts for a no-confidence vote last September under then-leader Ronnie Skelton (R-at large), but the effort has faced multiple delays.
The September attempt flopped due to a parliamentary technicality, and attempts in October ran out of HOA time.
Meanwhile, opposition members accused Mr. Wheatley of attempting to block the vote by packing the HOA’s agenda — a claim the premier denied.
Mr. Wheatley also insisted at the time he would be robust in his response to a no-confidence debate.
“I’m ready for them: I’m ready right now,” he said last October. “We have a financial services industry to protect and support, and we don’t have time for the nonsense.”
In January, opposition members held a press conference where they stated that they would be ramping up efforts to force the vote.
And now, with the motion back on the agenda, the long-delayed vote is in sight and could come as soon as today.
Weakened opposition
But recent developments in the HOA have weakened the opposition and shored up the government’s majority.
In March, At-large Representative Lorna Smith — who had been serving on the opposition since she was fired from the deputy premiership last October amid controversy surrounding the confidence motion — rejoined the government as a junior minister, giving it an eight-to-five majority in the House.
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Walwyn rallied the support of his two “Alliance” partners — Mitch Turnbull (R-D2) and Stacy Mather (R-at large) — to replace Mr. Skelton as leader of the diminished opposition.
The new set-up means a unanimous opposition would now need at least two members of government to vote on its side to pass a no-confidence motion.
The HOA still has several matters to address before it reaches the confidence vote.
Tuesday meeting
The Tuesday meeting began with statements from ministers.
The premier gave statements regarding the second annual Overseas Territory Day, the government’s annual financial performance up to April 2025, economic strategies, the minimum wage increase and international affairs.
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer provided updates on water management and supply as well as initiatives by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley’s statements touched on an enhanced country poverty assessment, the derelict vehicles programme, the BVI Health Service Authority strategic plan that is in the works, public assistance reforms, Senior Citizens Month, the national health agenda, and dialysis treatment.
Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sharie de Castro gave statements about developments at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, her ministry’s approach to addressing student misbehaviour, and a “meet the minister” initiative.
Questions and answers
House members then gave notices of motions and the premier and Ms. de Castro laid documents on the table.
Then the question-and-answer portion of the meeting began.
Opposition members are scheduled to ask ministers more than 100 questions, and Mr. Walwyn kicked off the session with 22 of his own. Most were directed to the premier.
Mr. Walwyn, for instance, asked for updates on the government’s $100 million bank loan, details on government expenditure and revenue, ways the government plans to address the rising cost of living, and more.
Roads, water, school
He then went on to ask Mr. Rymer (R-D5) about roads, water and electricity before moving on to ask Ms. de Castro (R-at large) for an update on the Belle Vue sporting facility and projects for Elmore Stoutt High School.
After Mr. Walwyn finished his questions, the House recessed.
It is set to resume today beginning with Mr. Skelton’s questions for the premier.
Opposition members Marlon Penn (R-D8) and Messrs. Turnbull and Mather are scheduled to ask their questions after that.
Bills on the agenda
Also on the agenda are second and third readings for four bills: the Labour Code (Validation of Labour Inspections) Bill, 2025; the Miscellaneous Amendments (SIGTAS) (Validation) Bill, 2025; the Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
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