The British Virgin Islands House of Assembly witnessed a surprise turn of events on Wednesday night as Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley’s administration staged a walkout, effectively postponing a scheduled vote on the Motion of No-Confidence brought forward by the Opposition.
The move left the House without a quorum, delaying the vote until November 11.
The walkout occurred following a session in which the government passed a resolution to form a new Committee on Standards. The resolution, presented by Minister for Communication and Works Hon. Kye Rymer, was debated solely by Premier Wheatley before it passed. Following a recess that lasted over 15 minutes, the government’s side of the House was notably empty.
Despite the absence, Opposition Leader Hon. Ronnie Skelton began delivering the No-Confidence Motion, but he was interrupted by Minister Rymer, who had re-entered the House, informing Speaker Hon. Corine George-Massicote that a quorum was not met. This was due to the presence of only six members, just shy of the seven required for a quorum.
The absence of government members, as well as Opposition Legislator Hon. Marlon Penn, who was not in attendance for the day’s proceedings, led Speaker George-Massicote to adjourn the matter until the next sitting.
The No-Confidence Motion criticizes Premier Wheatley’s leadership since his administration was established in April 2023, citing what the Opposition describes as an economic downturn and declining quality of life in the Virgin Islands. The motion also calls out a perceived “lack of public confidence” in the premier’s governance, attributing it to what the Opposition considers several missteps and failures.
This adjournment now sets the stage for the November 11 session, where the government and Opposition are likely to debate the motion amidst heightened political tension in the territory.