Opposition alliance rejects ‘betrayal’ accusations from critics

Territorial At-Large Representative Stacey ‘Buddha’ Mather

Members of the newly formed opposition Alliance have denied accusations of betrayal, stating that their actions were driven by duty to the public rather than party politics.

Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy Mather addressed claims that he and others betrayed their political party, the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), when they joined the Alliance.

The criticisms came after PVIM chairman Ronnie Skelton announced a merger with the National Democratic Party (NDP) without the support of all PVIM members.

“I do not walk into the House of Assembly thinking about party politics. I think about the people, and I think about the country,” Mather stated.

He said the Alliance formed because of delays and lack of communication from party leaders, despite plans to discuss the merger internally. Mather confirmed he had not resigned from PVIM but said the party’s direction had changed without proper discussion among members.

“It was a directive and a decision made by the chairman,” Mather asserted.

He added that he expressed concerns about the leadership of the parliamentary opposition and wanted the party to become more active and effective.

“I have expressed to him in PVIM meetings that I think that we need to do more as a political unit,” he explained.

Mather also rejected the label of betrayal.

“To say that I have betrayed someone, no, I haven’t,” he declared. “My relationship with Honourable Skelton, though it may be fragmented… I respect him as a person.”

The alliance includes Mather, Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, and Myron Walwyn, who now serves as Leader of the Opposition. The Alliance says its members will focus on making the opposition more effective in holding the government accountable.

“We are making the necessary steps to represent their needs and go forward,” Turnbull said while referencing residents’ demands for a more visible and united opposition.

The alliance members said their goal is to improve legislative oversight, strengthen the Public Accounts Committee, and possibly introduce Special Select Committees to investigate pressing issues like healthcare, water, and public grants.

“We understand that there is strength in unity… and that’s what we’re trying to portray to the people of the Virgin Islands,” Turnbull said.

The alliance has not yet confirmed if it will become a formal political party ahead of the 2027 general election.