Lawmakers have pushed back against proposals to introduce term limits for the office of Premier, arguing that the small size of the territory and the principles of democracy make such restrictions unnecessary.
The Constitutional Review Commission had recommended that the issue of term limits be considered, noting that over 90 countries have imposed such limits on their heads of government, particularly in presidential systems like the United States.
The Cayman Islands, for example, restricts premiers to two consecutive terms. But several members of the House of Assembly said the measure would do more harm than good in the Virgin Islands. Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn rejected the proposal outright.
“In a very small population like we have in Virgin Islands, some of these things, as good as they may sound, don’t always work for us,” Walwyn argued. He warned that forcing leaders out could undermine stability. “Term limits may incentivise politicians to focus on short-term planning,’ Walwyn explained.
“You may very well decide I’m going to retire after those two years and so you have a sitting duck, a lame duck premier for the rest of his term.” Walwyn further stressed that voters already have the final say. “If the people want somebody out of the premiership, they could get him out,” he said.
Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith also opposed the recommendation. “The recommendation to limit the term limit of premiers is not in my support. I agree that the small pool of eligible candidates poses a problem with this concept,” Hodge-Smith argued.
Opposition member Stacy ‘Buddha’ Mather suggested that the matter could be put directly to the public.
“Put it to a referendum. Put it in 2027 and ask the population what they think,” Mather urged.
Education Minister Sharie deCastro argued that the territory’s systems function well and was also opposed to the suggestion of term limits. “I personally do not believe in term limits. I believe our system works. I believe that we must execute on our mandate, and the people must test us and judge us and mark us accordingly,” deCastro urged.
The commission argued that term limits could prevent complacency and entrenchment of power. But legislators maintained that accountability already lies with the electorate.
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