Walwyn pledges active PAC meetings and special committees

Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has pledged to revitalize the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the parliamentary body tasked with overseeing government spending and ensuring fiscal accountability.

While the frequency of PAC meetings under Walwyn’s predecessor, Ronnie Skelton, remains unclear, Walwyn has committed to making the committee more active.

“During my tenure as Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, I am stating emphatically that we can expect a far more active Public Accounts Committee in the coming weeks to ensure accountability and transparency,” Walwyn declared during his first public address in the role on Thursday, March 27.

Plans to probe NHI and water woes

According to Walwyn, the PAC is just one among other parliamentary committees he plans to strengthen. He announced his intention to establish Special Select Committees, a provision allowed under the House of Assembly’s Standing Orders. These temporary committees are designed to investigate urgent matters requiring in-depth scrutiny.

“It is also my intention to work along with the other Leaders in the House of Assembly to form Special Select Committees to examine key public concerns, such as National Health Insurance and other healthcare issues, the current assistance grant programme under the Social Development Department, and the lack of a reliable supply of potable water, to name a few,” Walwyn stated.

He further explained that these committees, upon completing their investigations and gathering evidence, will compile reports with recommendations for improvement. “I see this as an important instrument in enhancing the delivery of service to the people of the Virgin Islands,” he added.

Walwyn was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition on Monday, backed by political allies Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull and Stacy Mather, both members of the Ronnie Skelton-led Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM). Within 24 hours of being unseated as Opposition Leader, Skelton dissolved PVIM and rejoined the National Democratic Party (NDP) under Marlon Penn’s leadership.

Walwyn is also an NDP member.