Joining both Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie and Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI), His Excellency Augustus J. U. Jaspert in the calls against stigmatising COVID-19 victims, former legislator Myron V. Walwyn is urging the Virgin Islands community to desist from the act and instead pray for victims.
"Contracting COVID-19 is not a criminal offence and it should never be treated as such. We are all in this together fighting an invisible enemy that any of us could inadvertently contract," he told his Facebook followers last week April 17, 2020.

Virus does not discriminate - Walwyn

Walwyn, who was booted out of office at the February 2019 polls, has since called politics a jealous lover and continues to be vocal regarding matters affecting the Virgin Islands community.

"Let’s not demonise the persons who contract this. Let us hold them up in prayer and wish them a speedy recovery because none of us is safe until this virus is contained," he said.

"COVID 19 does not discriminate. It cares not about race, nationality, colour, creed or class. It is the enemy of all mankind," a now humble Walwyn said.

Discrimination

After it was announced that a Filipino woman had tested positive for COVID-19 on April 17, 2020, some persons used social media to make speculations and hurl abuses at the victim and the Filipino community.

Premier Fahie was quick to admonish the community against stigmatising persons.

"We cannot bad talk the Filipino them because one of them tested positive, we have to stop this as a nation. They are human beings no matter what happened with it, no matter how it went down, that's not what God wants for this country," Hon Fahie had said during the Seventh Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HOA) at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duffs Bottom, Tortola on April 17, 2020.

Sector-specific COVID-19 protocols

Meanwhile, Mr Walwyn, citing mistrust in the business community's ability to handle an influx of customers, had previously called for sector-specific protocols imposed by the government when the VI eventually lifts its curfew.

He was under investigation for an alleged corrupt $1.6M wall project commissioned for the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) during his tenure as Education Minister; however, that file is now with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Territory awaits word on whether there is sufficient evidence for criminal prosecution.

On the Wednesday, March 18, 2020, edition of 'Real Talk' with Karia J. Christopher, Mr Walwyn defended against the corruption allegations, telling the host, "‘I know to myself that I have been honest in all my dealing since I have been in office. I haven’t lost sleep one night over that."

According to political pundits, the former legislator remains one of the most controversial politicians in the history of the Territory; however, his recent ramblings online have led some to believe that Mr Walwyn is desperately trying to re-win the hearts of Virgin Islanders.