It was following the arrest of former Premier Andrew Fahie earlier this year, that Malone was removed as Health Minister before opting to cross the political aisle to become an Opposition member in the House of Assembly (HOA).

Following that turn of events, Malone alleged in an interview that the government came into being after what he termed as a coup.

The former Cabinet member was then chastised for his claims by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, who insisted that no such thing had occurred, and that the claims were “highly irresponsible”, especially coming from an elected official.

“I was highly disappointed recently to hear persons on the airwaves just last week saying that the current reform process is the product of a coup here in the Virgin Islands that brought the Government of National Unity to power. This is blatantly false and spreading such a falsehood is completely irresponsible and self-serving,” the Premier stated at the time.

But while appearing in a recent JTV News interview, Malone argued that the Commission of Inquiry [COI] recommendations framework agreement was a rushed process orchestrated by the Governor’s Office and suggested the government was formed outside of the constitutional process.

“This one is where, on the 28th [April], the event (Premier Fahie’s arrest), on the 29th [April], the [COI] recommendations, and by 5th May, a new government [formed] outside of the constitutional process,” Malone said. “I may add, a coup I may say – but at the end of the day we are here, we are here, and they have an un-codified constitution or un-codified set of laws in the British system.”

Premier Wheatley previously contended that following the arrest of former Premier Andrew Fahie – the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) met and elected him (Dr Wheatley) as Chairman of the party. Dr Wheatley said elected officials then confirmed in writing that they supported him leading as a Premier of the Government of National Unity.