His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition has moved to implement a shadow cabinet to that of the sitting government.
A shadow cabinet consists of a group of opposition spokespeople who, under the leadership of the Opposition Leader, form an alternative cabinet to that of the government, and whose members mirror the positions of each member of the Cabinet.
Members of a shadow cabinet have no executive power. It is the shadow cabinet’s responsibility to scrutinise the policies and actions of the government, as well as to offer alternative policies.
A media release from the Opposition said they implemented this shadow ministerial system “in consideration of the wishes of the people of
the Virgin Islands”.
The portfolio of the Shadow Subject Ministers System will be as follows:
Leader of the Opposition – Ronnie Skelton
Finance
Food security**
Gaming
Immigration
Banking
Town & Country Planning
Shipping Registry
Health & Social Development**
Alternative Energy**
Myron W. Walwyn
Tourism
Education**
Culture (Festival & Fairs)
Financial Services**
Macro-Economic Planning
Marlon A. Penn
Health & Social Development**
Housing Development
Trade and Economic Affairs
Financial Services**
Information and Telecommunications Technology
Julian Fraser
Alternative Energy**
All subject matters falling under communication and works
Melvin Mitch Turnbull
Natural Resources
National Health Insurance
Social Security
Lands
Climate Change
Labour
Stacy Mather
Agriculture & Fisheries
Food Security**
Education**
Youth Affairs & Sports
**portfolio areas shared with another member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition“The Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and all members fully commit to operating the Shadow Subject Ministers System as effectively as possible in an effort to deliver to the people of
the Virgin Islands the best possible Government, of you the people, elected by you the people, and working for you the people,” the Opposition stated.