High Time! Walwyn Wants Human Rights Commission Implemented

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Esther Durand/BVI Platinum News
Myron Walwyn

(PLTM) - Former Education Minister Myron Walwyn has called for the Human Rights Commission to be implemented in the British Virgin Islands in face of the job security threat that employees now face due to the mandatory vaccination policies at some job sites.

The attorney took to social media on Monday, December 6, to make his position on the matter known.

“I have long held the view that there are many other things that are important to creating a good quality of life for citizens other than money. Building the necessary institutions in a country that can provide redress for citizens who believe that their rights have been abrogated is extremely important," he said.

He continued: “At present, some citizens are facing a very difficult time with the issue of mandatory vaccinations and their job security. Where do these citizens go for redress? The issue may be mandatory vaccinations today but some other issue tomorrow. Please completely put aside your views on the issue of vaccinations. My point goes beyond that.”

The former legislator said the Human Rights Commission Bill was brought to the House of Assembly by the Attorney General, “about three times over the last decade and it failed to even make it to the committee stage of the House.”

Walwyn said persons facing human rights breaches, whether mandatory vaccinations or otherwise, would have been able to get assistance, guidance and support from the Human Rights Commission.

“I did some digging and found the last sitting of the House on this issue in October 2018. It has been three years now since then and nothing has happened…It is high time that the Human Rights Commission is put in place. It is important for investigating, promoting and protecting human rights of all living within the Virgin Islands,” he added.

Funds Allocated For Act

In the meantime, Premier and Minister for Finance Hon. Andrew Fahie during his budget address on November 12th said, “Mr. Speaker funds have also been allocated in anticipation of the House of Assembly passing the Human Rights Commission Act, Freedom of Information Act, and the Register of Interest Act.”

Premier Fahie stated that this was in keeping with his Government’s commitment to further strengthen 'our' institutions, especially in the area of accountability, transparency and Good Governance.

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