Premier being ‘hoodwinked’ with Cybercrime bill — Walwyn

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn has raised serious concerns regarding the proposed amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crime (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing aspects of the bill as “unlawful” and highlighting risks to constitutional rights.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said numerous gaps in the current Act severely limit law enforcement’s investigatory powers, which has also undermined matters before the Court. He also referenced the Mutual Evaluation Report (MER), which requires urgent revision to the current legislation. “Immediate outcome seven of the MER reveals that amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crime Act are vital to the enhancement of our current investigative and prosecutorial tools,” Dr Wheatley said.

No public consultation

However, Walwyn criticised the government’s haste in advancing the legislation, condemning the government’s “1,2,3 approach” to passing bills that have significant implications on the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of the BVI without public input. “What we are doing in this House is wrong, “Walwyn stated. “The Premier should not be doing this without public consultation. “