Myron V. Walwyn is a politician and current Cabinet Minister in the British Virgin Islands.

Early life and education

Myron Walwyn was born on 22 February 1972 in Road Town, Tortola and grew up at the family home in Freebottom. Following the death of his mother, at age 14, Myron was relocated to his mother’s birthplace of Antigua to complete his secondary school education.

At 15 years old, Walwyn found employment at a well established hotel and restaurant in Antigua working after school to purchase his school supplies, necessary Caribbean Examinations Council exams and living needs. Ever determined, he was able to work his way up the ranks and before his high school graduation from the Princess Margaret Secondary School in 1990, had a complement of staff under his supervision. It was also during this time, that the exposure to the hospitality fueled his passion for the industry.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons.)  from University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton (2004 - 2006), and a Bar Vocational Course  Post Graduate Diploma from BPP Law School, London England (2006 - 2007). He previously completed a Hospitality Executive Training Certificate from Cornell University (1999).

Career

Walwyn is a founder and partner at Orion Law Barristers and Solicitors and owner of MVW International, a hospitality firm. Walwyn started his career as a bus boy in a local restaurant. After law school, he served as a trainee lawyer at Harney Westwood and Riegels LLP Barristers & Solicitors, London, England and as Crown Counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Government of the Virgin Islands.

Myron was called to the Bar of England and Wales and to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in 2007.

Walwyn's previous experience in the hospitality industry landed him a job as a senior manager at Treasure Isle Hotel and Restaurant when he returned to the BVI in the 1990s. At the age of 24 he went into partnership with local businessman, Al Henley and the two opened Big Banana Bar and Restaurant in Cane Garden Bay, Tortola. A few years later, Myron formed his hospitality management company, MVW International.

For the last 12 years, his company has operated several established businesses in the BVI including the Moorings Mariner Hotel and Restaurant, Cafesito Restaurant, Calypso Cafe (formerly Nexus Café, Bar and Grill), Charlie’s Italian Restaurant and the newly opened Ginny’s Tapas Bar.

Walwyn was first elected to Parliament in 2011 as a Territorial Member on a National Democratic Party (NDP) ticket. He was appointed Minister for Education and Culture. He was re-elected in 2015 and re-appointed to the Cabinet.

Personal life

Walwyn is married and is the father of five children.