Some VIslanders believe that connections go a long way in reaching the top of the ladder. Photo: VINO/File

The Rotary Clubs in the VI came under attack. Photo: John Black

The Masonic Lodge international symbol. Photo: Wikipedia

This is the view of some indigenous Virgin Islanders, who believe that a person’s status, affiliation to decision makers and surname, go a long way in the types of jobs and positions that are being offered.

And according to talk show host Donald deCastro, the situation is getting from bad to worse.

“It’s a real mess! There are too many dirty politicians who don’t do the right thing for the country...they only do things to benefit themselves and colleagues. They are not interested in the poor people,” he charged.

This sentiment is also expressed by Julio Sam Henry, host of Speak Out BVI. “I believe depending on the organisation you are affiliated with, you will get the perks.”

For years, the grumblings of the “who’s of who’s” have stirred up some much heated debate with many pointing to the fact that there are cliques among Virgin Islanders.

“Take for instance the Rotary Clubs, there is no one there I bet who don’t earn at least $50,000 per year,” one resident pointed out. “

You see Government officials, proprietors of businesses, managers, lawyers, doctors and politicians rubbing shoulders there. I was invited there once and felt like a commoner because it was evident that they just look down at you,” recalled a young Virgin Islander, who works as a Teller at one of the banks.

Her friend piped in and agreed that the statement is true. “Although I must give them plug for giving back to the community, many of the high profile jobs such as Consultants and Advisors are nabbed by them because they rub shoulders with the policy makers. Case in point Vance Lewis who Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool announced last week will be an Advisor to Government on telecommunications and energy related issues. My question is why someone else couldn’t get that position. Lewis, I must add is also the Governor Elect of Rotary International District 7020. See the link?”

However, speaking on the condition of anonymity, a Rotary member admitted to hearing such remarks but pointed out it is foolish to think that someone just made it in life. “It took blood and tears. These people have worked their butts off, qualified themselves and stayed on course. All of us have the propensity to excel but only the strong and determine survive.”

What about the “secret” society, the Masons, that many believe have influence on the way the Territory is run?

Some of the prominent names in society are linked to the Masonic Lodge organisation, which has about three groups established in the Virgin Islands. At least one, the King Solomon’s Ashlars has openly made contributions to the community, however, it is not without controversy.

Critics of that group pointed out many of the members are the younger versions of soon to be politicians and high powered officials who will help shape the VI’s future.

“If you investigate they have very, very good positions job wise, are married to or are dating high society or come from a prominent family,” a Virgin Islander stated.

In defending, the organisation, one of its members, who wished to remain anonymous, opined that many persons don’t understand the organisation and its codes therefore “assumptions fly”.

Asked if he will make an effort to convince his “brothers” of educating the public on its teachings and goals, the Free Mason replied, “Hell no. It does not make sense; to be honest with you people’s minds have already been made up. So it will be an uphill task for us to change that perception. I have lived through it.”

From research, Freemasonry is not a secret society, but the lodge meetings, like meetings of many other social and professional associations, are private occasions open only to members.

In common with many national organisations, Grand Lodge neither maintains nor publishes list of members and will not disclose names or member’s details without their permission. In circumstances where a conflict of interest might arise or be perceived to exist or when Freemasonry becomes an issue, a Freemason must declare an interest.

Do surnames really matter?

Not really, stated Shereen Flax-Charles, the BVI Tourist Board representative on Virgin Gorda and Calypsonian, who is known for her candour. “For me I have not found that in my travels and I think that if a person for instance in the job market is qualified it should not matter what their last name is, as long as they meet the credentials. We need to start looking out for our own people and put them in a position to be able to say listen I am qualified for that job, and be given that opportunity to prove his or herself as a Virgin Islander.”

The Virgin Gorda resident disclosed that she was born in tourism, but she still had to go through the process and get educated and experience to where she is at today. “Once we understand that we will go a long way in the VI”.

Meanwhile, another Virgin Islander agreed that having a certain last name does not matter because most Virgin Islanders, who are qualified, are given their share of the pie.

“So it would be unfair to say that a last name gives someone the right to a better job. When you check their education backgrounds, they all have Degrees and Masters.”

He further stated that the notion of tension among Virgin Islanders is a “bunch of bull”. “It’s just a handful of people who are discontented with life trying to stir up trouble.”

Indigenous VIslanders

During the November 7, 2011 election campaign, at least three politicians’ birth rights came into question, and while about 50 percent of residents living in the VI are from other countries, many Virgin Islanders’ parents were from other Caribbean Islands.

Mrs. Flax-Charles proudly stated that her mother was from Antigua, who has made significant contributions to the Territory. “Without my mother I would not have been here today,” she said with a smile. Her grandparents were Virgin Islanders.

Researches indicate that many Virgin Islanders were born to parents who hailed from Anguilla, Dominica, Dominica Republic, Antigua, Guyana, St. Kitts & Nevis and Grenada among others.

“And you know what?” one interviewee asked, “They have all contributed to the Virgin Islands in one way or another.”

Media causing strife?

Many persons who were approached for this article expressed their disdain for what they described as “malevolent reporting”.

“I am so fed up with these websites that just try to stir up trouble. Right now I believe that we just work to create unity not strife just for a few blogs or more readers.”

Another resident also gave an earful. “I honestly think that Government needs to have a unit that monitors the media. This is getting out of hand! We just came out of a bitterly fought election where tensions were high. Elected and Opposition members called for healing and now you guys want to bring this up again? Some of the stories I see on the online newspapers are just sickening.”

In addition to that, about five other residents who were approached for comments laughed or shook their heads in disbelief with many saying, “I will not comment on such a topic.”