Colonialism a no-no - Doug Wheatley
According to him, there are three options that are available, under the law, they are: independence, become integrated with another power and the third is to have a relationship with another country.
Wheatley mentioned that while this conversation is nothing new, he questioned whether the territory is prepared for the independent move.
He made reference to several meeting notes that were taken in 2001, that may still be the same to this day, from Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and Virgin Gorda, where it was argued that there is much more that still needs to be done which are more crucial, such as food sustainability and development before that leap to independence.
“But there is no provision in terms of international law for the continuation of colonies as we are with the UK and the UK, of course, is aware of this,” he pointed out.
He noted that for a long time many persons have been saying that there has to be another category than just three aforementioned that would take care of the “little specks” like the VI, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands and so forth, since it was felt that these islands are too small to become independent. Thus another category would allow them to maintain certain relationships.
Colonialism a thing of the past?
However, he stated that at the moment it is not that way and being a colony of another country is a thing of the past.
“I don’t know if it will ever be changed but at the moment it is a no-no. Colonialism has been outlawed, it is no longer feasible, it is no longer practical to have colonies and no one should be living under another country. Either you are going to be equal or you are going to be incorporated into that country. But you cannot be a subject, a colony that is a no-no, regardless of how happy you might be, being under the UK or the United States Virgin Islands be under the United States, it is a no-no in international law. It is a temporary status and you have to move to one of the three options,” he noted.
The talk show host used France and the Netherlands as examples.
He said, for example, France has incorporated Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Martin into France and these islands are within the departments of France.
Wheatley also pointed to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao that are independent within the framework of the Netherlands.
“They are free, they have a free association with the Netherlands, and if they want to become totally independent from the Netherlands, they can move in that direction, if not they can remain as they are. They have their own Prime Minister et cetera,” Wheatley said.
The debate continues.
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16 Responses to “Colonialism a no-no - Doug Wheatley”
The recent release of information about the airport shows Britain is watching out for corruption where it can. There really are much
more important things to talk about than stir people up about going it alone.
Providing Food: A more active interest has to be demonstrated by the Government, which has an Agriculture Department - hopefully the Annual Agriculture Exhibition is being planned for 2017. The Government sets the pace - believe it or not.
Natural Resources and Human Resources: Appreciation for Agriculture (subsiding local farmers and fisherfolk) will enable them to invest meaningfully in their trades, so the population can afford to buy their produce. The favouritism and victimization in Government Departments needs to be minimized - qualified BVIslanders need to be given a fair chance to contribute - the Public Service does not belong to a chosen few to the exclusion of others.
Currency and Security Capabilities: We know what the BVI has now (the USD to trade with and assurance of the British Navy, if necessary), but what will we trade those for? A currency with a lower value? And the Security capabilities, if the Government cannot adequately maintain its Departments and pay its vendors for goods and services now, where will the money come from to set up a Navy or other Security Forces? Hopefully, the obvious option is not China. Definitely the present Ruling Government Party cannot be trusted to do the right thing for the people and this Fact is known to all concerned.
So, please consider the basics required before independence and explore the available and reasonable options before so gleefully trying to cut the ties from Britain. I mean, it is incredible that both Government members and Opposition have been calling for independence - have any seriously looked at the consequences for the people? Does BVI have to experience its own Brexit and not take heed to the upheavals a few thoughtless people have fuelled in the UK? Our hardships have been minimized just knowing that they are somewhere in the background. People consider, don't be led blindly into avoidable ditches.
Moreover, the VI lacks the natural resources on which to develop a primary economy( precious metals, fishing, forestry...etc, or to develop a secondary economy, i.e., manufacturing. Instead, its economy is heavily service-based ; tourism and financial services are its core services.
With the DVs, the VI is in somewhat of a Hobson's Choice situation, i.e., its status quo and available option(s) are not promising. Nonetheless, it (VI) has much to do to even before considering going for independence, i.e., physical infrastructure development, social infrastructure development, educational improvement, healthcare improvement, economic diversification, environmental conservation, job creation, effective governing, national unity........etc.
The VI has a weak hand so how should it play it? As noted earlier, the VI is not ready for independence at this juncture. Instead, it should hold independence in abeyance and focus on the more critical issues. In the interim, it can commission an ad hoc committee to explore independence.