Gov Duncan ‘offended’ pride of the VI people- Hon Walwyn
It was noted by the Minister that Territory Day is a day of great pride for the people of the Virgin Islands as it is the day that is closest to an independence day, and a day that the people reflect on the progress of the Territory since the people of the islands had much greater say in their own affairs.
Territory Day marks the anniversary since the ‘Colony of the Virgin Islands’ came into existence in 1956 and this year’s celebrations also marked the 50th anniversary of the Ministerial System of Government, established in 1967.
‘Wonderful bird sanctuary of more than 100 species’
“With the hard work of these persons and the many other ministers and members of the Legislative Council and now the House of Assembly, I am proud to say what a wonderful bird sanctuary we have now. Our bird sanctuary is so wonderful that we have over a hundred different species of birds residing here in our nest and we welcome and embrace all of them,” Hon Walwyn said, to the applause of the audience.
The Minister further said it was because of the territory’s leaders in post 1967 were seen as competent that a constitutional commission was engaged in 1974 to prepare a report for constitutional advancement for these islands. He added that these reports made several recommendations and that one of the most significant recommendations in his opinion, was that the special responsibility for finance, which was vested in the Governor, be handed to the Chief Minister.
“This was a mark of pride for our people. This singular action suggested to us that we were becoming of age as a territory, it suggested to us that we were responsible people. It created a sense of self-worth and our territory better for it…and our history will show us that every time that our people had greater control over our affairs the country recorded positive growth.”
Gov Duncan offended VI pride
“This is why the recent actions of the Governor to evoke section 103 of the Constitution as met with contempt by many persons who know the struggles and trials of our country.”
It was reported by our newsroom in March of 2017 that Governor John S. Duncan OBE ordered that over $1.88M of public monies be taken from the Consolidated Fund and given to the Police, Magistrate’s Court, Attorney General’s Chambers and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
This authorisation was under Section 103(b) which at the time stripped the Minister of Finance, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) of his powers as Finance Minister. The move was also seen as a form of direct rule by the United Kingdom.
According to Hon Walwyn, there is no question that the Governor has the right in the constitution to evoke the section he did “but it offended the pride of our people. It took us back to a moment, to a place that we have long past and have no interest in returning to; however, well intentioned his actions were.”
Meanwhile, other persons giving remarks were Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), Opposition Leader Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and keynote speaker Dr Richard Georges.
Students of different primary schools then delivered a presentation on some of the persons who served in the Legislative Council, now House of Assembly, within the 50 years of Ministerial Government.
Outstanding musical performances were delivered by Gen-Y Factor 2017 winner Shauna-Kay Miller, Ms Kendra Penn, HLSCC Stingrays who did a powerful rendition of Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’ and Gen-Y Factor 2016 winner Durnel Sanderson.
A dance was also performed by Heather Butcher Dance Company.
Territory Day 2017 was celebrated under the theme: "Territorial Awakening: Resilience in a time of challenge and change".
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31 Responses to “Gov Duncan ‘offended’ pride of the VI people- Hon Walwyn”
MXXXXX has nothing to offer the BVI that's why all he can do is engaged in personal attack
What really offends me is how corrupt our politicians are, including y**. The governor should have stepped in a long time ago, we are proving that we lack the maturity to truly govern ourselves under our present leadership. What took you so long governor, what took you so long? And the job is still not finished until the people of the BVI are made whole....
Pride of BVIslanders offended? No, they are just glad someone is protecting them. They would certainly be angry and upset that it isn't the government.
Wait man ayo goin an see what this new governor goin to do REMEMBER I tell ayo so Mr duncon set the way for he to come and clean up the BVI wah you think the governor take all that money to do and plus he ain't start use it as yet all these NDP leader need to go jail and myrun plz take a back seat you build a wall cause 1million and more an now u got the courageous to come and talking about the governor... Ball head go and take a seat you does talk about how you for this country you ain't for us you come here to kill us an take all our hard working tax dollars plz go back where you was many many years ago and leave us alone we need to form some new leader I tired a NDP and VIP them is same kind a people's all ayo care about is power and money and don't care about we the people's of this country sometimes I does wonder when my kids grow up what is here for them an plus my grandchildren when ayo kill this country but am willing to put a stop to this we the people's of our country let get together and let NDP know that enough is enough only in the BVI these people's jus waiting our hard working tax dollars and get away wit it
To add insult to injury you said and that is your opinion and your opinion is what matter cause you de Minister... really time for VINO to interview the good people over there and get the real scoop
And while the journalists are at it church leaders you all need to step up your game too