Hon Mark H. Vanterpool equates influencing of persons with slavery
He was speaking on Sunday August 3, 2014 during a commemorative service in honour of the struggles of the ancestors during the period of slavery and to mark its eventual abolition. The service took place at the Sunday Morning Well.
The Minister said that the influencing of persons for political purposes is tantamount to slavery.
“Ladies and gentlemen, even though we have reached 180 years now since the abolition of slavery in 1834 I want to suggest however that we are still in some quarters with a slavery and colonial mentality that continues to plague this Territory and hinder the advancement of our people,” said Minister Vanterpool.
“Legislators before me worked tirelessly to pass laws and make decisions to create better opportunity for our citizens,” he said.
“I am proud to be a part of the current Government that is continuing to build on the good that many of them have done in the past for us here in the Virgin Islands,” he said.
He said that the Government of Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith was given a mandate in 2011 and “we have been making every effort to ensure that the Territory’s infrastructure, social services, tourism and financial services are enhanced for the benefit of all. That is continuing our emancipation from slavery.”
He said that at this critical stage in the Territory’s development when the world is still reeling from the negative effects of an economic recession “our Government is forging ahead with projects that will stimulate the economy, building the strong infrastructure and institutional foundations and provide jobs for our people.”
The Minister spoke of the Government putting the finishing touches on the new Peebles Hospital, continuously upgrading the road network, improving the public school system and developing port facilities with the cruise pier project.
“In the meantime I want to submit that any efforts that may be made to influence or control – remember the definition of slavery – any efforts that may be made to influence and control the minds of people because of political differences, I want to encourage us that this must be stopped and stopped on all sides,” said Hon Vanterpool.
“I want to submit to you that this is a form of enslavement that we need to be emancipated from here in the Virgin Islands…the political fighting and back-biting,” he said.
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22 Responses to “Hon Mark H. Vanterpool equates influencing of persons with slavery”
Instead yu still ah slave.
He might not be at fault and meant good however others might not have that same interest for the country like he does but for themselves. "Garling says trust no shadow" check the record Honorable Minister.