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Hon. Myron V. Walwyn hints at Independence

- Education Minister calls for more constitutional advancement, which shows a different position from the party boss Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith! Is the NDP Government divided on the issue of independence?
During his address to the 208 students who recently graduated from the H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn challenged the graduates to start thinking of constitutional advancement. Photo: VINO
Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, at the first sitting of the second session of the second House of Assembly held on September 3, 2012, had made an emphatic statement that he would not consider independence. Photo: VINO
Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, at the first sitting of the second session of the second House of Assembly held on September 3, 2012, had made an emphatic statement that he would not consider independence. Photo: VINO
Minister for Communications and Works and Fourth District representative Honourable Mark H.Vanterpool had called for the Virgin Islands to begin discussions locally that will lead to self-governance, rather than depending on guidance and instructions from the UK. Photo: VINO
Minister for Communications and Works and Fourth District representative Honourable Mark H.Vanterpool had called for the Virgin Islands to begin discussions locally that will lead to self-governance, rather than depending on guidance and instructions from the UK. Photo: VINO
Fifth District Representative Hon. Delores Christopher had also joined in the chorus of calls for independence in stating that it is an inevitable development in the growth of the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO
Fifth District Representative Hon. Delores Christopher had also joined in the chorus of calls for independence in stating that it is an inevitable development in the growth of the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI – It would not take a rocket scientist to see that the members of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government and that the Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith do not see eye to eye on the issue of the Virgin Islands advancing the status of becoming an independent country.

The Premier, at the first sitting of the second session of the second House of Assembly held on September 3, 2012, had made an emphatic statement that he will not consider independence. Dr Smith had said “No!” when asked whether government is seeking or would be seeking independence. The question was posed by First District Representative Honourable Andrew A. Fahie.

During his address to the 208 students who recently graduated from the H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn had challenged the graduates to start thinking of constitutional advancement.

“At some point in our future our Territory will be looking towards further constitutional advancement. Our history shows that there are steady advancement politically culminating now with our new constitution of 2007. And just as a child matures they would come a time when they would leave the comfort and shelter of one’s parents, and the time will come when we as a Territory here in the Virgin Islands must leave the comfort and shelter of our historical parents and we must have the confidence and competence to take our county forward in the best interest of all,” said Hon. Walwyn.

The Education Minister also told the graduates that the shift in this global economy has placed a new premium on competence and “it is competence at the end of the day that really matters” as he spoke to the task that is ahead of the graduates. “It is competences that would assure the future posterity of these Virgin Islands, we must focus on being competent. Your focus and knowing your craft better than the person sitting next to you or the persons who may be oceans away from you, your focus on being exceptional and practicing excellence in every area of your profession, that is how we build a culture of excellence and a country that is successful.”

 “Graduates of the class of 2013, I say to you, looking at the age of the average of all the graduates under this tent, you are the ones that would have to lead the charge,” he also stressed.

The first recorded instance that gives the impression that the NDP government is divided on the subject was at the August 2012 Emancipation Celebration ceremony in Road Town when Minister for Communications and Works and Fourth District representative Honourable Mark H.Vanterpool had called for the Virgin Islands to begin discussions locally that will lead to self-governance, rather than depending on guidance and instructions from the UK.

The Minister had told the public that after 178 years since the declaration of the Emancipation of slavery, the Territory is still not free to determine its own destiny in this day and time of our history.

Fifth District Representative Hon. Delores Christopher had also joined in the chorus of calls for independence in stating that it is an inevitable development in the growth of the Virgin Islands (VI). At the time she was part of a panel on the Speak Out BVI radio programme aired on June 11, 2013.

28 Responses to “Hon. Myron V. Walwyn hints at Independence”

  • polo (17/06/2013, 10:49) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Independence with him as a minister…you all got to be mad!
  • bvi (17/06/2013, 10:49) Like (7) Dislike (14) Reply
    WE DONT WANT NOR NEED ANY @#$#%^&^ INDEPENDENCE. I FOR ONE WOULD BE MOVING ELSEWHERE IF THEY DECIDE ON INDEPENDENCE FOR THE BVI
    • Release (17/06/2013, 11:01) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      i am for independence the day we get rid of this NDP
      • Incompetence (17/06/2013, 12:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Independence for the NDP to continue their extortion rackets of the treasury? I think NOT!
  • ABC (17/06/2013, 11:12) Like (11) Dislike (17) Reply
    Well Well. The previous Administration did its worse in managing the affears of this country, eg, squander its resources, handed out fist full of trade licenses to people with questionable connections and loaded the civil service with a set of dead beats. To add insult to injury this Administration is simply following in the foot steps of their predecessor only at a quickened pace. Millions and millions are going through the door, more and more cronies are being hired at inflated rates and Ministers are using their positions to advance their ill conceived programs. One does not have to be a rocket scientist to see and understand the reason for the sudden out cry for talks about independence. Even Steve Wonder would see through that.
    My dear hearts and gentle people, the UK has already made its position crystal clear; Burmuda type of consstitution is not an option, independence is. No rational thinking BVIslander would even remotely consiider discussing such a matter with this bunch off representatives. The only independence to be discussed is how we can become independant of them and the last party.
  • bone c` (17/06/2013, 11:19) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    ALL THE INDEPENDENCE COUNTRY ARE IN TORTOLA ONE HAVE TO ASK WHY SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH DELORES ,MARK ,WALWYN
  • Competence? (17/06/2013, 11:27) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Competence?
    You mean, like creating an education system to be proud of, fixing and maintaining our roads, finishing and maintaining our hospital, looking after our elderly in a respectful manner, protecting and respecting our environment, maintaining high principles to guard against political and financial corruption, and all those kind of things?
    We don't have ANY of that competence here.
    Imagine our islands independent and divide these current competence levels by about 100.
    You looking at some kind of corrupt, broken, debt-burdened, third world hell hole many times worse than the one we already are.
    Hush up on this independence talk. It's just ego talking, not a viable real-life option.


  • snake (17/06/2013, 12:00) Like (3) Dislike (23) Reply
    You imagin Myron and Antiguan telling we Virgin Islanders to go independant?
  • Adonijah (17/06/2013, 12:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Any politician who talks about going independent, are greedy fools who do not have the best interest of the country. They should to be voted out next election. So Mark, Myron, Delores...I don't need to tell you which party I am voting for next time around. BAM!
  • Strups (17/06/2013, 12:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    What are we suppose to go independent off of? We're not a country that exports anything, we use the US currency, come on now. Next you know we have to end up joining CARICOM. They itching to go independent so they could sink the country further than it already is? All who begging for it I trust that if it does happen they don't hold their heads & bawl bloody murder
  • one eye roster (17/06/2013, 12:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well Saw Independence sounds great doesn't it, poor old BVI being played everytime
  • Negro please (17/06/2013, 13:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Straight States I going if that ever happen.
    • Ben Thompson (17/06/2013, 14:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      States dont need ur coward lzy butt.
      • wwwwwwwwwww (17/06/2013, 23:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Mr. Myron before we begin to ask Virgin Islanders about independence we must first provide a safe environment for them to do so and secondly we must show them that the Government is serious about GOVERNANCE, GROWTH & PRODUCTION.
  • Ignorant people (17/06/2013, 13:22) Like (2) Dislike (30) Reply
    Is it that we are ignorant in this country or we just cannot read and comprehend. The minister put the charge at the feet of the graduants which means he is not contemplating self governance at this time but saying to the graduants, because of their youthfulness, they are the ones who will have to move us in that direction.
  • Mmmhmmm (17/06/2013, 13:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    So independence is touted around since the recent pre G8 sit down with Orlando and his peers from dependant territories - well sah! My perception is that the UBER rich here in the VI would rather we go independent so in that way wwe can skirt around FACTA and the likes comng down the pipeline. So if we are independent as they wish, then their shell companies and issues with beneficiaries can be avoided since we would be a semi autonomous nation. Rehashing this hot topic deflects from the rather telling issues that we are encountering - signs of severe decaying in our finacial services, fraying at the edges of society, severe infrastructural deficiences etc. In a general sense independence is worthy of debate but imo not at this junction/time. I cannot see the tangible benefits that going independent in the next 10/15/20 years would bring to the territory. With the impending NHI (which gone silent), airport expansion, hospital project a crying shame, mould in offices/schools, crime and drug tracfficking rising - what great benefits would independence bring us Mr. Minister? We have no light or heavy manufacturing, as others have stated we export nada - once the contraction of the Financial Services takes hold (truly) and revenues are down for Gov. what will be the recourse? Lay-offs will be rampant in the private sector which in-turn will force Gov. to right-size - many will simply leave or stay and try to hold on. Foreclosures (already on the rise) will be all too common place and we shall truly see the difference between the "haves and have-nots". Choose wisely and listen to the chatter from certain individuals on this topic1
  • vi teacher (17/06/2013, 14:05) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    He looking power…independent for he turn here like Antigua and Nevis with their gorily type politics…when one party in others must die and do not eat!!!!...NO way José not this time or the next!!
  • No! (17/06/2013, 14:15) Like (0) Dislike (13) Reply
    No we do not want any independence. We are happy the way we are right now. If things are so hard now what will happen when we go independent?
  • defrag (17/06/2013, 14:38) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    To Mark,Myro and Delores: M.A.D. (Mutually Assured Destruction)
  • Rorry (17/06/2013, 14:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    You know, I am sick and tired of hearing this Independence story from both parties. I am against it. Not because I don't want to see the territory grow or anything but because I have not been given any reasons to believe that independence will work. Every time I see these kinds of stories the justification is always "It's time for us to grow and move on." Or something like that. It's always words and no action, no game plan to make me believe or want to follow. NDP, VIP, if you want to convince the people that this would be good for us, you need a game plan and you need to start doing and stop saying. At this moment I can't even see how the end of the year is going to go. Every day it's some story about too much spending, some lie the government's hiding, the opposition criticising the ruling party as if they're St. Gabriel. There are problems in this country and no one seems to care about finding a solution. Instead, the problems just get hidden, ignored or the government officials just look for someone to blame for them. This kind of behaviour is not sustainable and cannot create a prosperous nation. Our officials are too immature, uncaring and corrupt. And it is for that reason my answer for this topic will always be no. If you want to change my mind, change your style.
  • justsaying (17/06/2013, 15:20) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can we trust the rookie politician with independence…bouy go sit down and learn how government works about your want independence. You just got dey and you think you know everything…yaaaaw
  • . (17/06/2013, 21:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Leh he move he moomoo self.
    • south sea (18/06/2013, 10:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This sound like the promise make in 2011 by Myron. Come on folks don't be fooled this time, no one can control he
  • the living tribunal (17/06/2013, 22:43) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fix our glaring corruption and crime issues and there will be the need for a talk about independence!
  • NPolitico (17/06/2013, 22:58) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    The politicians, along with other citizens, advocating for independence may be well-meaning and genuine. However, though the UN Charter guarantees Virgin islanders the right to self-determination, the Virgin Islands are not ready for independence. The push for independence may be more ambitious than practical. An independent Virgin Islands (if this name is retained) at ~57 sqm may be the 6th smallest country in the world; smaller countries include Vatican City (0.2 sqm), Monaco (0.7 sqm), Nauru (8.5 sqm), Tuvalu (9 sqm) and San Marino (24 sqm). Moreover, the VI needs to take a real close up look at its struggling sister regional, independent countries before plunging head long into an uncertain future.

    Independence means that the VI has to fend for itself. Many may argue that it is already doing so. Is it? Under the current arrangement, the UK is responsible for defence and external affairs, RVIPF, Civil Service and the Courts; the local government everything else. Yes, it is true that the VI has one of the highest standard of living and quality of life in the region; it also has one of the highest per capita income ($41K). However, it has a dearth of natural resources; it does not produce any strategic natural resources to manufacture anything or trade with other countries for use in their manufacturing industries. It would be risky for a microstate to pursue independence based on income, not on wealth. Typically, resources are needed to earn hard currency to promote and sustain economic growth and economic development.

    Moreover, the VI has a service-based economy consisting of tourism and financial services. The tax evasion and tax avoidance assault by the UK and others is creating some uncertainty about the financial services industry. It is important to note that being under the UK umbrella provided the stability for the success of the industry. And this stability may be lost with independence. On the other hand, tourism too has gathering clouds around it; numbers for the past season are down.

    Additionally, the VI has a myriad of issues to address before even attempting to stick its toe in the independence waters. It needs to build a diversified and sustainable economy that can weather eternal shocks. It needs to modernized its health care system making it accessible and affordable. It needs to improve its floundering and noncompetitive education and training system, focusing on STEM ( science, technology, engineering, math). It needs to invest in world class physical infrastructure systems { water, sewage, electricity, telecommunication, transportation (roads, airport, sea port)}. It needs to protect and preserve the environment(land, marine, cultural, architectural, archaeological, forest, natural attractions). It need to enhance public safety ( police, fire, national security,disaster preparedness). It needs to build and sustain its social infrastructure. It needs to develop a sustainable energy policy, lessening dependence on fossil fuels.
  • wise up (18/06/2013, 00:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    question; who is the leader of the government business; Hon Smith says one-thing yet his Ministers saying something else
    • Art (22/06/2013, 11:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Valid question!! Something has to be wrong with a system that allows such clandestine activities? It is the public's business!!


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