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Hostility between VI locals & migrants?

- Umoja host calls for dialogue, says cultures now at each other’s throats
Host of the Umoja radio show, Cromwell Smith aka Edju En Ka, has called for dialogue among the various cultures that occupy the Virgin Islands (VI) amidst suggestions that there may be too much hostility between locals and migrant workers. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Host of the Umoja radio show, Cromwell Smith aka Edju En Ka, has called for dialogue among the various cultures that occupy the Virgin Islands (VI) amidst suggestions that there may be too much hostility between locals and migrant workers.

“It’s sad, now that we have developed to a certain point and we have so much to share, we have become so competitive and greedy and hostile…” said Edju En Ka on the Umoja radio show aired on April 18, 213.

The host further expressed that he was at a loss to determine what happened to the social transformation of the VI society where people who have a similar historic past and come from similar cultures are now at each other’s throats.

Earlier the host of the Umoja show said everyone was building the Virgin Islands and the Territory was growing and everyone was living together in harmony.

“We need to start examining the social atmosphere within the BVI, particularly regarding labour,” he opined. According to Edju En Ka, the employer-employee relationship might shed some light on the reasons for current behaviour.

“Is it that the Caribbean people that are coming to the BVI are a bad bunch of Caribbean people?” he asked, “or is it that BV Islanders are becoming more nationalistic?”

He also questioned whether locals may be feeling as if they were under some kind of threat and whether migrants were reacting to the actions of locals.

“Engaging in hostile discussions and activities towards each other is not going to solve the problem,” he added, “I believe that we might need to start having a dialogue as to what’s actually going on here in the Virgin Islands that’s creating this hostility.”

Historically, he noted, behaviours exhibited were never this way. Edju En Ka felt that some of it was due to a reaction to the behaviour of locals as well as the reaction of locals to the behaviour of migrants. “What came first?” he asked.

He pointed out that very few migrant workers have jobs ‘to give or to take’ and asked rhetorically how many migrant workers actually had businesses or were hiring persons in the VI.

The host then asked a number of serious questions, among them, “Who is actually depriving BV Islanders of the jobs? Is the migrant worker depriving the BV Islander of the jobs or is the BV Islander depriving the BV Islander of the jobs.”

He suggested that these issues be carefully examined with a view to where the hostility was being developed and what the causes were. “If we want harmony,” he added, “there has got to be justice.”

Natalio Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru said the task fell to those governing the Territory to establish policies, institutions and enforce laws to ensure that there was no injustice and social disharmony.

51 Responses to “Hostility between VI locals & migrants? ”

  • Confucius (22/04/2013, 08:50) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    We only need to go back to when we first heard the words, "I bahn heah" to discover when it first started.

    That statement says a lot and we all know it is only used to drive home a point.
    • fish (22/04/2013, 10:52) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
      I would say "wolfe in sheep clothing" but I don't want to offend either!

      • Confucius (22/04/2013, 11:16) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
        I personally find that particular statement very offensive. It is mostly used by those of lesser intelligence, in an attempt to get the upper hand during a dispute of some sort. The point is, it is intended to cow or belittle the other person by presumption of superiority, simply by way of being born in the BVI.

        Sadly, we hear this phrase far too frequently ~ and never in a good way. If it was said with pride and at any time other than during a dispute, then I would be saying it every day! But that is not the case. It is almost always used as some sort of veiled threat or protest.

        One well known event during which this phrase was used, was when a government employee verbally and physically accosted an immigrant who was working as a security guard at Prospect Reef Resort. He used the "I bahn heah" schtick to degrade the gentleman, who was only trying to do his job.

        People who use that phrase apparently have no better way of communicating their grievances or they are simply wrong about the situation they are contending and have no other sensible ammunition to support their argument. So they dig to the bottom of the barrel. We are better than that!
  • True (22/04/2013, 09:01) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    As FACT BVIslanders are keeping BVIslanders out of jobs, 1 know of 4 BVIslanders that have been terminated before the probation period was up on their contract because "the boss" a bvislander said they would be very hard to get rid of after this period.
    • links (22/04/2013, 10:12) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      I glad you see what going on. The expat is easier to work with than a fellow local and it's easier to get your stripes under an expat than a local in most cases especially in the financial services sector. These locals have a chip on their shoulder and only want to see you reach a certain level.
      • foreigner (22/04/2013, 11:10) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
        Absolute onsense. Many of the locals lack the drive. Put many of them to the test and you will see that they are simply not ready for prime time. I am an expat and superwise many locals. You try with the locals but many of them are weak. They lack initiative and they want to be spoon fed all the time. Even the ones with so called degrees are a waste of time.
        • belonger (22/04/2013, 13:37) Like (8) Dislike (24) Reply
          My experience in the work place has said that many expat get titles and positions because of color. They have no experience and are not more qualified than the locals who did not get the job and are still expected to teach them the job. Truth is they could not get such jobs in their country.

          Yea I was not born here, but it has been my home since I was a child. This level of hatred and disrespect did not exist years ago. Where have the love and peaceful co-existence gone. While we have to each work on ourselves, guest workers cannot go to another country and exhibit the level of hatred and disrespect I see every day. It is rude and unchristian to disrespect a man in his own house. Have the decency to leave if that is how you feel. Parents put out children who think they are old enough to disrespect them. It is a natural response.
    • persia (22/04/2013, 10:24) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      You might be disappointed that a epat force him to do that!
  • pot calling the kettle black (22/04/2013, 09:15) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Unreal to hear these words from this very clown who has expressed his dislike for foreignors and people of different skin color numerous times!
    • son of the soil (22/04/2013, 11:15) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      He changed a bit because he has an island-woman now
      • Well said (22/04/2013, 12:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        i was hoping some one tell teh trust about him..old hypocrit
      • . (22/04/2013, 20:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        I see. The little head doing all the thinking. Makes sense now. This is very common round here.
  • Really sad (22/04/2013, 09:26) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    yes it's out of control
  • long look me come from (22/04/2013, 09:28) Like (5) Dislike (32) Reply
    I wish all of them island people were gone, they're all equally as have t respect for us.

    • soso (22/04/2013, 10:24) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      You full of nonsh------- alyou continue to pick on the island people again u don't see Fraser complaining about the apartment dem getting empty and u don't have money to pay the loan, more coming watch out. the bank coming for your house next if you have one unless u renting
    • islander (23/04/2013, 09:57) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      "Island people them?" BVI not part of the Islands?
  • Looking Glass (22/04/2013, 09:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    because the BVI has become amcut 'throats' place and most definitely only locals going to be 'cut'
  • rattie (22/04/2013, 09:41) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    wow. just shows you peoples attitude against each other

  • nat (22/04/2013, 09:50) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The BVI are becoming more nationalistic. These feelings are as a result of two main reasons (a) a shrinking indiginous population when compared to the rise in the number of immigrants, and (b) tension and stress brought about by the current economic sitution in the territory.
    • @ nat (22/04/2013, 10:08) Like (12) Dislike (15) Reply
      How about Ignorance and lack of education?
      • U idiot (22/04/2013, 11:27) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
        The airport is right there on Beef Island! You are more than welcome to take the next Liat flight if you feel ALL VIslanders are ignorant and lack education.
        • Onlinie Now (22/04/2013, 12:15) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
          How ironic! An ignorant and uneducated response to make his very point. Brilliant!
        • @ U Idiot (22/04/2013, 14:13) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
          I posted as @nat - but you proved my point. And i never said ALL. But perhaps you should take the next BVI Airways or VI Airlink flight out of here and at least contribute to local airline as you go
  • Marcus (22/04/2013, 11:13) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    The attitude of some BVIslanders stink. I am a BVIslander and God knows there are a few of them i work with. They are nothing but trouble. They complain about every single thing. My God! many of them are nothing but stress. Headaches galore.
  • son of the soil (22/04/2013, 11:17) Like (2) Dislike (18) Reply
    We need some ethnic cleansing rather quickly
    • chad (22/04/2013, 11:37) Like (12) Dislike (14) Reply
      You really need to research things before you speak of them. Do you know what ethnic cleansing is? #fool
    • voter (22/04/2013, 12:42) Like (10) Dislike (10) Reply
      If you knew the definition and connotation of ethnic cleansing you would not make such an asinine comment
  • Megastar (22/04/2013, 12:46) Like (8) Dislike (11) Reply
    As an expat living here for 5years I have often experienced hostility from locals especially during conversations about general topics .Often times the response at the end of a conversation would be very mean such as "no body never send call you' or 'go back where you come from'.These kinds of remarks are very offensive and unnecessary especially when one is speaking to so called intelligent people who should know better and be more sensitive to other people's feelings.
  • . (22/04/2013, 13:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this guy reminds me of farikan
    • jtv (22/04/2013, 16:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      he done sell out since he got some island women girl friend
      • Ironic (22/04/2013, 20:10) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
        Sell out? Island woman? where are you from? not an island? not one of the smallest islands in the caribbean? who made you better than people from other Islands? do you have a Usain Bolt? BoB Marley? Marcus Garvey? Sydney Poitier? what great transformational figure has made everyone beneath you? There are great people in the BVI but from outside you sound absolutely ignorant.
        • . (23/04/2013, 14:35) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
          GTFO bout your Usain Bolt and whoever. We are not on here discussing the relative merits of islands. These islands here? They belong to us! Who don't like that need to cart their loud-mouth, bragging Jamaican backside back to their own damn island and leave us in peace.

          We are tired of all you, what happen, you can't hear?
          • Ironic (24/04/2013, 00:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
            I'm not Jamaican i am a born and raised in the BVI and this place doesn't belong to you, you would only like to think so, the only sell out on this island is people like you who sold there lands and even islands for pennies and a shake of a hand to feel as an equal, you sold out when you started preaching what was forced upon you, you sold out when billionaires purchased islands to reside on a forbid you to walk on there lands, you sold out when you abandoned your traditions so you could have your child born in the USVI because of a blue booklet to a nation that is now trying to destroy your economy (financial leaks) understand yet? who do "you" answer to? no the United Kingdom? can they not dissolve your government at the snap of the finger? so i ask you again............what belongs to "you" NOTHING!...... stop acting like an uneducated fool and start thinking before you open your loud ignorant mouth.
            • . (27/04/2013, 14:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

              You might be born and raised in the BVI, probably to some Jam.....n slut who open her foot too quick, but you are no BVIslander so go home. I did not do any of the above, my land is mine, not the banks and certainly not yours, so GTFO of my country you ungrateful ignorant loudmouth. Only a Jam....n mouth big so, the whole world know that.

  • You Vulture (22/04/2013, 13:49) Like (3) Dislike (34) Reply
    People like you need to take your superior eduction and go back where you came from. I am sure you cannot get a job there and that is why you are here playing you are some big shot. If you are so good, go swim in the educated stream. You are poison to the BVI. You have nothing to offer! Your are clearly here to inflict damage, and satisfy your own needs. It is people like you who fan and stir up these flames of hatred and strife.
    • vi (22/04/2013, 15:26) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply

      You are a complete a$$h@le if you think that every expat that works here came here begging. People here advertise posts internationally all the time and sometimes people would leave their home NOT because they can't find a job there, but because the overseas opportunity may add value to their resume and career. So don't get it twisted. I'm a BVIslander but I do know that many professionals especially that are here, can get jobs where they're from. Many do it for the experience, exposure and they might be getting paid more as well. But not everyone move here because their jaws were to the ground. That's the stupidest misconception ever and that's why some people can't move forward. Stop blaming people for answering job ads that are placed globally and regionally. It's very stupid.

      • . (23/04/2013, 14:39) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
        Who cares if you came begging, swimming or crawling? I don't care if the Queen herself advertise and you respond to the ad and come here. You need to understand it's our country. You are here at our pleasure and if you can't understand that, you best get to packing. I don't care if they could get jobs where they from or if they could get jobs on the moon.

        You see these islands here? THEY ARE OURS. THE BVI IS FOR BVISLANDERS.

        Bout move forward. If we don't want to move forward, it's our business. If we want to move backward, it's our business too. Damn, why are some people so damn stupid?
        • Online Now (24/04/2013, 09:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Spoken like a true Nazi!
        • at . (24/04/2013, 14:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Now we see why you were denied a job. Please learn when to use "their" and "there" grammar goes a long way.
  • @ you vulture (22/04/2013, 14:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    FaraKAN? NAHH NOT AT ALL. He remind me of Don king promoting his damn self.
  • BRAD BOYNES (22/04/2013, 16:45) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Not going to apologize for being a Virgin Islandse. And am not one of those Virgin Islanders anyone is going to talk to how they want, dumb me down or divide to conquer. There will be something else coming after that. The ignorance cmes from both sides but am not going to beg for what I own in my native land. Some Immigratns/expats make my day. Some by coming, some by leaving.
  • Juliusboss (22/04/2013, 17:12) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    unnecessary discussions.
    If there are no expatriates, of law firm, offshore company to Virgin Islands, you would have your eyes to cry.
    This is not the tourist who trades turn.
    How young are coming out with a high school diploma each year?
    Where are the real statistics?
    How you want are Features boss here could use a young man who has no qualification? Time is money and form a stable employee is not profitable.
  • cat walk (22/04/2013, 21:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Too late the damage has already been done.
  • bad boy (22/04/2013, 23:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    another bag of jokes these guys are changing there names to african names and dont know the meaning
  • "Born here" (23/04/2013, 10:04) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    The reality of the situation is the only reaon "locals" and issues with "immigrants" is b'co they gettin the jobs, but truth be told the only reason they gettin the job is b'co most of us refuse to get our lazy behinds up and go do something about thinking tht "i born here" going get you a job. in most cases unfortuantely locals to get the job over immigrants simply b'co they born without even a second look as to whether their capable of completing the tasks required. its all sad but true, i'm am bi-racial and see this every single day, unfortunately thou we need to face facts its never gonna change cause most (i say most for modesty sake) "locals" are raising their kids to have the same stuppid mentally so things ain ever gonna channge. i love my country but the ignorance dwn here is so much its nw funny..
  • Born BVIslander (23/04/2013, 10:11) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    People lets us all live togehter in harmony. God made us all regardless of how we feel about our fellow man. Please! Lets stop dissing expats. God knows we need them just as much as they need the BVI. Who do we call when we want a mason or carpenter, or someone to lay our floor tiles? Yes! the majority of the times if not all the time, we have to call expats because the BVI have few few skilled workers that are born ya as we often say...LOL


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