Nandi M.D. Christopher, 12 grade senior at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), handing over the signed petition to Acting Governor, David D. Archer Jr. who will then hand the document over the Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert. Photo: VINO

Acting Governor, David D. Archer Jr. will not hand over the signed petition to Governor Augustus J. U. Japsert who had a pre-planned trip outside the territory. Photo: VINO

Leader of the Opposition and First District Representative, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), firmly expressed that march is not about what the people of the VI is against but what they stand up for, adding that the VI people will 'be the head and not the tail'. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), emphasised that the decision taken by the UK is 'not right', while adding that it 'threatens' the territories way of life. Photo: VINO

Peter Haycraft and his wife Mrs Haycraft signing the petition. Photo: VINO

Government officials affixing their signatures to the petition. Photo: VINO

Patsy C. Lake, businesswoman and local activist, said that the march could make a serious difference despite the fact that the UK’s bill received the royal assent and became law the day before the march. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the 2018 Decision March on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the 2018 Decision March on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO

Honourable Delores Christopher (R5), Deputy Speaker and Fifth District Representative at the Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO

Speaking with journalist following the handover, Ms Christopher expressed that she was “happy” that she was the one that handed over the petition to the acting governor, while noting that she believes the decision is very serious because the VI will be in “serious trouble” if this pillar goes down.

She said, “It’s important to know that he got it, so I was happy that I was the one. This is a very serious thing because we always learn in school that financial services are one of the two top pillars that help bring in income to the British Virgin Islands and that is the largest pillar and if it goes down we would be in serious trouble.”

“Will be the Head and not the tail” – Hon Fahie 

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition and First District Representative, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), firmly expressed that march is not about what the people of the VI is against but what they stand up for, adding that the VI people will “be the head and not the tail.”

He said, “Today is “D” day when we the people of the Virgin Islands will let the world know that the Virgin Islands will be the Head and not the tail. We stand for equal rights and justice.  We stand to be respected.  We stand for immediate Constitution review.  We stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, in one heart and in one voice to say that we are against bullying of all sorts and at all levels especially when it comes to constitutional bullying.  Our Constitutional rights must be respected.”

Hon Fahie also indicated that the decision by the UK is a “constitutional overreach”, while noting that if the VI people don’t fight against it, the UK will continue to disrespect the territory’s constitution.

“We will not tolerate any constitutional overreach nor breach.  Today we have been dictated to hence the decree to have our register public for beneficial ownership has been made.  Tomorrow there may be another overreach of our Constitution.  Then the next day, another overreach.  When will it stop?  Well, respectfully I say that today is “D” day when we say it STOPS TODAY,” urged the opposition leader. 

“Decision threatens our way of life” – Premier Smith 

In his address to the protestors, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), emphasised that the decision taken by the UK is “not right”, while adding that it “threatens” the territories way of life.

He said, “What it is effectively saying is that 70 cents of every dollar spent in the BVI which comes from financial services, would be no more. That is why I say this decision is deeply disturbing because it threatens our way of life—our God-given right to live, to eat, to drink, to sleep, to drive, to own, to smile and to afford.” 

Premier Smith reiterated that the Virgin Islands is the most regulated jurisdiction and have always engaged with the United Kingdom to find ways to tackle crime and terrorism.

“Whenever the world shifted the goal post, we never hesitated to engage. In fact, the world shifted many times. And each time, we led the charge to ensure we received compliant ratings.”

“When the people speak, much can be done” – Patsy C. Lake

Patsy C. Lake, businesswoman and local activist, said that the march could make a serious difference despite the fact that the UK’s bill received the royal assent and became law the day before.

“In 1968, when I was just a little younger, I walked alongside one of our greatest national heroes, Mr Noel Lloyd, and others, to retrieve Wickham’s Cay from those persons that wanted to claim it for their own. This decision was already made. The investor was already spending his money, and everyone kept saying nothing could be done. Who tell you so? When the people speak, much can be done!”

After the 1968 protest, the British government bought back Wickham’s Cay in 1971 from the investor, Ken Bates.

The demonstration was held on the heels of the United Kingdom (UK) House of Commons and House of Lords supporting an amendment to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill demanding that only Overseas Territories located in the Caribbean operate registers of beneficial ownership.

This decision could have a significant effect on the Virgin Islands financial services sector, which accounts for 60 cents of every dollar in the VI economy.