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NDP’s ‘lawlessness’ stigmatises debate on ‘Self-Determination’—Julian Willock

Businessman and political aspirant, Mr Julian Willock said, “the sad thing is, that when you say independence it strikes fear in the people because they are thinking about tyranny of this current government." Photo: VINO/File
“They (NDP) don’t want to tell the truth in the House of Assembly….Under independent BVI, would they tell the truth,” Mr Julian Willock questioned of host, Kenneth G. Gladstone. Photo: VINO/File
“They (NDP) don’t want to tell the truth in the House of Assembly….Under independent BVI, would they tell the truth,” Mr Julian Willock questioned of host, Kenneth G. Gladstone. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Self-Determination and, or Independence, is a conversation which needs to be had but the ‘lawlessness’ demonstrated in the National Democratic Party’s (NDP) rule over the Virgin Islands (VI), has stigmatised the necessary national discourse.

According to businessman and political aspirant, Mr Julian Willock, “the sad thing is, that when you say independence it strikes fear in the people because they are thinking about the tyranny of this current government, their lack of transparency, according to John Duncan the corruption of this Government…”

Constitutional Reform with a Goal

The former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Communications and Works, was at the time a guest of radio host, Kenneth G. Gladstone, on radio programme ‘The Raw Truth,’ this past week—Tuesday, August 28, 2018, and was asked his position on the topical issue related to the future relations between the Virgin Islands (VI) and the United Kingdom (UK).

He suggested that when the matter of self determination or independence is raised, persons living in the Territory are met with “flashes” of the practices of the NDP administration.

“They (NDP) don’t want to tell the truth in the House of Assembly (HoA)….Under independent BVI (British Virgin Islands), would they tell the truth,” he questioned of host Gladstone

Clear Interests

The political aspirant, looking to secure a spot on the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) slate of Candidates in the upcoming elections as an At-Large Candidate, said the people of the VI and its government "ought to be clear about what our interest and our values are, that should be the basis of any (future) discussion (with the UK)."

According to Mr Willock, “we have enjoyed a good relationship—in my opinion—with the UK; that relationship (has) reached a point now, where we ought to be talking about not only Constitutional Reform but Constitutional Reform with a goal of Self-Determination. 

“We have to be clear about our objectives,” Mr Willock cautioned and observed too, “we can be independent and still be associated with Britain, through the Commonwealth…Being independent does not mean that you do not maintain a relationship.”

Can’t Happen Tomorrow

The political hopeful, conceding the uphill task, said, “alot of work has to be done to change the public's mind about Self Determination.”

He said, “we all collectively, both government and opposition, must work together to educate the people about the importance of Self Determination.”

Mr Willock, in his interview observed too, while the Territory is not at present ready for Self Determination or Independence, the national discourse must be had towards this end, within another 10 years.

He explained saying, “it cannot happen tomorrow, it cannot happen next year, we have to have a 10 to 12 year plan.”

 “Self determination is not something that we should be scared about,” he said, and has since called on members of government to get the opposition involved at any stage in any discussions, “in negotiating the terms and conditions of self determination.”

This, he said, must not be done to the exclusion of the people since, "our people are scared and when they think of the lies and malaise of this current administration but Independence and Self Determination is a good thing.”\

Listen to full interview below:

 

8 Responses to “NDP’s ‘lawlessness’ stigmatises debate on ‘Self-Determination’—Julian Willock”

  • Anc (01/09/2018, 14:33) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply
    Gopd.job as always Mr willovk
    • humm (02/09/2018, 04:20) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      Dead on arrival, first we need consent of our parent country, this is when the government of the sovereign state which it belongs allows it to secede or the second is with out consent of its parent country know as a UDI which will cause a lasting war.
      • Political Observer (PO) (02/09/2018, 22:04) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        @humm, no, non-self governing countries does not need the permission of countries they are under to pursue self determination: “Self-determination. All peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” This right is permitted under the UN Charter. As such, the VI has the right to freely choose its sovereignty. However, it is not ready for independence; discussions should be started with the UK on more autonomy, ie, something along the line of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey and Isle of Man, the Channel Islands crown dependencies. These crown dependencies are not part of UK nor OTs yet they fall somewhat under the UK’s purview.
  • E. Leonard (01/09/2018, 23:03) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VI/BVI is currently a non-self governing territory and an Overseas Territory (OT) of the UK. Nonetheless, it and its people has a right to self-determination and the right to freely chose sovereignty and political status without interference or restriction. However, despite having one of highest standard of living, quality of life and per capita income in the region, agree with Julian Willock that the VI at this juncture is not ready for independence. I’m of the opinion, that the BVI needs to make some significant progress on economic independence, ie, locals controlling resources......etc before aggresively pursuing political independence. Nevertheless, a discussion on some form of self-determination, ie, independence.....etc should be initiated. In any event, the final decision should be made by a significant majority (70-80%) of citizens through a referendum.
    • Brexit (02/09/2018, 12:26) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      @E. Leonard, the UK narrowly approved Brexit by a simple majority so why BVI needs 70-80% for a self-determination referendum? True, the UK is having buyers remorse; the benefits of separating from the EU is not looking so bright. The UK needs the benefit of an interdependent Europe going forward. Nonetheless, majority rules, barely or not.
  • Thinker2 (02/09/2018, 16:34) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    How would an independent BVI function? If while the Territory is still under the United Kingdom, the Sister Islands are neglected for preference of Tortola by the leaders, what will become of the Sister Islands? Self-determination of this Territory with the current political and economic systems could be seriously detrimental for the populations on the Sister Islands. Think and reason carefully, Sister Islands. By the way, that slogan ONE BVI is also not complementary for the Sister Islands - it is not inclusive. Simply lifting phrases and applying them where one wills cannot work - ONE CHINA if that is accepted, but not ONE BVI.
  • st (02/09/2018, 18:14) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need Jesus not independence
    • dude (04/09/2018, 14:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      With all these churches around you still think it's more jesus that we need?
      How about more knowledge of ourselves and finding those answers within ourselves.
      Search for jesus within & not without


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