‘People are afraid to speak!’ – PEP Chairman Hon J. Alvin Christopher
He was speaking on the inaugural PEP Radio Show heard last night September 29, 2014 on ZBVI 780 AM.
Hon Christopher said that there is a fear among persons to speak out or even to see themselves as being associated with anyone who does not hold the view of a sitting Government.
“The fact remains that people are afraid. There is a fear that pervades this Territory that makes me nervous and in any democracy the freedom to express yourself is one that no one should tamper with,” said Hon Christopher.
“People should not walk around in fear because they don’t share the same views and ideas as the person who is in power at the time and this is something we must stand up for,” said Hon Christopher.
“Democracy is something that offers different views and concerns and one should be able to express their views clearly and without slandering or breaking the law,” he said.
“One of the fundamental principles of democracy is execution…is the balances of systems of Government. And also the House of Assembly,” he said.
“And when one is elected to Parliament you speak not only for yourself but for the people whom you represent,” he said.
“You will recall some time ago I raised that matter in the House that I think democracy is being subverted and these are the things that the People’s Empowerment Party would stand for to make sure that each and every individual has an opportunity to express themselves according to the law and the Constitution of the Virgin Islands,” he said.
President of PEP Natalio D. Wheatley aka Sowande Uhuru interjected saying, “if legislators cannot even speak how can ordinary citizens feel empowered to speak when even legislators are being denied their democratic rights in the House of Assembly.”
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18 Responses to “‘People are afraid to speak!’ – PEP Chairman Hon J. Alvin Christopher”
It is a fact that people are afraid of speaking out against this government. Just ask anyone on the street and watch as their eyes dart about looking to see who might be watching and listening.
I am not saying the fear is rational or that it is based on anything of substance, but it is present nonetheless.