Self-determination talks must continue—Dr Melvin A. Turnbull
He made these utterances in reflection of Territory Day, which was observed last week, saying “the outcome of that event is a reminder to all of us that the conversation of self-determination must continue.
Self-determination is in the context of the Virgin Islands having the fair opportunity and right to choose our affiliations, and to sit at the decision-making table with no meddling from any other country.”
In 1998, while pursuing a degree at H. L. Stoutt Community College, Reverend Turnbull wrote a research paper on “The Economic Impact of BVI Relation with Britain”.
The research paper investigates the impact of the Virgin Islands with a view of projecting what the VI's future relationship should look like.
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In the paper, Reverend Turnbull questioned whether the VI is benefiting from its relationship with Britain.
“The answer is Britain because their delinquency permitted a number of things to take place. Nevertheless, we turned that around and made it so good, yes, with help from them that we become now something that they are proud of and even envious of,” he wrote.
Mr Turnbull said, for example, “We have acquired a status that should have been the reserve for the metropolitan countries.
However, we must understand that our interest economically and that of the British are not always going to be the same.”
He added that when it comes to doing what is best for the long term interest and sustainability of the Virgin Islands, the protection and preservation of the integrity of the jurisdiction must rest with the people of the Virgin Islands - no other country.
“We do have economic benefits of the BVI-UK relationship...Over the years Britain has moved from the giving of grants to financial aid to technical services...For example projects funded by the British Government in the past included New Prison Building $4,100,000.00; New Police Barracks $900,000.00; UK Technical Training $399,451.00 and other
projects,” he related.
He closed by saying that the “conversation about self-determination must begin more meaningfully and it must continue with the people leading the conversation.”
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3 Responses to “Self-determination talks must continue—Dr Melvin A. Turnbull ”
Are we going to have a system of checks and balances? Are we going to have protection against loosing ones job on the whim of some minister? Will we continue to have audits as required by the constitution or only if they suit the ruling party? Are we going to affiliate with a larger power for protection?These and other questions need to be answered.
We cannot go to the poll as zombies and vote for independence without knowing what is involved.