Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

UPDATE: Protest action awaiting police permission

Henry highlighted that the proposed rally is not simply about taxi drivers, but also included business owners, persons who have been laid off and also those who have allegedly been victimised. Photo: VINO/File
Organisers are currently awaiting feedback from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) with regard to whether they will receive permission to proceed with what has now evolved into a protest motorcade on issues related to the economy and current cruise pier development negotiations. Photo: VINO/file
Organisers are currently awaiting feedback from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) with regard to whether they will receive permission to proceed with what has now evolved into a protest motorcade on issues related to the economy and current cruise pier development negotiations. Photo: VINO/file
The rally is set to take place from Duffs Bottom where persons will assemble with their cars before proceeding to town and up to Port Purcell and return to Central Administration Complex . Photo: VINO/File
The rally is set to take place from Duffs Bottom where persons will assemble with their cars before proceeding to town and up to Port Purcell and return to Central Administration Complex . Photo: VINO/File
Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith said he will travel to Brazil with Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board, Russell Harrigan and Worldwide Marketing Consultant Nerdin St. Rose to further assert the VI’s presence in the Brazilian market. Photo: VINO/File
Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith said he will travel to Brazil with Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board, Russell Harrigan and Worldwide Marketing Consultant Nerdin St. Rose to further assert the VI’s presence in the Brazilian market. Photo: VINO/File
One of the organisers, Mr Julio Sam Henry previously stated that the demonstration was planned to highlight the economic situation in the country and to raise concerns again about Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line and to demand that the government show us their economic plans for the Territory. Photo: VINO
One of the organisers, Mr Julio Sam Henry previously stated that the demonstration was planned to highlight the economic situation in the country and to raise concerns again about Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line and to demand that the government show us their economic plans for the Territory. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Organisers are currently awaiting feedback from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) with regard to whether they will receive permission to proceed with what has now evolved into a protest motorcade on issues related to the economy and current cruise pier development negotiations.

This is according to Julio Sam Henry, who stated that he was advised that he needed to apply for a permit under the Noise Abatement Act in order to secure the permission necessary to conduct the protest.

“We can’t move forward unless we’re complying with the law, I don’t want any problem with the law,” Henry said, “this is a peaceful demonstration.”

Henry highlighted that the proposed rally is not simply about taxi drivers, but also included business owners, persons who have been laid off and also those who have allegedly been victimised “the economy is bad, people are frustrated, frustrated with the information that’s coming from the Premier’s Office,” Henry said.

A meeting is scheduled for 5PM today, October 23, 2013 at the Quality Taxi Stand for all interested parties to discuss issues and to coordinate the motorcade which is expected to be held on Friday, October 25, 2013. 

The talk show host said people of the territory were hurting and losing their jobs and he alleged that Long Bay resort employees related that expatriates on work permit were being called back to work while local VIslanders, who are qualified and have been there for over twenty years, were not being called back to work.

“When they’re calling the Labour Department, the Labour Department is ducking them,” Henry further alleged.

Henry said the group wants government to address victimisation in the territory and felt victimisation should stop. He also noted that the constitution gives persons the right to speech and to assemble.

He disclosed that the rally is set to take place from Duffs Bottom where persons will assemble with their cars before proceeding to town and up to Port Purcell and return to Central Administration Complex where cars and boats can congregate near the shore and all will be allowed to participate.

See previous story posted October 19, 2013:

Planned demonstration on cruise pier & economy postponed

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Residents have postponed a planned demonstration to vent their concerns on the status of the local economy as well as the direction being taken with the cruise pier project.

The demonstration, which was expected to take place from 10 A.M. on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at the Central Administration complex in Road Town, was postponed due to the Premier’s planned trip to Brazil next week.

During a press conference held with members of the media yesterday, October 18, 2013 Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith said he will travel to Brazil with Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board, Russell Harrigan and Worldwide Marketing Consultant Nerdin St. Rose to further assert the VI’s presence in the Brazilian market.

“As you already know, I have charged the BVI Tourist Board with finding strategic ways of increasing annual stay-over arrivals by 10 percent. I see this as important if we are to reduce the Territory’s dependency on a few source markets,” Premier Smith said.

According to the leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP) administration, his team will be making sales calls to major travel agents and tour operators and will also be having a media luncheon planned with approximately 25 media houses; a round table discussion with owners of eight major tour operators and a partnership with the organisers of Travel Week to host a launch reception for over 100 industry professionals in Rio.

“I am looking forward to this important trip to set the stage in welcoming South America to these Virgin Islands,” Dr Smith remarked.

Meanwhile, one of the organisers, Mr Julio Sam Henry previously stated that the demonstration was planned “to highlight the economic situation in the country and to raise concerns again about Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line and to demand that the government show us their economic plans for the Territory.”

The organisers had asked that business owners connected directly or indirectly to the cruise industry come out in support of the demonstration.

“It’s not just about taxis, [but] everybody who has a stake in the industry,” Henry related. “Anybody that has a concern, family members that are connected to taxi operators, livery operators, you have a small business that has been affected by the economy for the past year… we want to hear some solutions so… we want to show some solidarity.”

A new date for the demonstration is expected to be announced shortly.

35 Responses to “UPDATE: Protest action awaiting police permission”

  • the rock (19/10/2013, 10:33) Like (22) Dislike (8) Reply
    tis about time we march on this waste ah time ndp government
    • HELLO!! (23/10/2013, 09:05) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
      Sam need to go sit down. He think all this will get him elected when he tries to run for election next time let him think again. They need to listen to what the minister is saying. No one is putting out Carnival..the deal with the other cruize line will bring in more money to the territory, meaning the taxi men will make more money. The deal does not eliminate Carnival at all. Carnival knows what they have to do but they like to bully people in their own country. Sam looks like he needs an ear operation so he can listen and understand..there is no need for no march. There is a need for understanding which Sam lacks.
      • Listening (23/10/2013, 10:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        I hope people know that most of the ships that dock here are owned by Carnival Cruiseline, so if they pull out, we are in big problems...not because you do not see Carnival on them, do the research and you will see that Carnival controls the major portion of the ships that come here and elsewhere...
  • ABC (19/10/2013, 10:35) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    Sam you are wasting your time calling on Dr Smith. His Chief advisors and those who are closer to him would only be too happy to see this industry fade away in the back ground. This is not their cup of tea. These folks are from the higher echelon. they are from the "upper crust."
  • xxxxxxxx (19/10/2013, 10:37) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    hope Sam is not naive

  • BREAKING NEWS (19/10/2013, 10:38) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Interesting ...
  • dog (19/10/2013, 10:50) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    If government wants to find "strategic ways of increasing annual stay-over arrivals by 10 percent" first focus on the ferries from St Thomas and to each other island. Cruise ship volume was never the only answer and indeed, it creates problems where infrastructure can't support the crowds. Then we look at losing bits and pieces of ourselves while creating false environments like Brandywine. But if they have to go somewhere, that is the place. Just don't "Disney" it up and keep it simple. I wonder HOW they are marketing... promoting crystal waters and empty beaches? green hill sides with upscale resorts on VG? And yet they are willing to falsify the image with crowds and development. There has to be a compromise because there is a risk at ruining the very thing people come to see.
  • Mo Money (19/10/2013, 10:50) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    They better get ready because if they don't stop doing foolishness in Virgin Gorda the will see what a demonstration really is.
  • taximen (19/10/2013, 11:07) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    What the people really need to do is demand fresh elections
    • VI2 (19/10/2013, 12:21) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
      That sounds like a Grand Idea. We should March On Government House and Demand New Elections. And let us make it A Peaceful and Orderly One. Just like the one that brought about the Ministerial form of Governance in this Territory that We Call HOME!!! We need to Take Back Our Country !!!
    • please (20/10/2013, 21:38) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
      to put in who not VIP never happen
      • @ please (23/10/2013, 12:23) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        The NDP was appalling as our first time around 2003 to 2007. They were an embarrassment on the world stage, and accomplished nothing. In the second time around they have gotten worst…If that is "satisfactory" to you then it means you have very low standards.
  • NICK (19/10/2013, 12:58) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    the last brazilians poeple who came into this island last year got kick out by immigration one day after their arrival.
  • Protest (19/10/2013, 13:30) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Protest. This is our right and Sam we are behind you. The voice of the people is the voice if god. The cant do what they want when they want and kill us all. Hon Smith do better. Or this will be your last term. We will surly vote you out. Stop following and lead.
  • ooooo (19/10/2013, 14:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    dont tell me that doc gone go hide?
  • Me!! (19/10/2013, 18:46) Like (3) Dislike (22) Reply
    Ayo Tortola people is full of crap. The Government is trying their best and ayo have a set of people who was supposed to running this country getting on the radios @ night just talking a bag of hog wash.
  • Ay Yai Yai Papi (19/10/2013, 21:28) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ain't going have no march.
    People losing jobs, utilities increasing, children hungry, crime escalating, businesses closing, banks foreclosing on properties, featival performers notpaid, sewage running in the districts, judge say the courtroom needs HGTVeven people being victimized -- and they're working.
    You really
  • ratz (20/10/2013, 09:10) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    March baby March NDP must go get the young people and school children also to the event!!!!
  • egg face (20/10/2013, 14:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Symptoms and cause is never the same
  • Politics (20/10/2013, 17:26) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes march for equal rights
  • ha (20/10/2013, 19:16) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    All too lazy to show your faces and march.
    • Not lazy... (23/10/2013, 08:25) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      More like afraid that if they do, they will be victimised by some people in power (which is seemingly a trend in these islands).
  • wow (23/10/2013, 08:56) Like (1) Dislike (9) Reply
    This is somewhat disappointing - I think level-headed people should be able to find ways on making things work for themselves as well as the government. I don't think persons who have a crucial role to play in effectiveness should be fighting against the government, why couldn't all your energies Mr. Henry be translated into planning an event perhaps and event whereby you propose a better way forward and have petitions signed by those in agreement. A protest isn't going to do anything but show that you want to sit back and wait for your government to do something for you, what about what you can do for your government? Like spoiled children if we don't like it, we cry out loud in public and embarrass our parents but we don't try to help make the situation better for them.
  • NDP SUPPORTER????? (23/10/2013, 09:30) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply

    Get rid of p***k****g who selling out the country!!!!!!!, Ronnie really dont care as he never really wanted to run for elections in the first place, give doc a backbone to make some real executive decisions and stand up to L**na, Myron doing hmm ok in my book, Mark needs to get of his bully horse and be the action man we know him as and stop trying to micro manage as he could barely manage himself and the NDP could be alright.

    EDC also needs to be removed as the Chairman of the BVIPA he is to much of a y*s man and not utilizing the people around him.

    I went out hard for this government and they have only disappointed me thus far.

    • Me Too (23/10/2013, 12:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with you boss. That Chairman has to go for sure, what a waste of time and dead weight. Just shakes and nods at everything. That's why he's there.
  • cay (23/10/2013, 11:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    watch the big crowd at this march you thing sam aint got no support you all play with the people
  • wize up (23/10/2013, 11:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    so the BVI is now a Police state; we have Judges doing with they want against the press and there is nothing in the law that grants these Judges such power now the citzens of the BVI need permission from police to hold a rally simply to speak-out for what is right;; i feel like i am back in 1970...some-one please hit me up side my head so i will know this 2013 in BVI......
  • REAL ISSUES (23/10/2013, 11:24) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    THE REAL ISSUE HERE ARE NEW ELECTIONS BY THIS YEAR
  • vip (23/10/2013, 12:18) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    If you want to talk about negative moves, just ask the ndp and their supporters to look in the mirror and ask yourself why YOU are trying to hold the country back.

  • school children (23/10/2013, 15:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    deeds talk show host always abscess with their self importance
  • @ School Children (24/10/2013, 01:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Your concept is insane and unrealistic
  • Cruz (24/10/2013, 01:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the exact same thing that happened on st Croix,wake up people government don't care about us,it all about the head tax,that's what's ringing in there heads, 4000,000 X $15.00 ahead forget the taxi driver,vendors,tour groups,only there pocket.if you don't keep the little man happy, they will cripple the bvi tourist industry so no one get a penny,research st Croix,small man on the street,vendors,and others.
  • zoe (24/10/2013, 07:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    unilateral exercise of power by the police


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.