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VI has nothing to lose @ next ‘Constitution negotiations’ with UK- Hon Fraser

- but says VI negotiating team must get the proper instructions from the people
Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) has stated that the Virgin Islands must state clearly to their leaders what is it they should demand of the United Kingdom at the next round of ‘Constitution negotiations’. Photo: VINO
A 'stick dance' performance by BVI Heritage Dancers. Photo: VINO
A 'stick dance' performance by BVI Heritage Dancers. Photo: VINO
Some of the persons in attendance at Territory Day Celebrations on July 1, 2016. Photo: VINO
Some of the persons in attendance at Territory Day Celebrations on July 1, 2016. Photo: VINO
Pupils of Jost Van Dyke recite the Virgin Islands Territorial Pledge. Photo: VINO
Pupils of Jost Van Dyke recite the Virgin Islands Territorial Pledge. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Noting that the time has passed when he is prepared to accept the status quo as being ‘ok’, Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) has stated that the Virgin Islands must state clearly to their leaders what is it they should demand of the United Kingdom at the next round of ‘Constitution negotiations’.

Hon Fraser, who has said in the past that discussions on independence must be opened up in the Virgin Islands, was speaking at the Territory Day celebrations on the compound of Central Administration Complex on July 1, 2016.

“The Virgin Islands has nothing to lose and everything to gain in our next round of Constitution negotiations with the U.K. Government, if only our team is properly instructed. And those instructions must come from you the people, Hon Fraser said.

The long serving legislator said in the territory no one hesitates to say they love the Virgin Islands, and that is consistent across all demographics but, unfortunately, love alone is not enough for where this territory is at this point and time relative to the rest of the world.

“Is patriotism in your DNA, or it's just a fad! Is patriotism enough? People need to demonstrate their feelings in a way that is clear and unambiguous. Yes you say you like, but you not saying what it is you like. Maybe the question was never asked, and maybe it needs to be asked. But who among us will be the one to ask it? The time has passed when I am prepared to accept the status quo as being ok,” Hon Fraser stated.

Turning to those in the audience, Hon Fraser said he was under no illusions as to why they were there. “Some of you are here because it's a holiday, some are here to learn, some are here just for so, and some are here for a cause. But what is that cause? Is this a feel good moment, or is it momentous? I've said repeatedly, and I'll say again, these Virgin Islands were not discovered, they were built. And let that be a lesson to those who are quick to criticise and look to make change.”

Time for reawakening of VI independent spirit

Meanwhile, Minister for Education and Culture, Hon Myron V. Walwyn also sounded the call for an independent Virgin Islands in speaking about Brexit, saying UK voters made a decision out of emotion and fears of migration issues but never did consider how the vote to leave the European Union would have affected the Overseas Territories, including the Virgin Islands.

“Do you think that while they voted in that referendum they thought about us here in the Virgin Islands? Do you think they thought about how it would affect us here in the Virgin Islands? Do you think they thought about how being in the EU benefitted our economy? I say again it is time for the reawakening of the independent spirit of the Virgin Islander,” Hon Walwyn said.

It is not clear whether there is an imbalance on the scale as to whether the Virgin Islands wants to go independent or remain as a British Overseas Territory. For those who believe it is time for the VI to go out on its own, the fear is whether the territory has the kind of leadership that will be needed to take it in that direction. 

9 Responses to “VI has nothing to lose @ next ‘Constitution negotiations’ with UK- Hon Fraser”

  • thank god for vino (03/07/2016, 12:29) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    If it wasn't for VINO we all would've thought that Fraser wasn't a nice person. The other sites always portray him in the negative.
  • Yes (03/07/2016, 12:30) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Comics with sticks?
  • tola (03/07/2016, 12:32) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Our economy is able to attract investors to our financial sector because the US currency is our legal tender. History has shown that no independent country retains the same legal tender. BVI will have to get its own money. Presently we do not have an economy that will result in a new legal tender higher than the EC dollar. Therein lies food for thought.
  • Vg man (03/07/2016, 12:44) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    a matter of fact I do not trust the NDP negotiations skills
    • @ Vg man (03/07/2016, 14:29) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      me too imagine funny man and TT Man leading the delegation god help us all
      • Stopit!! (04/07/2016, 12:31) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        It is time to take your mind off small matters. There are many funny men and TT men in the UK leading our country to nowhere and you don't say anything about them. I trust our people with the Virgin Islands than any funny man and TT man from the UK. Go, learn your history and embrace our people. There were funny men, TT men and Poorkeymen who told us that prior to the writing of the Pentetuch, Black people were non-existent. People, it is time to go back to history class to find out who we are as a people. When we find out who we were, we have nothing to fear in taking this country forward.
  • wize up (03/07/2016, 13:30) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    The BVI is at its cross-road right now and the big question is where do we go from here and the alitimate question, which political party got the ability to take this territory into the beyond, the unknown factors....I personally think the people of the territory must VOTE on any process forward, the people must have voice in any negotiations
  • farmer brown (04/07/2016, 07:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    where is Frazer national wear?


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