VI heading towards independence- Hon Myron V. Walwyn
The Minister was speaking at yesterday’s June 29, 2015 Territory Day ceremony held on the grounds of the Central Administration Complex on Wickham's Cay I.
“The development of national pride and the development of the Virgin Islands are of national importance to this administration,” he said.
“That is why we have implemented some of the initiatives that we have done over recent years such as the development of our territorial song, our territorial wear, our signs and symbols, the mandatory requirement of national citizen service programmes for high school seniors, the introduction of tourism, financial services and Virgin Islands history in our schools and we also must ensure that we return civics to the Virgin Islands education system in the primary and secondary schools because we understand the need to build good and informed citizens.”
Hon Walwyn added that the way the world does business has changed because of the crisis of 2007. He said that as a result many economies are challenged when finding new ways of operating in the new economic space that has placed a premium on competence. Here he highlighted the importance of a modern education system for young people so that they can be competitive with their peers internationally.
The time will come
The Education Minister said the time will come when the territory will have to leave the bosom of the mother country and step out on its own.
“Indeed this is nothing new for us because truth be told we are currently running our own affairs but we must use this time right now as a training ground for us to learn to trust each other, solve our problems together, learn together to develop a deep and enduring love for our country. So whenever that time comes we will be prepared to manage our own foreign affairs on the international stage and maintain the same high quality of living that we have today.”
He said that each and every resident must be a part of the territory’s development including the differently abled and members of the community living on the fringes of society due to poverty or other reasons.
The Minister noted that the Virgin Islands has always been a very diverse community and he called on all residents to learn more about the history and the people of the land that is now their new home.
There continues to be mixed reaction to the notion of independence by persons in the society, some of whom believe that leaving the throne will a recipe for disaster while others are of the view that the VI should boldly step out of the protection and shelter of the Queen.
40 Responses to “VI heading towards independence- Hon Myron V. Walwyn ”
He better cart he w**ked ram independant under him we not that silly
True, the VI may not get direct monetary support from UK but is not the UK responsible for external affairs and defense? Is not the success of the financial services industry, the primary government stream, due to the stability offered by being under the UK umbrella? What is the value of that stability?
What the VI has to go independence with? The VI has a dearth of natural resources. It does not have the natural resources to develop either a primary or secondary economy on. Wisdom is not travellling down the failed path as others. Jamaica started the regional independence parade on 06 August 1962 and the flood gates open. And the only regional Anglophone countries that have not gotten independence is the Overseas Territories. But where is the model among the regional independent countries?
The people in any country is entitled to self determination. Nonetheless, countries have to look at the realities and cost of pursuing independence. For example, last fall a plurality of residents of Scotland,a much larger country with more resources, resisted breaking away from the UK and going independent. The VI is not ready for independence and will not be any time soon. Let’s focus on developing a strong and sustainable social and economic infrastructure. Let's follow Maslow's hierarchy of needs: basic, psychological and self-fulfillment.
Maybe ayo want to come like them.i We have nothing to offer to go independent. If here come independent lots of people will run. Will we still have the US dollar? or create own own like T&T, Jamaica or go back to the EC? Hmmmmmmm. Think again. We are better off under the Mother.
He better take that $hIt back to antigua deman
Things Needed to Gain Independence:
A territorial song and dress
An identifying symbol
Community services
History and business lessons relevant to our territory
Things NOT Needed to Gain Independence:
Stable and secured infrastructure (i.e. water, accessible roads and electricity)
A comprehensive educational system
Millitant/Armed forces (e.g. police, army, coast guard)
Independent food supply (Agriculture)
An official and reformed Constitution and Bill of Rights that is easily accessible to any and all
An independent justice system
Who did we apply to for our independence? Her Royal Majesty Queen Barbie?
Because of the BVI's geographical location independence is not a good idea either?
A few other reasons why is not a good idea?
1. You will no longer have the relationship and support with the US and other countries that we import from. The support is not financial at the moment but because of our dependent status, some unspoken care is always given.
2. Like Scotland wanting to be independent with all their resources the people that voted against the independence highlighted that they would have been 'black balled'. The BVI is far smaller and do not have 1/8th of the resources that Scotland has.
3. The use of the British Passport that you Myron gladly utilise, will no longer be available.
4. Like many others highlighted above, the financial and socio economic state of many of the large independent Caribbean islands are 'live and direct' examples of what the future of a far island smaller island can become if they pursue independence.
5. MYRON, USE WISDOM- when making statments be mindful that the UK officials also read our news. Sooner or later when you need them, they will say- "you want to go, GO!" Be careful, because you guys down in the A/C making stupid and selfish decision. Its time you expanding your thinking.