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

VI heading towards independence- Hon Myron V. Walwyn

- said Territory Day a training ground to foster national pride & togetherness needed for full self rule
Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn believes that people of the territory must continue to foster national pride among themselves as this will be vital for any eventual move towards independence which he speaks of as imminent. Photo: VINO
Former Leader of the Opposition Ralph T. O'Neal OBE, Premier Dr the Hon D Orlando Smith and Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn at the Territory Day ceremony. Photo: VINO
Former Leader of the Opposition Ralph T. O'Neal OBE, Premier Dr the Hon D Orlando Smith and Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn at the Territory Day ceremony. Photo: VINO
Part of the audience at the Territory Day activity. Photo: VINO
Part of the audience at the Territory Day activity. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn believes that people of the territory must continue to foster national pride among themselves as this will be vital for any eventual move towards independence, which he speaks of as imminent.

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 ”

  • HMP (30/06/2015, 08:07) Like (13) Dislike (50) Reply
    OK Premier Walwyn!
  • Cock and Bull (30/06/2015, 08:13) Like (50) Dislike (5) Reply
    Why didn't the Minister follow his own advice? Did he not go against protocol to address this independence issue? As far as I know this would be an area under the Premier's portfolio not a minister of culture! Why is he stepping out of line? Or is he the Premier in the making? The leopard showing its true spots?
  • Voters (30/06/2015, 08:25) Like (23) Dislike (6) Reply

    He better cart he w**ked ram independant under him we not that silly

  • RealPol (30/06/2015, 08:34) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    The Hon Walwyn was on point on Virgin Islanders working together and returning civics to primary and secondary schools but got carried away and off the rail with his ill-timed independence call. The VI has a myriad of social and economic issues that is on life support and needs urgent attention. The Hon Walwyn is claiming that the VI is already self supporting. Well, somewhat.

    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.
    • SB (30/06/2015, 09:58) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Now this is a real response to the Minister. I'm with the party but somebody got to reality check people sometimes.... Kudos.
      • @SB (30/06/2015, 10:50) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
        You got what you paid for 'and this one was the most expensive of all'...enjoy your purchase!
        • SB (30/06/2015, 13:52) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          I feel you on that but Fraser for Premier? I would be on that wacky tobaccy if I supported that.
          • tretretrete (30/06/2015, 22:48) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
            fraser sure would not be singing such tunessss
          • Well Well (01/07/2015, 23:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
            But its what Walwyn on buddy? It got to be spoil crack. Would that be the same crack MV was on when he said that some years back? what are you guys discussing behind those doors and why was this not said on the campaign trail. Try stick to your manifesto.
  • Really???? (30/06/2015, 08:44) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mehson wah kind of crack you smoking???
  • Query (30/06/2015, 08:48) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
    I wonder if the good minister know what he is saying to Virgin Islanders. Independence is not something to jump into. The population must be prepared for such. Can we go independent just relying on Financal Service and Tourism? That is the reason we have so many from other places here looking for a livelihood. Even though Antigua and the other islands tried to prepare their people for independence,when it became a reality they were unable to sustain all their people. Next thing the people from all those independent countries were flooding these Virgin Islands for a livelihood. We must look and learn. Let Hati be an example. I am not against but the people and country as a whole must be prepared.
  • Voter 2 (30/06/2015, 09:05) Like (20) Dislike (5) Reply
    I guess they don't want the UK telling them what to do...Like stop bribing voters and stop all the corruption in the land.
  • .......... (30/06/2015, 09:36) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ndp has scare the people over indepedence...never will that happen as long as they are in office
    • True (30/06/2015, 09:52) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
      NDP ruling without Accountability 'Corruption Without Accountability' they already don't fear God...Very scary thought!
  • Understand (30/06/2015, 09:50) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Myron when are you going to learn that the political and Governmental dynamics of the eastern caribbean including Antigua can't work here. All those countries who went independent they regret it now. Because they exchange the Governor for the IMF and economic hardship. Perhaps there is a better system to be on than dependent territory but independence is not it. Could you imagine if this country was under independence for the past twelve years the politicians would have ruined the place and nobody would be able to say anything. Only the egotistic wants independence. All we have to do is run the country with prudence and honesty and once we stand on those pillars nobody including the Governor and move us for we can come to the people and ask them to make a stand against any un call for and unfair policy that they want to place on us.
    • @Understand (30/06/2015, 10:30) Like (4) Dislike (17) Reply
      ...and do you truly think that the NDP governs with prudence and honesty? 'They have not so far' this election bribery mess is one example of this...so Myron need to stop! I for one do not want to see my country in poverty because of corrupt leadership.. although I do believe that the NDP is taken us in that direction and quickly so.
  • bright idea (30/06/2015, 10:43) Like (12) Dislike (7) Reply
    All the man said was let us get prepare. What is wrong with that. These things usually take a long time but you have to start the process. This might happen a few generations down the road. What is England sometime in the future say that we have to go that road you want to be unprepared? Let us start the road to self rule. let us start putting the necessary things in place so when the time come we will be ready.
  • Just thinking (30/06/2015, 10:46) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    He thinks because he got the most votes we following his backside to independence not over our dead body NEVER! NEVER!
  • chad (30/06/2015, 12:11) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Until we see what the other independent islands are facing. then we wll or won't decide. Things gone worse for them.
    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.
  • JESSE KING (30/06/2015, 12:52) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    say no to he and his independance
  • Think About It. (30/06/2015, 13:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wouldn't it be better to do it in a proactive manner rather than in a reactive manner?
    • @Think About It (30/06/2015, 15:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      It wouldn't be better to do it in either manner....these leaders need to clean up their corrupt manner -(ways) before the country have no more manna - (bread)!
  • Voter Too (30/06/2015, 16:09) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    One day the BVI has to take the road as Myron is so right but what will the BVI used to sustain them besides tourism.? They may have to use the Citizenship for Investment like many other islands but be careful as there tend to be much fraud and corruption is not control properly
    • @Voter Too (30/06/2015, 17:23) Like (0) Dislike (12) Reply
      "One day the BVI has to take the road as Myron is so right but what will the BVI used to sustain them besides tourism.?"....I know 'Myron's Words' maybe he will give us a share? (what is eat your words: to admit that something you said before was wrong.) LOL....
  • one eye (30/06/2015, 17:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    He better take that $hIt back to antigua deman

  • huh (30/06/2015, 19:58) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    myron got to be out of his dam mind what do we have to fall back on i know all the expat is going to leave and as a BVIslander i gone to i aint trying for when hard time come and i fall with them.
  • Huh??? (30/06/2015, 20:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    There goes Walwyn chance of every being premier of this country. At least we got picko and Marlon (20years down the line) to take control. Independence sir you haven't been to other caribbean countries lately huh. If this is your aim sir I'm going take my chances in obtaining citizenship in the UK or US cause you don't understand the risk
  • ABC (30/06/2015, 23:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Calm down my brothers, calm down. I cannot be certain what was foremost in his mind when he made the remarks which are being reported. However, given the environment in which we find ourselves today, it may indeed be prudent to have a plan "B" in place as one can never be certain as to what lies ahead. That plan "B" can call for the end to our corrupt and reckless spending. There can be no doubt that before the end of this fiscal year, the UK will make their position known in no uncertain terms. So please, remember, hope for the best but prepare for the worse and you will not go wrong.
  • Don't do it (01/07/2015, 05:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The BVI will crumple how are you to fight for a countries independence and it has no significant export product or natural resources like lakes etc. Bad idea walwyn work on exportation before you push that notion
  • wize up (01/07/2015, 07:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    this fellow sounding like the leader of government business
  • My girl (01/07/2015, 17:33) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Myron even cant run his lil ministry what dam premier
  • youth for walwyn (01/07/2015, 21:37) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Myron, you disappoint me, and I will now be voting elsewhere next time.
  • Take a sit (01/07/2015, 23:01) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Myron I voted for NDP but I will never support that crap. Just sit down!
  • Informed Citizen (02/07/2015, 00:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    "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..."

    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?
  • MYRON where is your head? (02/07/2015, 03:50) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI, what do you export? Everything is imported. OFC's and Tourism are not doing well!
    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.
  • Ajic (04/07/2015, 11:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If this is what this fool is coming with...this is the last election he will be getting my vote. We cannot survive independent
  • Vip for Life (04/07/2015, 23:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Myron need Chill as a country that doesn't produce any local stuff to export how can we stand on our own .....LORD don't do us as a small country This ....i rather Fraser as premier any day cause seem like only he has a mind of his own and for the people of this country ....dr orlando Smith like he need a Act right


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.