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VI Independence is inevitable – Hon. Christopher

Fifth District Representative Hon. Delores Christopher said independence is inevitable for the VI because its people are a resilient people. Photo: VINO/File
Deputy Director of Culture Brenda Lettsome-Tye said, “The only step left for us to have is independence.”
Deputy Director of Culture Brenda Lettsome-Tye said, “The only step left for us to have is independence.”
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Fifth District Representative Hon. Delores Christopher has joined in the chorus of calls for independence in stating that it is an inevitable development in the growth of the Virgin Islands (VI).

As part of a panel on the Speak Out BVI radio programme aired on June 11, 2013 consisting of Hon. Christopher, Director of Culture Luce Hodge-Smith and host Douglas Wheatley, Deputy Director of Culture Brenda Lettsome-Tye said, “The only step left for us to have is independence.”

Hon. Christopher said this would be the final advancement for the Territory while Mrs Lettsome-Tye added, “We have as much autonomy as the Territory can get at this point in time… we have actually scaled the gamut of development as a Territory.”

According to Hon. Christopher, getting policies, signs and symbols in place such as the Territorial Dress and the Territorial Song, are all measures in preparation for the next level – independence.

Together, the trio serve as part of the Territory Day Committee and discussed issues related to the holiday which will be observed on July 1, 2013. The panel expressed hopes that the holiday would become an annual one.

During its discussions, the panel reflected on the 1949 march and raised the issue of whether the Virgin Islands would still be celebrating Territory Day in twenty years’ time.

The general agreement was that the issue should remain under discussion for the meanwhile, “It is something for discussion,” Hon. Christopher said, “but I hope that we would be beyond that.”

The legislator, who also serves as the co-chair of the committee, reasoned that life is a journey and argued that if those men didn’t take a stand in that time, then the VI might still be somewhere trying to find its way.

She urged that there should be no complacency and felt that the Territory’s full potential should be exercised. “The journey has not ended, the journey continues,” Hon. Christopher said.

Though there may be no date on the horizon just yet for the ultimate event, Hon. Christopher suggested that the outcome is inevitable because Virgin Islanders are a resilient people. “We are a vigilant people, we are quiet but, we know and we are following the footsteps of our past leaders,” she stated.

47 Responses to “VI Independence is inevitable – Hon. Christopher”

  • pat (13/06/2013, 07:46) Like (14) Dislike (42) Reply
    Do not frighten the people we will never want independence under NDP rule NEVER!
    • Village Gril (13/06/2013, 08:23) Like (20) Dislike (20) Reply
      Independence would be the worse thing that can happen to us. It would be better to annex ourselves to another superpower as protectorate than to go on our own. The UK's Foreign Office serves as our watchdog against NDP corruption... that's of course, they do what they suppose to do: watchdog themselves!

    • the real pat (13/06/2013, 18:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      still??? why are you so disrespectful?
  • reality (13/06/2013, 08:13) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Independence?? Maybe you should figure out sewage disposal first!!!!
    • VIlander (13/06/2013, 08:59) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
      If this is how our politicians are trying to run this country as a dependency - God forbid the day that the UK steps aside and tells us get on with it ourselves..... The UK does not need us.... We need the UK...without the UK dependency this Island would be back to fishing for food and basket weaving....there would be no tourists, no banking jobs, no visitors.....Is this what we want or need?

  • mother hen (13/06/2013, 08:22) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    The day UK leave us is the day I leave for the UK

    • black boy (13/06/2013, 09:55) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ummh, yeah, right now the BVI suffers from political, social and economic violence and corruption, beginning with those at the very top and ending with those at the very bottom, because of its own greedy and corrupt politicians and leaders from both parties. NO TO INDEPENDENCE
    • ----------- (13/06/2013, 09:57) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      And the same does not apply to the UK, USA, Spain, Greece etc.?!

  • Shara Parlin (13/06/2013, 08:25) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    Independence can’t work here! Too much small minded people and victimization
    • @ Shara Parlin (13/06/2013, 13:17) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Sound reasoning indeed. The policies that the government needs to pursue MUST relates to justice for all, fairness and doing right for the people before we talk independence…
  • dude (13/06/2013, 08:38) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Would these ppl please be quiet b4 somebody hears them. U see all the other independent countries bawlin & their ppl moved here right...go sidung wid da nonsense!
  • Really (13/06/2013, 08:39) Like (20) Dislike (28) Reply
    These people sound so stupid. One of the reasons we are in the position that we are in is because we spend the US$. When we go independent what currency will we spend? Have you all thought of that? What will sustain our country, as the offshore business will fall.

    The financial services industry counts for some 80% of our annual income, what product or service do we have or will be bringing to offer to be able to bring in that same % of income? These people just talk because they have a whole in their faces that allows them to make noise. They have not done any proper research to show what our country will survive on when we go independent.

    St. Maarten who had a booming tourist industry went independent a few years ago and is struggling because they thought they couldve been self sustainable but it has been proven that they were very wrong. Please sit and discuss with people who have done it and listen as they are experiencing the major financial issues that comes with going independent and having your own currency.

    If these politicians and other government officials and so called educated people would stop being greedy and corrupt and look out for the best interest of the country instead of filling their own & friends pockets, things would be a lot better. Then the rules put in place to help grow and benefit our country would not cause such an uproar. Lots of food for thought
    • peng! (13/06/2013, 13:51) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      really u telling people do research but you really need jesus....St. marten is not independ....as per Wikipedia.....
      so stop ur crap!!!!
  • defrag (13/06/2013, 08:45) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Can you imagine Delores as Ambasador to the UN...Myron as Premier and Mark deputy premier...and the BVI with its own currency?
    • weed (13/06/2013, 08:57) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
      bottom line...NDP need to go.

    • @ defrag (13/06/2013, 09:00) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please think before you post. Regards
      • my three cents (13/06/2013, 11:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        I say follow Gibraltar's lead... Seriously people!

        In the interest of our future (and the impending global financial/currency realignment or crash) I say we negotiate Now with the USA, Cananda or the UK, and exchange some of our finance system for the option of shared ownership (and residency rights) with the US, or Cananda.

        Keep enough to remain viable (ie Isle of Man/New York) and work within the new global framework. We have no choice, right?

        Gibraltar has such an arrangement - called a "condominium" arrangement.

        I'd rather be a (semi) dependant of the US/UK/Canada than to risk independence!

        Who'd want that under NDP-we cant feed or defend ourselves - my three cents
  • . (13/06/2013, 08:48) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply

    She must be think we crazy llike ...?

    • small head (13/06/2013, 13:05) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      With independence we will get the same old habits, bad polices and poor management of public funds will
  • fred (13/06/2013, 08:51) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    I guess she trying to frighten all the trust companies away. Learn to finish a hospital and get schools right first.
  • Yes (13/06/2013, 08:56) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    The great america is independant and they too are struggling as i speak.
  • Lets look our sustainability (13/06/2013, 09:11) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our current so call economic pillars are both at an all time low - Tourism and Financial Services
    It's has taken us over 8 years to complete a hospital that we cannot afford to outfit with equipment, supplies and qualified employees.
    Our sewage is running in the street in various communities and after million of dollars and several government, we still can't figure out what to do and how to fix it.
    Our schools are full of mold, they are literally falling apart, funding for schools and programs are not available.
    Our roads are crumbling under us as we drive. We are so fortunate that we do not have any serious accidents with all the undermine roads.
    75% or more of our tourist reaches us through St. Thomas and by Ferry and we do not have adequate, reliable ferry services. Our ports looks like Sanford's Junk Yard.
    Our roads are filthy and over grown with trees in various parts of the country.
    We can't even figure out transportation to Anegada that is reliable.
    The cost of living is off the chain, no regulations.
    Oh yeah, and we spend the US $$$.....
    GO AHEAD, FIGHT FOR INDEPENCE.........WE HAVE SOOOOOOO MUCH TO GAIN.
  • Well Sah (13/06/2013, 09:11) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just ask the other caribbean nationals what independence has done for them other than false pride. The majority of those nationals are now seeking better lives in the territories that remain part of the former colonial powers or they are seeking visas to migrate to those same colonial powers that they got their independence from. Independence for small islands states only lead to poverty and begging on the world market for hand outs from the larger countries.
    • @ Well Sah (13/06/2013, 09:47) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      You funny! Too bad you're trying to be taken so seriously... Ha ha ha ha ha The Beaver
      • tell the truth (13/06/2013, 10:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        So I guess this is the beginning of our independence from the UK and when we face the true dictatorship of this government?

  • ted (13/06/2013, 10:03) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr. Governor and UK,

    Tell this gang call government, please leave us alone. Tell them to Stop: ignoring crime, wasting our money, playing favourites, ignoring unemployment, promising projects which never materialise, avoiding giving us the true financial picture, travelling first class on our money and trying to censor the media from reporting about what is going on, they need to start answering questions in the House of Assembly and stop hiding behind the standing orders to cover up the fact that you are doing many things under the table that are not transparent. UK please do not leave us alone with this NDP gang.
  • SimpleQuestion (13/06/2013, 10:45) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    To all you people going on like independence is something 'inevitable', natural or even desirable.
    Why?
    Once you can answer that without offering some cock-n-bull nonsense about national pride and identity then we can have a discussion.
    Those things are just fancy clothes and make-up you want to try on because you think you going to look better in them, and be a better person.
    But in the end it's just self flattery, false pride and some stupid narcissistic feeling that we as a a people must be 'fulfilled'. Our forefathers marched for justice and fairness, not because they wanted our tiny islands to pretend at being a big nation in the world. They weren't foolish like we today.
    That "last step" you fantasize about is nothing more than grass being greener on the other side and a desire to feel self important. Is a BVIslander disease - there's always someone or something holding us back from being this perfect, powerful big-shot. Who to blame, who to blame .... Nonsense. Check yes elf, BVI. aint nothing missing, just intelligence, principles and love.
    • @ SimpleQuestion (13/06/2013, 11:08) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      Sure, why not just ignore the corrupt politicians who are running this country into the ground and just pray for God to save us. Of course he will, and why shouldn't he. After all, we have more churches per capita than any country on Earth.

  • Tortolian living in US (13/06/2013, 11:18) Like (0) Dislike (54) Reply
    ......I am for independence it’s a good thing!!!! but the people are afraid of the bullying and intimidation from the politicians
  • dem say (13/06/2013, 11:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is a bigger problem than the UK or Independence…what about the serious attack on the financial service sector and the fact that the country is broke????
  • bvi (13/06/2013, 11:27) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I just want them to clarify something for me. Does that mean I have to give back my UK passport when they decide to go independent? By the way, I think it is the dumbest idea ever
    • c (13/06/2013, 15:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yep, once independence has taken place your British passport becomes voided and it can no longer be used for UK type benefits. Read up on Hong Kong's 1997 independence or transfer so you can understand how that would work exactly.
      • Rorry (14/06/2013, 01:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        It doesn't work that way. When Hong Kong lost colonial status, citizens born under British reign were given the choice to become Chinese or remain British. I think the same thing would happen to us if we were to become independent.

        Personally, as much as I love the VI I don't trust our politician to even lead us to water so I'll have to abandon ship.
  • front row (13/06/2013, 11:30) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
    Deloris cannot even get the support from her own ministers now she here taking cocka-may-may bout independence...Oh gosh nu...ova & out
  • OMG! (13/06/2013, 12:08) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    I really wish our elected officials would THINK before they open their friggin mouth! Beside the Territorial Dress and Song which are nationalistic in nature what about the core points that affect us and the adverse effects on us if we go independent:

    1. Will we still retain the US dollar? - No
    2. Will we still be able to obtain UK passport? - No
    3. Will our financial services remain robust as the Premier calls it? - No
    4. Will we have the protection of the British Navy and be a Red Ensign shipping Registry? - No
    5. What about all the previous agreements made while we were a Dependent Territory. are they still in effect? - No
    6. Will we sustain ourselves with the current two pillars in place? - No

    Dolores has done no in depth research nor had any guidance from anyone in the field of constitutional law. Listening to fellow elected officials with grand ideas of development and trying to avoid the red tape is not the answer. Anyways for that sort of move for independence there would have to be a referendum and sure the people would vote against going independent.
    • Exodus (13/06/2013, 14:50) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Good thing you mentioned that referendum because I was already contacting my cousins in Anguilla to relocate.
  • Virgin Son (13/06/2013, 12:54) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good government build their countries, bad government ruins their country. What the bvi needs are serious leaders who are concern about nation building and not just personal ego. We need the right people in the right places not political operatives who are nothing short of husslers.
  • she the cat mother (13/06/2013, 13:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow! So many people have good suggestions with the interest of the BVI at heart! BUT if the politicians don't listen or read...all is just talk!
  • Good gracious (13/06/2013, 14:52) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is obvious these two people are very ignorant if they think independence is the way to go.
  • sad sad day (13/06/2013, 15:14) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    oh gosh could you imagine independence under the likes of Myron, Archie, Alvera and the likes as our leaders GOD, I will move back to rock city where I born
  • dog (13/06/2013, 18:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Independence? How? these are comments from a party who dreams large and unrealistically- which includes the many ego development projects without paying attention to reality first.
  • uuuuuuuuuuu (13/06/2013, 19:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Free the people
  • Observer (13/06/2013, 21:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    From my observations the Senator is speaking from one corner of her mouth
  • fedup (13/06/2013, 23:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Independence? Is that what you would call it? We are not independent right now and people are being victimized by government. Stop talking nonsense and tell us who to write to in the UK to ask for assistance in getting rid of this government. People have real issues here and when the politicians are addressed they shun the people and continue to allow their homies (that's what I call them) to walk all over the common folk and less fortunate. The people elected this government so why are they acting like they are doing us a favour? Time to rally the folks and take a stand!!!! We do NOT NEED INDEPENDENCE NOR DO WE WANT IT!!! We WANT fair representation, ethical and educated members of parliament, understanding and fair governance from our politicians.. WE WANT JUSTICE FOR ALL, THE RICH AND THE POOR, THE BIG AND THE SMALL
  • Song Bird (17/06/2013, 10:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think these Legislative Representatives who are talking about Independence, should look up the meaning of Independence in the Webster Dictionary. We have to wait for boats to come from St.Vincent, Dominica and other imports from every where in order for the supermarkets to stock their shelves, and these people are talking about Independence. I am almost 100 % sure that the day BVI go Independent, every Trust Company here will fold up and RUN. I will Run. There are other topics that can be and need to be discussed, but Independence is not one of them. So, please stop the lunacy and be Real. Independence not Possible. We will be the worst off Independent Territory in the Caribbean. Why? We have no Agriculture, no Manufacturing, no Industry except for the two very fragile twin economic pillars (Tourism and Financial Services). So can the defenders of Independence please tell the people on what premise they are in support of Independence? We are waiting to hear from you. In the mean time let me just say that I was born and live here all my life, and has enjoyed a reasonable quality of life. My prayer, is that our leaders don't reduce the little that we have left, to a life less than living in Bangladesh, because I believe that is what Independence will inflict on us.


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