Walwyn proposes citizenship for all VI born children
The remarks came amidst inaugural observations for Territory Day held at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park.
According to Hon. Walwyn, “If a child is born on United States soil, that child immediately becomes an American citizen, with all the rights thereto appertaining. I dare say that this should be the case in every part of the world, including the Virgin Islands.” The Minister’s proposal received resounding applause from the audience.
He noted that while there were many different cultures in the VI, as a Caribbean people, persons had much more in common than they had differences. He suggested that the strength of the United States comes from its acceptance of the differences among its people and their commitment to making their country great.
“We cannot continue to build three separate Virgin Islands,” the Minister stated while questioning where the loyalty of children would be placed if they were left to feel as second class citizens.
“Will they embrace the culture of the Virgin Islands or the culture of their mothers’ birth? When they sing the words of the Territorial Song, are they truly singing it from their hearts, or simply doing it because it is required?” he asked.
Minister calls for removal of British Nationality Act
He questioned the purpose of the British Nationality Act, calling it more divisive than unifying in this age and suggested that it be removed.
“In these times we cannot continue on the path of division rather we must unite for the development of one Virgin Islands. That act may be useful in other parts of the British Empire, but it remains an issue of bitterness in our progress to build one Virgin Islands. I think it is time for that act to become a thing of the Virgin Islands past.”
Territorial Signs and Symbols
Hon. Walwyn highlighted each the Territorial Symbols and Signs and acknowledged the persons that contributed to their creation and selection.
The Territorial dish was revealed to be fungi and fish while the Territorial gift was identified as a miniature Virgin Islands’ sloop. The Territorial Tree and Bird were also revealed during Hon. Walwyn’s presentation as the White Cedar and Turtle Dove (respectively). The Territorial flower, the White Cedar flower, is also derived from the Territorial Tree.
These were all prominently featured in addition to the Territorial dress, flag and colours. The Territorial song was also sung by those in attendance.
Meanwhile, Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith suggested that Territory Day be observed as a day when the people of the Virgin Islands should think back on the past and draw inspiration and hope for the future.
“Those whose roots in these islands go back hundreds of years and those who are relatively new to our shores and new to BVI citizenship should all use the opportunity presented by this holiday to reflect on what it means to be a BVIslander,” Premier Smith said.
As human beings and as Virgin Islanders, he said, we can always find things to set us apart from other people in this community, but division and strife will put at risk everything past generations worked hard to create and build.
Attendees were also treated to several cultural items, including dances and fungi music.
56 Responses to “Walwyn proposes citizenship for all VI born children”
STOP MAKIG US YOUR SCAPEGOATS FOR POLITICAL SPIN CAUSE WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH! We need to start protesting now! ENOUGH IS ENOGH
Secondly, do you not see that the US is struggling with their own immigration issues, some of the problem resulting because they have that law?
Thirdly, two wrongs don't make a right. I personally believe that if you don't live in a country and contribute to it's growth, you should benefit when the country is prosperous. A lot of islanders who get their kids in American leave America with their kids and their kids don't return until they need something because they're entitled to it even though neither they nor their parents paid taxes or contributed to the American society.
Myron should be ashamed..I was just watching the high school graduation on tv and I cannot recognize or hear the names of any indigenous titles. no more smiths, Damsons, Henley, Skeletons, Creque, O'Neal, fretts, lettsome, Leonard and Fahie etc
We local people have lost the BVI long time and now this man wants whoever born here to be entitled...people we must vote him out next time he is not representing our interest
The policy is put in place to protect the minority Virgin Islanders, but he does not care!!! all he cares about is power, victimization and fighting like hell albeit a losing battle for another term!
I am sure that the Minister is also aware that the US can afford to allow many immigrants to birth their children on their shores because it is a large country with many resources. The BVI is a small nation with a small pie to feed its people. Our children would suffer due to over population issues, employment issues ...which cause major crime problems, and our tourist dollars would fall because of crime due to unemployment etc. It seems as if the Minister has an agenda because of his birth background and instead of helping his birth country he is setting it up for destruction. He may want to remember that if my children lose their country they have nowhere to escape too because their parents were born in the BVI. As the old people say ‘you give them a foot and they will take a mile’. “Kindness without wisdom destroys the giver.” Our children matters too!!!