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Walwyn proposes citizenship for all VI born children

Education Minister Hon. Myron V. Walwyn proposed that all children born in the Territory be given automatic citizenship. Photo: VINO
A section of the crowd. Photo: VINO
A section of the crowd. Photo: VINO
One of the many young children that attended Territory Day observations at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. Photo:VINO
One of the many young children that attended Territory Day observations at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. Photo:VINO
The Territorial Dish: Fungi and Fish. Photo: VINO
The Territorial Dish: Fungi and Fish. Photo: VINO
Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith suggested that Territory Day be observed as a day where the people of the Virgin Islands should think back on the past and draw inspiration and hope for the future. Photo: VINO
Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith suggested that Territory Day be observed as a day where the people of the Virgin Islands should think back on the past and draw inspiration and hope for the future. Photo: VINO
The Territorial Flower: The Cedar flower. Photo: VINO
The Territorial Flower: The Cedar flower. Photo: VINO
Territorial Colours. Photo: VINO
Territorial Colours. Photo: VINO
Territorial Music. Photo: VINO
Territorial Music. Photo: VINO
Territorial Tree. Photo: VINO
Territorial Tree. Photo: VINO
Territorial Dress. Photo: VINO
Territorial Dress. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
Scene from Territory Day observations. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Education Minister, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn proposed today, July 1, 2013 that all children born in the Virgin Islands automatically be made citizens of the Territory.

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”

  • GoonSquad (01/07/2013, 14:52) Like (1) Dislike (74) Reply
    But this is nothing new VIP has been saying this for years but as Uncle say all he doing is repeating what VIP have said and done…NEXT
    • Yes (01/07/2013, 18:09) Like (21) Dislike (9) Reply
      How come no one is speaking up for indigenous locals that are been treated unfairly and horrendously in this country??!
  • in agreement (01/07/2013, 14:56) Like (21) Dislike (82) Reply
    He born Antigua so why he aint go get an antigun passport?
    • Maria (01/07/2013, 17:11) Like (14) Dislike (22) Reply
      U are in agreement to what? Your comment is sicking me. You ppl can't open your eyes and see how the world been turning up to now! When u may be willing to accept the differences of others and their culture it will be too LATE!!
    • Interesting! (01/07/2013, 18:18) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
      Anything WALWYN has to do with always get knock. So who really cares about us the REAL BV ISLANDER? Brazil & Egypt are warning signs of persons growing intolerance
    • Wa dat (02/07/2013, 21:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes as long as a have his Antigua birth certificate or one of his parent or from there.
      • . (02/07/2013, 22:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Actually BOTH his parents from there, so God alone knows how he/they got citizenship! And he WAS born there. Let's see his BVI birth paper if it's not true.
  • you lie (01/07/2013, 15:10) Like (9) Dislike (38) Reply
    Omar Hodge said it first. The NDP had a problem with it. Know what!? You want relection now right? Don't worry we got your number, it's #12.
    • xxxxxxxx (01/07/2013, 18:14) Like (4) Dislike (59) Reply

      STOP MAKIG US YOUR SCAPEGOATS FOR POLITICAL SPIN CAUSE WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH! We need to start protesting now! ENOUGH IS ENOGH

  • ABC (01/07/2013, 15:33) Like (5) Dislike (28) Reply
    Had it not been for old England, where would we be. The stage is set, our only hope is the UK and the next general election.
    • change (01/07/2013, 23:18) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      Now that people are finally realizing how bad this constitution really is, how about another vote to see if we want it implemented?
  • HMMM (01/07/2013, 16:09) Like (7) Dislike (44) Reply
    WHO tell these people we want our national flower changed from the oleander flower to the white cedar tree flower.
    • To Strupes (01/07/2013, 19:44) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
      The tree has always been the Cedar and the flower has always been the Oleander. Did you not go to school here in the BVI fool??????
      • HMMM (01/07/2013, 20:49) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
        Obviously you are not too bright. I am not disputing that the cedar and the oleander were our national tree and flower. I am making a statement to the Ministry of Education & Culture that they had no call changing the NATIONAL FLOWER FROM THE OLEANDER TO THE CEDAR FLOWER. In case you didn't know that is one of the changes they made today. I hope I have made myself clear.
        • facts man (01/07/2013, 23:25) Like (6) Dislike (14) Reply
          People like you, is ruining this country for bad bad for most of us. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander...do not forget that!
  • buz (01/07/2013, 16:32) Like (13) Dislike (10) Reply
    First talk about what you propose for the indigenous bvilander then talk about benefits to users of Bvi maternity tourism.
    • . (02/07/2013, 22:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Darm right! That must be what Sharon dem in the Tourist Board promoting. Antiguans of a feather...
  • Str8Nose (01/07/2013, 16:33) Like (7) Dislike (15) Reply
    Her majesty will never apppove of that king obstinate. These Virgin Islands are the Jewels of the UK and Queen Lizi aint going let it become a free for all for citizenship that would eventually lead to UK CITIZENSHIP.
    • So True... (02/07/2013, 15:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      The Queen is wise enough to understand this for years now... the UK knows that the BVI would become an open door for all countries to receive UK citizenship.
  • indeed (01/07/2013, 17:12) Like (10) Dislike (15) Reply
    Giving credit where due. Da man been having some good points. Not a NDP supporter but give him the props.
    • @ indeed (01/07/2013, 19:02) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
      What gone bad a morning, can't come good a evening
      • zoe (01/07/2013, 23:13) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        I am so discouraged by the NDP who say, forget the law, the people want citizenship!!.
  • BREAKING NEWS (01/07/2013, 18:24) Like (18) Dislike (231) Reply
    What madness!!!So people could just come here on a vacation get their children here and they are B V Islanders? This guy needs his head examine. Does he know the population of the BVI...can this be practical for our small island? …M…n always in front the camera chatting cock-may-may
    • HYPOCRITE MUCH? (02/07/2013, 03:37) Like (14) Dislike (231) Reply
      Whats the difference between ppl coming here and getting their children, whether on "vacation" or working here and ppl from the BVI and other caribbean countries going to PR, STT or any American soil and getting their kids for the sake of citizenship? Tell me cause I really don't see your point.
      • To Hypocrite Much (02/07/2013, 13:01) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Why are you comparing this small territory to that of the United States! The BVI is too small for every person who have a child here to be granted citizenship. If you want your child to have a passport then go back to the place of your birth or the same United States you mentioned and have your child.
  • virgin gorda (01/07/2013, 18:27) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    Okay, is he saying we must organize and fight the British? His government in power are they doing anything about it???.
  • Donald de Castro (01/07/2013, 18:58) Like (11) Dislike (30) Reply
    While I congratulate Myron on the Territory Day celebration, he and all who feel the the British Passport & Nationality Act should be abolished are totally out of their minds. It should be strengthened and enforced as that is what is presently saving us from a complete take over.
  • mother hen (01/07/2013, 19:03) Like (8) Dislike (26) Reply
    Sorry, myron I don't think this will happen
  • chad (01/07/2013, 19:11) Like (14) Dislike (55) Reply
    This man is FOOL if he cannot see that this policy is there to protect the country.
    • Out me mouth (01/07/2013, 19:28) Like (5) Dislike (24) Reply
      You pull the words right out me mouth but I use the word idiot instead. Then again this is just more political propaganda by the Minister and he have a right to use it so he can be reelected. #NOT!!!
  • @ wow (01/07/2013, 19:49) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are our biggest enemies... Haven't you noticed that by now??
  • chad (01/07/2013, 21:42) Like (13) Dislike (32) Reply
    Why you all don't hush!! half of you who talking born in the US and reaping the benefits, why cant some one born here to and do the same....... selfless people.
    • george w. touch (01/07/2013, 23:20) Like (1) Dislike (52) Reply
      Can someone remind me again who this Myron Walwyn is?
    • Rorry (02/07/2013, 01:04) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      That make any sense? Firstly we're a British Territory so we can't just start acting like Americans. Even though for the most part, we self-govern ourselves there are British laws we still have to abide by including citizenship laws.

      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.
      • To Rorry (02/07/2013, 15:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        I agree... and when the BVI starts to fall because of these immigration changes that the Minister wants... these same children will move to the USA, the UK or back to their parent’s country because of over limited employment opportunities in the BVI.
    • nope (02/07/2013, 01:40) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      Because we took advantage of the USA slack immigration policy doesn't mean we have to do the same here. Right now the US trying hard to close up their borders. They are huuuuge and still have a problem. Imagine if that was tiny BVI? Immigration is not about emotions and feelings, it policy on protecting or country and it's citizens. If not then there would be no need for an immigration department. Just let everyone in
  • sprat (01/07/2013, 22:01) Like (11) Dislike (10) Reply
    please stop comparing our little islands with the huge USA . That is what's wrong with all these educated people that go away and come back with no common sense . That law is there to protect the small indigenous population from been overrun by outside groups .
  • long look me come from (01/07/2013, 22:56) Like (5) Dislike (28) Reply

    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

    • Anddddddd (03/07/2013, 03:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      All those names you mentioned came to the BVI from somewhere else too and over time they became what you call indigenous so over time likewise the names you heard at graduation will be known as indigenous as well so get over yourself, it's happening!
  • kevin (01/07/2013, 23:07) Like (3) Dislike (30) Reply
    the old fool just looking fool and does not truly care about the county and his statements
  • son of the soil (02/07/2013, 00:08) Like (2) Dislike (22) Reply
    but wha wrong wid dis islunman buddy?
  • nope (02/07/2013, 01:36) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    I disagree with Myron. There must be certain qualifications first! Like if at least one parent has the minimum of Belonger status at the time of birth.We are not the USA who can sustain such an immigration catastrophe. The USA is now reeling and trying to close their own immigration border after all these years of slack immigration policy. NOW the USA is trying to protect its rights to citizenship. So please let us not follow them as an example.Now if a Philipino who is here on work permit, for example, had a child here, that child must meet certain requirements for citizenship. Like live a minimum of 12 consecutive years in the BVI without being out of the BVI for more than 3 consecutive months at a time. Or a minimum number is years in our educational system and then automatically be considered a citizen. Same for any nationality where neither parent has BVI status at the time of birth.In the meantime the child can get a passport from the county of the mother’s citizenship. So the child would still be free to travel. It’s not like the cold suffers at birth and is a citizen of no Country. So we need to stop the sob story!How many of the Arabs, Santos, Caribbean, or Philipinos who have been here for years have now embraced BVI culture? A very small percentage. When BVI is competing against Jamaica, the janaicans who are born here proudly where their gold and green and cheer “their country” against the BVI. Philipinos host their own basketball league and do not open it up to BVIslanders to participate. Santos who are born here are quick to say they are Dominican and congregate with their own. I don’t think I need to speak about the Arabs.Do giving away the rights that my great great grandfather worked hard to give me, does not solve the issue of persons feeling like they belongers. And we need to take “feelings” out of the issue.How can a person born here today of parents of no status here Get the same rights as a person whose family toiled here during hard economic times, hurricane devastation, famine, etc? Families that have endured hundreds of years in this tiny Island country? We must now give away our birth right?I completely disagree with Hon Walwyn and he may have just lost my vote!Persons born here can have BVI citizenship IF they met certain minimum requirements which are not unreasonable… but not automatically!
  • Keeping it real (02/07/2013, 08:00) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    We do not want to hear anything from a disgraced Minister who was caught lying about Judge Mattis…where I come from that is dishonesty.

    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!
  • . (02/07/2013, 08:29) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is what you get for not voting for your own.
  • Wonderwoman (02/07/2013, 08:43) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    It is very clear and obvious what the minister is saying but ppl around here are too small minded to realise. Expat children who born here WILL eventually get their status.. but by making it longer/harder /or more complicated to get will only put the BVI at a disadvantage .... the children make them value their parents' home country more and will make them have less BVIslander pride when they grow up. The real truth is this is what it takes to truly BUILD BVIslander PRIDE amongst children and youth. KNOWING THAT YOU ARE FROM WHERE YOU BORN IS GOOD AND RIGHT. KNOWING THAT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU ACCCEPT YOU AS THEIR OWN MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE ONE OF THEM... The minister is right... and we have to stop being so blind so that the next generation of BVIslanders will shout from the rooftops and sing the praises of what it means to be from here, to be born here, to be accepted and to have the privileges that come with being in the country of your birth.
    • RedStorm (02/07/2013, 09:54) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      @wonderwoman, I believe your comments speak volumes. In years of reading comments on issues with expat. I find the BVI do get afraid of people taking over. I don't know if its the days of pirating or the days we had to eat a lot of fish and apples, make us feel so inferior of the expat. The Minister did not say he will give all the children citizenship. Can someone research what is citizenship and who has implement the Human Rights of where you born there you will be citizen, or I forget maybe it is my grandfather who said that. Mr. Myron cannot change status at every whims and fancy, there is a process that must take place and the Queen have the last say. But why won't she say yes to giving Citizenship to people born in her territory? Many of the Caribbean islands were once owned by her or is still under her rules. Why not add a few more male soldiers to her army. The BVI are not increasing the populating by increasing the amount of women getting babies, these days are the expat who are going to the pebbles and the BVI are going PR come on you think that if war break out and the US wants people to go to war they won't come for your children, then think again. BVI need to be educated about citizenship. Both the BVI and the Expat are in the same boat. Please somebody paddle.
      • . (02/07/2013, 22:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I am sorry but this is one of the most ignorant tirades I have read in some time. War? Soldiers? Look, it's real simple. Citizenship is not a human right, it is a right conferred by a country to individuals according to the laws of that country. Under the law of the BVI, which is not a local law but a UK law, birth does not confer citizenship. Period. The BVI is not empowered to change that, and frankly it is done by the UK for our own good and for theirs so that we are not overrun in our self-loathing rush to embrace all that comes from foreign, and so that the UK does not have the added burden of all the Caribbean countries who went independent, but now that they see what that entails, want to have their cake and eat it too.
    • . (02/07/2013, 22:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      All this talk about pride! What pride going to do for us? Will pride feed us, pay our bills, get us jobs when the place is overrun with expats from countries many times bigger than ours and education systems much more sophisticated than ours?
  • JVD (02/07/2013, 13:36) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    no Myron this will over run the BVI and make us all worst off
  • BVIslander (02/07/2013, 14:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    More than half of the population of the BVI is immigrants and many more are coming to our shores daily looking for employment. The Minister may also want to remember if this immigration policy changes the BVI will become an open door to a greater number of immigrants choosing to live and birth their children in a country that allows for easier accessibility to the USA and UK and that has greater economic stability. If this is the case the US and/or UK may not wish to allow our citizens to freely enter their shores as we currently do today. Remember… BVI children are able to receive US and UK VISAs and/or passports etc. with little red tape unlike other countries.
    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!!!
  • under the bus (02/07/2013, 17:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    One cannot give away the rights of the people to the state just like that
  • strewps (02/07/2013, 19:39) Like (0) Dislike (16) Reply
    When yall die who claiming to be bvislanders an uk citizen, make sure yall carry yall passports cus yall will need to kno yall destination on judgement morning.......make sure is an eternity passport all of u have, otherwise yall will get left behind....
  • Street of gold (02/07/2013, 21:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop focusing on things we would soon left behind and start making our selves. Election suret
  • my two cents (02/07/2013, 23:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    At times Mr. Walwyn seems to go too far.
  • keep it real (03/07/2013, 23:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The majority of the BVI are not that stupid as to associate themselves with Walwyn's version of democracy.


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