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‘We are entering a divorce with the UK’- Dr Pickering

- said the divorce need not be one of quarreling & that VI needs to be put on her feet
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), centre, has likened the developments in response to the attempts by the United Kingdom (UK) to impose public registers on its Overseas Territories, including the Virgin Islands, to that of entering into a divorce with the UK. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Persons numbered in the thousands for Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Demonstrators filing past the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park in Decision March 2018 on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO
Demonstrators filing past the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park in Decision March 2018 on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO
Initiator of Decision March 2018 Bishop John I. Cline, left, addressing the crowd outside the Governor's Office on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO
Initiator of Decision March 2018 Bishop John I. Cline, left, addressing the crowd outside the Governor's Office on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO
Many school children also joined the demonstration against the United Kingdom on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO
Many school children also joined the demonstration against the United Kingdom on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO
Demonstrators through the streets of Road Town on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO
Demonstrators through the streets of Road Town on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO
Member of the Decision to March Committee Zoe J. Walcott-McMillan holds a placard during Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Member of the Decision to March Committee Zoe J. Walcott-McMillan holds a placard during Decision March 2018. Photo: VINO
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) addressing the masses at Decision March 2018 held in Road Town, Tortola on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) addressing the masses at Decision March 2018 held in Road Town, Tortola on May 24, 2018. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- “We have done everything that have been asked of us from the international community. We have instituted one of the best regulated financial services system anywhere in the world because we like to say that we are ahead of the curb and therefore we are going to ensure that whenever they bring something at us we are prepared for it…what more they want us to do?”

This was the big question asked by many and repeated by Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) at Decision March 2018 held in Road Town, Tortola on May 24, 2018.

The demonstration was held in the wake of the United Kingdom (UK) House of Commons and House of Lords supporting an amendment to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill demanding that only Overseas Territories located in the Caribbean operate registers of beneficial ownership.

According to Dr Pickering, the Virgin Islands has subscribed to all the global regulatory bodies, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and all global standards.

The Deputy Premier also spoke about the Beneficial Ownership Secure Search System (BOSSs) which balances privacy and transparency. “This so called BOSS system is the only one of its kind and we spent over two million dollars to institute that just to say to the world and the United Kingdom that we are complying with all they ask of us but what more they want us to do?”

“These people are just downright unfair, unjust and we have to stand up and tell them no way…”

‘We have declared open war’

Hon Pickering made it clear the demonstration indicated the VI had declared war on the UK and that there was no turning back.

“We need to ensure that we understand the real issues, we need to understand each step of the way because recognise that where we stand here today we have declared open war with the UK with respect to this Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill amendment…”

He added the VI has declared war because it does not agree with the amendment to the Bill to impose public registers for the Overseas Territories and that the Territory must be prepared to fight. “We have to ensure that we follow the strategy going forward. It is important for us to stay tuned and understand each step of the way what the next steps are,” Hon Pickering stated, adding that these updates will come from not only political leaders, but leaders from all parts of the community, including business and religious leaders.

“This is a fight we are in that we cannot afford to lose, because dead is dead. So it’s either we stand up and fight till we dead or we going lie down and let them kill us. And we ain’t going to let them kill us.”

‘We are entering a divorce’

Meanwhile, Hon Pickering likened the developments in response to the attempts by the UK to impose public registers on its Overseas Territories, including the Virgin Islands, to that of moving in the direction of a different relationship with the UK.

“We are entering a divorce, we have filed a petition for a divorce from the United Kingdom. That’s what we have effectively done. We are filing these papers to say let us just divorce but we want to say to them, we don’t need to fight, we don’t need to enter into a divorce into any acrimonious or quarreling way. Let us just separate from each other in a nice and agreeable way. Let us sit down and have a conversation, we and you. We want you to do something for us to ensure that we are being put on our feet to be able to choose our destiny, because let us be fair to ourselves ladies and gentlemen there aint no turning back.”

The Deputy Premier said; however, that he is not saying independence is the only way forward because that is not true.

“This is a new world, this is a new economic order. There are ways we can find to separate ourselves from the United Kingdom and start our own way forward. We have the brainpower to do it and we must do it.”

He recommended that three scholars from various parts of the world be employed, with the UK paying the costs, to come up with suggestions as to what the VI’s paths should be and who it should associate itself with, acknowledging that the VI needs to be a part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Caricom, and Economic Commission of Latin America.

Think tank

Meanwhile, the initiator of Decision March 2018 Bishop John I. Cline said the VI needs to begin finding ways to create new revenue streams and said a “think tank” will be set up to address this.

“So one of the things coming out of this march that will be done, we will organise a think tank, an economic development and investment team that will make suggestions to the Government, whoever they are, in terms of opportunities that are out there. That will help to show up our economy in whatever industry that may be, So whether its medical tourism, medical marijuana, crypto currency, mobile money, fisheries, agriculture, whatever it is, we will put a think tank together and we will explore opportunities from around the world that the government can suggest and move forward as one of our economic pillars.”

Also as a part of moving forward, there will be a series of town hall meetings to “speak to the independence of the BVI. What does that look like? We will have cell groups in districts on having a discussion on self-determination and this divorce that Dr Pickering spoke about….We are not going to sleep and your time here today would have been well spent and we thank you,” Bishop Cline said before the heavens, which seemed to have held its horses until all was said and done, opened up and dispersed the large crowd.

30 Responses to “‘We are entering a divorce with the UK’- Dr Pickering”

  • TEA PARTY (25/05/2018, 12:40) Like (40) Dislike (1) Reply
    is it right for gov to announce this in a democracy before they know what constituents want?
    • Spanky (25/05/2018, 15:20) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      That's so funny! We BVI employs foreign experts to advise us on how to be independent! You couldn't make this stuff up. We are not stupid, Minister, we know it is in your interest to avoid the gaze of the UK and rabble-rousing suits your agenda.
    • @Tea Party (25/05/2018, 15:22) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
      No it is not right. They think people are fools. They took the support for the march and now doing a spin wheel. I am not supporting independence. My mother does something I don't like, I am not happy with that one decision, but it does not mean that I throw off my mother. It's always all about the NDP pockets at the end of the day. We still want them out
    • True Colors Shining (25/05/2018, 22:10) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Typical NDP.
    • @ Tea Party (27/05/2018, 08:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      This group will want foe you. Their way of pushing stuff down people throat. The confuse our decision to band together to oppose the UK decision as a band together to support them. We still don't trust them
  • oops there it is (25/05/2018, 12:42) Like (50) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hey Hey Hey, this march was a march against a decision. It was not a march for independence. The petition was not a referendum. Don't twist this up
    • NezRez (25/05/2018, 14:15) Like (9) Dislike (11) Reply
      Yes, marching for our survival. No schools should have our children participating in something that is detrimental to their well being. Parents should not allow this, teach your children the TRUTH! Stop telling them lies that the mother country cares about them! OUTRAGED!
  • 123 (25/05/2018, 12:43) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    after the government change let's talk independence not before
  • Ninja (25/05/2018, 12:45) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
    In all these photos I do not see the people who benefit most from the industry. This looks like slavery days again for a certain ethnicity..
  • Not2Sure (25/05/2018, 12:52) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
    this man pissed me off saying we need three scholars from overseas to study our independence move, this moo mo like there are not local scholars...How the hell we could go independent under them so
  • Observer (25/05/2018, 14:25) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do not let those who just want to hold on to power fool you. They are showing their intentions. Time for them to stop making decisions for the people of this territory without the people's imput.. Guess only they are educated, so people from outside must be hired to make decisions for the people. That is a grave insult to Virginislanders. Maybe if they were doing what is right for the territory, being transparent and accountable this hurdle would have been a walk over for other things would have been in the making and the people would have been prepared. Leaders should always put country first. That was HL. Stoutt ,s motto.
  • chad (25/05/2018, 14:28) Like (25) Dislike (3) Reply
    So how can they now use the petition for another purpose?? What about those who actually believed that the petition was against the bill?? wow
    • read the article (25/05/2018, 16:39) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      The Deputy Premier said; however, that he is not saying independence is the only way forward because that is not true.

      “This is a new world, this is a new economic order. There are ways we can find to separate ourselves from the United Kingdom and start our own way forward. We have the brainpower to do it and we must do it.”

      "...as to what the VI’s paths should be and who it should associate itself with, acknowledging that the VI needs to be a part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Caricom, and Economic Commission of Latin America."

      THAT SUGGESTS LOOKING AT NEW PARTNERSHIPS, NOT INDEPENDENCE AND I AM NO SCHOLAR!!!
      • Hmm.. (27/05/2018, 13:56) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        @readthearticle, the individual made no mention of "independence". They stated "another purpose", and as you stated "new partnerships" which indeed is another purpose as the petition was supposed to be simply against the bill. You have therefore proven that indeed you are not a scholar.
  • um (25/05/2018, 14:38) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pretty certain you need a referendum for independence and for a non govt March that no one outside of Tortola took any notice of, there is a lot of govt ministers sprouting crap. A real March is organised by the people against govt. crap and is t full of school kids in uniform being told to march.
  • Hmm (25/05/2018, 14:44) Like (28) Dislike (3) Reply
    Stupid ppl!!! If it wasnt for this Goverment! We wont be in this situation! N make it worst if we go independent?!!! Dont be stupid my ppl we need the uk.
    • @hmmm (25/05/2018, 16:41) Like (1) Dislike (17) Reply
      If you need them that bad, then leave and go to the UK. As for us, all we need is Jehovah. He will see us through. And when we get it right, you can still come back!
  • The TRUTH (25/05/2018, 14:51) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    While these bastards try to kill us we are to remain Sunday School Asses who cannot express ourselves but are stifled by selfish ambition. Be assured this is only the smoke....War is coming to the Caribbean. This most likely will not be published, but there is a price for everything...there are persons who can see what you can't...if we had listened to those who were warning us for decades, we would be in a better position today. Can we at this stage move beyond party politics and cronyism and UNITE for the benefit of all ? How can we achieve anything divided among ourselves?
    • Trithtoo (26/05/2018, 12:46) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Listen to you! War is coming to the Caribbean”
      Have you any idea how stupid it is to say such nonsense. Of course it isn’t!
      Sound finances and accountability
      are coming to the Caribbean.
  • Road Town Resident (25/05/2018, 15:10) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    I loved this line “This is a fight we are in that we cannot afford to lose, because dead is dead. So it’s either we stand up and fight till we dead or we going lie down and let them kill us. And we ain’t going to let them kill us.”
  • Done Deal was on fire, y’ll (25/05/2018, 16:27) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The lion in him has awakened, but I am going to hold any other comments until I see the full slate of political aspirants for the upcoming elections. Shutting down and observing for now.
  • Bleep-bleep (25/05/2018, 16:37) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    This gang of thieves must stop leading the citizens and residents a stray. The UK think what it is attempting to accomplish is best for the UK, however do you really have the best interest of the country at heart? Does going Independent change the outcome of the bill, nope!! But put yourselves in prime position to finish off what’s left of the BVI. You all need to take a loOk at what happened in Catalonia and be guided accordingly. Stop pulling wool over the sheep eyes, and throwing smoke screen.
  • Nobody (25/05/2018, 19:23) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    when you cooperate with bullies, give them an inch, they will take a mile. BVI should NOT have kept abiding by
    demands from everyone for private information and conformity in the first place. When you do that - they will
    keep demanding more. Obedience is not next to Godliness. Compliance, a popular term now, is a form of
    mental disease and cooperation with the devil. Or isn't that obvious by now?
  • watcher (25/05/2018, 20:04) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Since when the school children are made pawns in such a March.? Who make the rules for children in out of school activities? We need to sit and decide the parents role, the politicians role and the teachers role in how we include our children in such activities. Let children enjoy their childhood.
  • Yes (26/05/2018, 06:53) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yea a march of independence from the NDP. That’s why they had a petition going around for yall too because of BS like that. How you advertising to the people you so call care that we’re marching against the decision to only turn around and say it’s for independence. You were aware most of the population wasn’t here for it and you knew no one would have came to an independence march. Stop playing with us because your march is next.
  • Boo (26/05/2018, 17:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    No worries Dr Done Deal.. we will divorce you first
  • Yul (27/05/2018, 11:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Whow is We???
  • ndp (27/05/2018, 19:00) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    People in the 7th please, please get rid of Kedrick he is not telling us the real truth about why the queen wants the registry open. He still have us living in S****y streets. He had no call up on Cline podium speaking S**t about war on England. People of the 7th open your eyes to what he is saying to you. Dr. Smith too had no call on Cline podium. People in the march was to be the ones on Cline podium saying why they march.
  • Political Observer (PO) (30/05/2018, 08:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This talk about a divorce from the UK and declaring war is pure nonsense. The honorable member blew the normal governing guard rails. Here is a news flash. Words have consequences and used recklessly can cause severe harm. All of us should be quick to listen and slow to speak, especially our political leaders. This was a people’s march and government should have supported and monitor it from afar. Instead it got entangled in this royal.......m.......s.


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