Will the churches take a stance on prostitution, gambling?

- Talk Show Host Douglas Wheatley questions the churches' role

Email this Article

Douglas Wheatley. Photo: VINO

Hon. Pickering has admitted that prostitution and gambling exist in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Douglas Wheatley, speaking on his radio programme ‘Speak out BVI’ on January 31, 2012, has wondered if the churches will follow suit and come out against certain activities such as prostitution and gambling as other churches in the Caribbean have done.

Giving an example, Wheatley said the churches in St. Lucia have come out strongly against de-criminalizing prostitution as they have argued that the human body was never developed to be involved in commerce. Other communities and churches, he added, have also been coming out against several things including gambling and even horseracing such as in Jamaica.

“I don’t know if at some point if the churches may, on particular issues, take a stance…I am not saying that the churches have not made their views known on a number of other issues but I am just bringing this to your attention because it is a trend I see in certain territories and countries across the Caribbean.”

A caller to the programme claimed he had a conversation with a Senator in the United States Virgin Islands who was “100 percent in favour of legalizing prostitution”. The caller, however, did not give his opinion on the matter.

It is a known fact that prostitution exists and seems to be on the increase in the Virgin Islands especially with the springing up of various ‘strip clubs’ in the Territory.

Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Kedrick Pickering himself admitted recently that there are houses of ill repute in the Virgin Islands, which he said is going through a transition and that residents need to accept that things “are no longer the same in the BVI”.

“This is a Godly nation my friend. It’s a spiritual problem we are dealing with. We live as a Godly nation, but we have houses of ill repute…We have to come to a point and decide if we are going to legalise gambling because all of us know gambling going on. All of us know prostitution going on, but we want to bury our heads in the sand like ostriches. I am on the firing line because I am an elected official, but we as a people have to decide what we want for our country,” the outspoken Minister had stated at a community meeting on January 19, 2012 at the East End End/Long Look Community Centre.

27 Responses to “Will the churches take a stance on prostitution, gambling?”

fake people (01/02/2012, 07:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
with so much hypocrites in the churches they better hush while dem ahead as we aint listening to dem!
- results (01/02/2012, 23:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  the wages of sin is death.
BVI MASSIVE (01/02/2012, 07:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
if these institutions are run professionally, strip clubs and casinos can bring much revenue to the territory or we can let the business continue going to st. martin. Lets face the facts, Gambling and prostitution will not stop. i'm not saying to put billboards of naked woman around the islands but we can allow a few entrepreneurs to run a classy up scale place for the men with the wandering eye and the stacks of 1 dollar bills. casinos the same. if watching booty shake of slot machines are not your thing, allow the more adventurous minds do it in a place of discrete and class.
- Whore Houses & Drugs (01/02/2012, 14:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  The words "classy" and "strip club" should NEVER be used in the same sentence. Strippers are NOT classy, especially those who come to the BVI. It is well known that these women do not just dance provocatively, they allow touching of their private parts and partake in sexual favors for money that they split with their pimp. I do not care if people go to the strip clubs, it is their choice. But these strip clubs should be recognized for the whore houses they are. In addition to selling sex illegally they also are havens for persons seeking and selling hard drugs. These clubs need to be monitored and should not be allowed to remain open until sun-up. Despite freedom of choice, the BVI should not be promoting such clandestine activities. If anything, the police, and the canine unit should have a presence at these clubs checking for guns and drugs on any given night.
laughing (01/02/2012, 08:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Most women here expect favors at some point from their man (or another man) in return for some wife. Its the same thing as prostitution. Most church goers have outside children - total double standards!
Joe grind (01/02/2012, 08:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Why would the Doug? You mean they (churches) just came into existence n the VI and gambling, prostitution just cropped up? Get real geezer! If you want a religous state then move to Saudi or some other country! With so many out of wedlock children in this place start there first before you open up a can of worms.
Thinker (01/02/2012, 09:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
If you think I can sit down and listen to a set of blind crazy people who believes that a virgin gave birth to a baby boy centuries ago, ignoring all other facts and information presented for review? Who think that what they believe is the end all be all and the other few billion people living on this earth are dead wrong and will rot in hell? Give it a rest!! Adults will do as they please with their bodies regardless. There's a real way and a 'puffed up' way of doing things. Politicians always choose the latter, they pander to people's emotions as opposed to common sense. Here's the deal, we know gambling is going on, we know prostitution is going on. We know if we 'stop' it, people will find a way to do it. Can Government stop a grown adult woman, who's paying rent for an apartment and have no kids, can they stop her from having how many men she want over to her place per night and charge a fee for her services? That's all will happen! People will just take it on the 'low' and while politicians out here beating their chest fooling people saying they got something done, the very 'ill' continues albeit under the radar, what's the use? It's the same with gambling. Regulate the industries and ensure that only adults are taking part. As it relates to the sex industry, again, regulate it like in St Maarten where the women are subjected to constant health screenings etc. Let's take our heads out of the sand and realize that from the days of old men and women were engaging in such things. Nobody is saying it's 'right' or 'wrong'! If you're a church goer, stay in church! We don't tell you how loud to play your church music during your crusades and neighborhood services. Do you care that some people don't believe what you believe? NO! You pompously blaze your loud speakers regardless. So, let's respect each other. If the Government wants to make money, let them regulate it, full stop. Alchohol and tobacco are being sold all over the place with no problem. The churches themselves partake in these things, so why don't they rally against them? Just a few weeks agoo some high school gilrs were killed by a DRUNKKKK driveer, where was the outrage? Give it a rest! Let's be real with the youth and the people of our country, sugarcoating things will only lead to worst happening. Those same church peopple are often seen at strip clubs etc. and they don't be hiding so that's why in the end, I doubt you will hear any real oppostion to these things. All smoke and mirrors, just like actors, when the curtains drop, they go back to their 'normal' lives! Dougie, go look some drawers from harassing people every minute with nonsense. You know that you're the last person that should be talking about morals and I'll leave it there.
- Wellsaw (01/02/2012, 09:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  The blood of Jesus Christ is agaist you! I rebuke those words in the name of Jesus and send it back to the sender!
  - WORDS AND DEEDS (01/02/2012, 10:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    what does that mean again? "WELLSAW" the churches and some pastors in the BVI should be a shame to be even on here blogging....
    - Wellsaw (01/02/2012, 11:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      holy ghost fire! in the name of JESUS!
      - Thinker (01/02/2012, 13:16) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        If a Muslim had responded to my opinion and said "Death be unto you in the name of Allah!" you all would say it's a crazy person. But it's okay for you to tell me nonsense? There are over 1 billion muslims in the world, are they all wrong? Listen, nothing is wrong with being spiritual, I'm not an atheist, I just don't believe in people hiding behind th 'word'. Let's be real! It doesn't matter who you praise, what matters are our actions! We are quick to put money in a collection plate based on 'faith' but we would hesitate to give to the obviously needy based on 'fact' and 'reality'. That, in plain terms is called CRAZY! Religion is an opinion and you're entitled to it, but don't tell me who or what is against me. I will be judged in accordance with my actions towards people and the way I live my life on this earth, not by some religious nut who clings to one belief and ignores all other facts around them. I was 'blessed' with a brain and open mind and I use them to the fullest extent, you should try the same! You all will question what you know and believe what you don't know, again that's the definition of crazy. It's so convenient that the only way I can prove you wrong is after death, no? Until then, you all continue to fool people and rape them of their pennies over nonsense when it's so much easier to just love everybody, regardless of religion, creed or race.
      - move on.com (01/02/2012, 13:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        look jokes you need to stop flying in the face of god whith your crap!...wellsaw
  - oh dear (01/02/2012, 10:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another brainwashed fanatic!
    - Village Girl (01/02/2012, 21:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      its more like another idiot.
  - saying (01/02/2012, 11:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    TO Wellsaw: Amen when two agree touching anything it shall be done. I say yes the blood of Jesus over this country and may his mercy spread over Tortola British Virgin Islands. I must say this that can STOP THE HAND OF GOD WHO? No one at all when we hear hurricane coming we quick to ask for prayer but people of this land let me tell you all something, God mercy runs out he will do as he pleases and no one can stop him remember Haiti people do not take god work for granted he is the same God yesterday and the same God today and forevermore. Think people if God remove his mercy from over this country for one moment what will happen to us? O! My God help up Lord Jesus help us
    - Wicked (01/02/2012, 14:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      We remember Haiti well, what kind of wicked god would cause so much devastation to a deeply religious society? Your god is a wicked one if it is he who did that. And i would sure bet that you have done nothing to help the people of Haiti in anyway (apart from pray to your wicked god)
mother hen (01/02/2012, 09:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
leave the ills of the bvi alone tis not everyone can be christains Doug
ummmmmmmmm (01/02/2012, 10:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Is the Government going to take a stand and enforce the laws?
Anonymous (01/02/2012, 10:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
i dont think they take a stance. they take 20% off the top
wongchichi (01/02/2012, 10:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Prostitution is the solicitation of sex and sexual favors for payment. A properly run strrip club does not provide sexual favors for money, its a freaking show. If the gov't wants to do something about the strip clubs they should regulate it and in essence raise the standards of them in general. As far as gambling it's been going on since donkey and crab races so whats new. And what is it all of a sudden about the Churches taking a stance and the Gov't listening, So the churches dictate how the country runs? If thats the case Doug why not follow some of the other things some churches believe in and stop blood transfusions in the hospitals and stop selling pork in the country. Or maybe lets follow the Rastafarian religion and not eat anything but naturally grown foods. Mr. Wheatley religion is a choice as is gambling and the solicitation of sex, If the churches speak out do you think that will stop every dice game in the country or stop a woman who decided the easiest way to make ends meet is to sell her god given assets? These things may be wrong in gods eyes or they may not hold all the the weight in his presence that we put on them You or I do not know. But what I do know that god gave man the option to think and decide for himself which way he wishes to go. I don't think you, the church or even the politicians have a right to try and dictate what a person does with their life. and thats just my 2 cents
- Thinker (01/02/2012, 13:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  Finally! Someone with common sense! The funny thing is if people would read about Dubai, Saudi Arabia and others, the way their laws are set up and how people are treated, I would bet all christians would scoff at it. Christians have no problems with Mutual Funds, Insurance companies and the like, but they're all gambling, albeit one is considered an 'honest' living and the other one isn't. But technically they're all the same damn thing when you peel away the BS! Christians love capitalism where it means there must be rich and poor, they despise socialism which is actually in line with what jesus teaches. Why doesn't the churches lobby Government to remove taxes from the poor and low income workers and let higher earners, especially the christian ones, pay more taxes which will in turn provide an ease for god's poorest people while taking the country forward? NO! But they want to get loud about flesh, which any adult can do what the hell they want with behind closed doors. Again, do some research and see what religion has done in some Arab countries for example. Same concept, just a different set of beliefs. Let's remove the constitution and have the Bible sworn in. The Bible say thou shall not judge so let's get rid of the judicial system as well. Who the hell is 'man', 9 MEN on a jury, to sentence a man in prison for life? Get rid of it! What else? LOLOL! Do you realize how ridic this whole thing is? LOL! When 'God' was alive, these things were going on, muchless now when he's not here physically? The direction of our youth should be our first priority!
critic (01/02/2012, 10:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
where was douggie when homosexuality was being legalized?
dog meat (01/02/2012, 15:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
i do nt wish to hear nothing from the BVI churches they are not lvining the life.
leave alone (01/02/2012, 16:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
leave the man with the whoes the girls help to redue rape...and that is a fact.
Shara Parlin (01/02/2012, 21:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
The reality is the churches and religion in the BVI has not kept the faith. The churches are fighting against each other. People in some churches not even talking to each other while some Pastors are living a double life. We know the two Pastors who are shameful from devoice to butty man business. The churches in the BVI have no credibility so I for one do not wish to hear a thing about what the church thinks. What I think is they do not have the moral authority to tell the public anything about gambling or prostitution.
revolution (02/02/2012, 00:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
i will keep praying for you BVI people.
Give the Real Classy Women a Break. (02/02/2012, 12:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
All the married and committed men should try staying home with their girlfriend or wife. If you need to watch strippers for fun, then something is wrong on the home front. If you really want to be single and sleep around with whoever you feel like then refrain from trying to fake a woman into being your wife. Learn how to cook and clean for yourself and let the woman you pretend to love have a really wonderful life with a man that is interested in staying home for her emotionally and physically. Far to many lying, cheating men in this country.

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.

Will the churches take a stance on prostitution, gambling?

27 Responses to “Will the churches take a stance on prostitution, gambling?”

Create a comment

Create a comment

Follow Us On