A March? Gov’t expected to support demonstration over UK Public Registry law
Many of the other Overseas Territories affected have announced that they are taking the United Kingdom Government to court, while others stated that they will not comply with the order and seek independence. Many of them have labelled the amendments as “racist” and direct interference in the economic development of the islands.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) has been slow in communicating his government’s response, outside of his wife’s, Lorna G. Smith OBE, fiery interview with the BBC on the same day the Bill was passed.
At a press conference this week, Dr Smith told the press “we are looking at options”, however, he added that “the vote has setback the UK-VI relations.”
The March
A group spearheaded by outspoken Bishop John I. Cline is in the planning stage of a national march, alongside some financial industry practitioners, in the coming weeks to show the people’s and sector's position. In addition, a senior National Democratic Party (NDP) member said the Government of Dr Smith is expected to support the march; however, the source did not elaborate on the level of support.
In a brief conversation with the Bishop, today March 5, 2018, he confirmed, “yes I came up with the idea and put a group together to carry it out.”
He also confirmed, that a group is actively planning the march and it’s expected to be big. However, up to publication time, none of the organisations could be reached for comments.
The march is expected to show the discontent of the people, the government and the Territory's financial services sector with the UK Bill and its direct effect on the economy of the Virgin Islands (VI).
47 Responses to “A March? Gov’t expected to support demonstration over UK Public Registry law”
They want to break constitutional law by overreaching and forcing beneficial ownership on us?
How about we break their laws and go big on medical and recreational marijuana?
If they complain it’s unconstitutional for us to do that ...
“Oh, sorry, there’s a constitution? We had no idea.”
Moreover, these two marches, though of vital interest to Virgin Islanders, was not of little concern to the majority of UK electorate. By contrast though, the register of beneficial ownership is a highly charged political issue in the UK. Both government and opposition are in tune to this charged political atmosphere. The leverage and options of the BVI, along with other OTs, are limited, ie, they can 1) file a court challenge, 2) ignore the legislation (not highly viable if they remain under UK umbrella) or 3) pursue independence (this too many not be a viable option for OTs). OTs need to explore and employ strategies and tactics to dampen the adverse impact of the legislation. Nonetheless, it is wonderful that finally Virgin Islanders may be summoning the courage to peacefully agitate against the things that are occurring in the VI that are not in the interest of VI and its people. Furthermore, they (OTs) must also employ effective diplomacy to effect change. Where is Benito Wheatley?
Fredrick Douglass says: “If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters.This struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, and it may be both moral and physical, but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without demand. It never did and it never will... Men may not get all they pay for in this world, but they must certainly pay for all they get.”
Time and effort will be better spent looking for alternative industry to support the economy as the slavers are hell bent for leather on dismantling the financial services in the UKOTS. It seems neither dependency nor independence will stop them. Form stronger ties with China...now that will get their attention.
$hit hit the ceiling so now ago want to march but not me nor my family.
Ayo thief the little we had and now you want to play onward Christian Soldiers?????
Just asking?
That is will March for
Please remember - all you complain about the NDP being corrupt, yes? Me too. BUT this law - added to a bill by a member of the opposition, not by the UK government - is motivated exactly to make it harder for similarly corrupt politicians all over the world to hide their stolen money. So, to many outside the BVI and financial services world, we are complaining that we can no longer provide that service. Hypocrisy a little? The BVI seems sadly unaware of why the world thinks we’re dirty. You all can add the excuses and nuances as much as you want but I don’t foresee much sympathy from outsiders.