A National Guard would instil sense of pride & security- Troy E. Christopher
Businessman and former political candidate Mr Troy E. Christopher expressed his serious concerns during the Umoja programme with Mr Cromwell Smith aka ‘Edju En Ka’ on ZBVI 780 AM on June 8, 2025.
He stated, “I don’t see the fundamental pieces that one would normally depend on in a community. After-school programmes have weakened significantly since the hurricane. Institutions like scouts and boy brigades are nearly non-existent, and these organisations guide young people and help instil pride.”
He noted that the VI Constitution was amended in 2007 to allow for the establishment of a national security council, which could make decisions in the best interest of public security. However, he does not see it functioning as intended.
He emphasised, “It is important that we understand and take an interest in our own security and build the organisations required for it.”
‘Time for VI to take control of it’s own security’
Mr. Christopher acknowledged that the United Kingdom has been the VI’s security partner for the last 70 years, but he believes it is time for the VI to take control of its own security and enter a new era of national security.
He referenced one of VI's top police officials, the late former Commissioner of Police and legislator Mr Vernon E. Malone, who recommended the introduction of a cadet corps with the aim of developing it into a national guard. This national guard, he asserted, could support the community not only in terms of security but also during emergencies and disasters.
The National Guard in the United States is a group of military members that serve on a part-time basis, usually within the US.
National Guard members usually respond to domestic emergencies like natural disasters, though in the last several months, they’ve assisted with coronavirus testing and disinfection.
Instilling discipline & sense of national pride
Mr Christopher underscored the importance of training young people, especially young boys who face challenges and are at risk of going astray.
“It’s one thing to talk about Virgin Islands pride, but how do we continue to foster that?” Mr. Christopher asked. “When challenges arise, do we have institutions capable of instilling discipline and a sense of national pride? Some countries send young people to the military; while we don’t have a military, if we had a national guard and other institutions, we could encourage a mindset of security and community protection.”
He added, “During major incidents like road floods and hurricanes, we could deploy teams of young men and women to protect the community, fostering a more cohesive and proactive approach.”
He concluded by reflecting on the past, noting, “In the early days of our development, some teachers acted as disciplinarians, providing guidance and moulding young people. However, we have reached a point where these roles are no longer effectively fulfilled.”
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24 Responses to “A National Guard would instil sense of pride & security- Troy E. Christopher”
I voting for Mitch!
How about fostering pride by taking the picture of a criminal off the walls of the House of Assembly and having the Christian Council condemn VI criminals.
And get Heavy illegal Tint off cars and enforce scooter laws.
And get rid of corruption and fix things so we have something to be proud of before you push for Independence.
Last time VI secured its boarders on its own we used Eazy Barges in a criminal waste of money.
See where you are going. Like spending money on Government lifeboats when Visar has the best set up and doing it for you for free. You just looking another way to cash in money on your way to Independence and lack of controls on corrupt ways.
Best way to head Independence is to start to follow and enforce rules at home as well as in the community. VI dont need a military for that. Not now or after Independence. For now UK provide our defence and we still can't get one boat to operate as an ambulance between tbe islands. Good luck with a navy and an army.
Please don't give them any guns but wooden sticks only as they will shoot themselves in foot..
Now this is what I call a step, in the right direction, with regards to nation building!