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Big demonstration against ‘direct rule’ in RT today May 2, 2022

- Crowd will gather in parking lot of Government House @ 8:00am
A massive protest against Public Registers at Government House on May 24, 2018. The people of the Virgin Islands will be stating their objection to any direct rule by the United Kingdom (UK) loud and clear from 8:00am today, Monday, May 2, 2022, at a demonstration slated for the parking lot of Government House. Photo: VINO/File
While many in the Virgin Islands have condemned the alleged criminal involvement by Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and also acknowledge there is lots of work to do to achieve good governance, they do not believe a suspension of the House of Assembly and the VI Constitution is necessary at this time. Photo: Team of Reporters
While many in the Virgin Islands have condemned the alleged criminal involvement by Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and also acknowledge there is lots of work to do to achieve good governance, they do not believe a suspension of the House of Assembly and the VI Constitution is necessary at this time. Photo: Team of Reporters
Local businesswoman Amberly Crabbe told a large gathering of persons at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School on May 1, 2022, that the people of the Virgin Islands must turn up in large numbers to demonstrate they are not in favour of suspension of the constitution. Photo: VINO/File
Local businesswoman Amberly Crabbe told a large gathering of persons at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School on May 1, 2022, that the people of the Virgin Islands must turn up in large numbers to demonstrate they are not in favour of suspension of the constitution. Photo: VINO/File
A resident of the Virgin Islands addresses the gathering at the public meeting at Althea Scatliffe Primary School on May 1, 2022. Photo: Facebook
A resident of the Virgin Islands addresses the gathering at the public meeting at Althea Scatliffe Primary School on May 1, 2022. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The people of the Virgin Islands will be stating their objection to any direct rule by the United Kingdom (UK) loud and clear from 8:00am today, Monday, May 2, 2022, at a demonstration slated for the parking lot of Government House in Road Town, Tortola.

The peaceful protest will coincide with the beginning of discussions by UK Minister for Overseas Territories Hon Amanda A. Milling with Acting Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and political party leaders in the House of Assembly, regarding the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report.

According to the Report, serious dishonesty may have taken place in Government and by Members of the House of Assembly (HoA) over recent years and recommended a temporary partial suspension of the constitution. This means that there would be neither ministers of government nor elected representatives and the VI would be run by the Governor.

While many in the Virgin Islands have condemned the alleged criminal involvement by Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and also acknowledge there is lots of work to do to achieve good governance, they do not believe a suspension of the House of Assembly and the VI Constitution is necessary at this time.

‘Now is the time to speak up’- Amberly Crabbe

“In terms of what we can file to stop that decision [to suspend constitution], our options are very limited at this point so it is very important for us to make our voices heard. Now is not the time for us to be afraid to speak up. If we are against the suspension of the constitution, now is not the time to second guess, now is not the time to be divided on any aspect,” local businesswoman Amberly Crabbe told a large gathering of persons at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School on May 1, 2022.

The public meeting was held to demonstrate the masses’ objection to direct rule and information was shared as to why the VI should not be in favour of it.

‘We are not in favour of suspension of constitution’

“We have some events that are going on and we would like for everyone to support in great numbers because the only way we can get our message across is that we the people of the Virgin Islands are not in favour of the suspension of the constitution.

“We do not understand why it is necessary, we do not understand why it is just and we are taking a stance on our behalf. We are speaking up and we demand an audience. We demand to be heard and I think now is the time,” Ms Crabbe stated.

The public meeting was chaired by Reverend Dr Michael A. Turnbull and members of the panel included Ms Crabbe, Shaina M. Smith-Archer and Julio S. Henry aka ‘Sam’.

The auditorium of the Althea Scatliffe was packed to capacity and many persons used the opportunity to voice their object to a UK takeover of the VI.

Among the elected representatives present were Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL), Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) and Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines.

63 Responses to “Big demonstration against ‘direct rule’ in RT today May 2, 2022”

  • Dali (02/05/2022, 01:07) Like (49) Dislike (9) Reply
    We can only hope that our territory recovers from the mess that Andrew Fahie M.M. (Master Magician) has placed us in.
    • smh (02/05/2022, 09:05) Like (57) Dislike (3) Reply

      This is not the same as when the UK oppressed this people. This time around is we own people who we voted in oppressing us.
    • The watchman (02/05/2022, 12:02) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Need his minions also, then we can move forward
    • Fake Photo (02/05/2022, 13:11) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      This photo is from the previous march.
    • @ Dali (02/05/2022, 15:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Not only Andrew, you would have to also include many of the past government leaders and the 'governors'. There is NO exclusion!
  • Yes (02/05/2022, 01:42) Like (13) Dislike (72) Reply
    Stand up for your rights BVIslanders!!! Suspension of constitution means that you will have NO rights in your own land.

    The Brits want to take your rights and your land. They are not trying to help. Never trust wolves in sheep clothing.

    They are trying to sell a 6 for a 9.
    • @yes (02/05/2022, 08:40) Like (29) Dislike (2) Reply
      My friend... these are not wolves in sheeps clothing.. they are a straight up wolf pack... they have never tried to hide it just like BVI doesn't try to hide the fact they descriminate against down island people.... you have just woken a wolf pack by making a silly drug deal that gets in the way of their money game... you done sh#t on someone elses doorstep that lets you live there and make your own rules... so take whats coming. and a piece of advice... don't bother demostrating. We have spent centuries trying to do the same.. it doesnt work ;) Also!! thank whoever that British is on the front of this countries name because right now you would have US troops walking down your streets if it wasn't
    • Really? (02/05/2022, 08:52) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
      Lie much? There is not a single truth in your comment.
    • Just to be sure (02/05/2022, 12:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      When we say no rights we are talking about due process, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and not the ability(rights) of a select few to influence, manipulate or subvert government process for their own gains or the benefits.

      Let's ask our brothers and sisters that have the constitution suspended what rights did they lose during the process. How much of their day-to-day was affected by the process of bringing accountability, transparency, and trust to the government service.


    • @yes (02/05/2022, 17:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Better than drug rule
  • HEH (02/05/2022, 02:11) Like (29) Dislike (8) Reply
    Cool pic for something that hasn’t happened. VI people won’t March for anything nowadays. We’ve long lost the rioting mentality reserved for slavery and tax hikes.
  • HMMM (02/05/2022, 02:14) Like (85) Dislike (13) Reply
    What massive protest? Stop trying to pump up the outcome of this fiasco that has been planned. UK please come clean up your overseas Territory. These people are foaming at the mouth to keep their hands on the cookie jar and ill gains. Send police to arrest them when they show up tomorrow with their foolishness.
  • Good, now the other thing (02/05/2022, 02:14) Like (15) Dislike (13) Reply
    Yes, it's important to make the UK understand that the constitution should not be suspended.

    Now also start denouncing the nation's rampant corruption as well. It's really interesting that a lot of these officials are rightfully protesting this but there is very little discussion over the VIP seemingly installing a new premier with no selection from the general public. Nor has any high ranking official been outspoken against the corruption that we all knew was happen but was formally acknowledged by the COI. We aren't a one issue people, and in the coming days we need to speak about all of these issues instead of just the Constitution Suspension.
    • IMO (02/05/2022, 11:20) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      The Role of the Deputy Premier is to be the Premier in their absence. No consultation necessary. But everything else I agree with.
  • Bv (02/05/2022, 02:29) Like (54) Dislike (7) Reply
    UK must take over...
  • ... (02/05/2022, 03:21) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    Amberly Crabbe... "We do not understand" I think that sums up the BVI government.
  • Ragga (02/05/2022, 03:28) Like (58) Dislike (2) Reply
    “We do not understand why it is necessary, we do not understand why it is just".

    Hey Amberly Crabbe, if you don't understand something as simple as a bunch of criminals have been running this place and we don't want the same ppl fixing things, you might also find walking to be a challenge. So stay at home.
  • Weary (02/05/2022, 03:42) Like (18) Dislike (10) Reply
    Just remember never to vote for any of these people because they are wsy to filled with hate and can’t think straight. They are fear mongering representing the UN, who actually want to control the BVI. UN and WHO and Bill Gates are all our enemies. Death clot shot coercers. Please wake up, resist the UN, WHO and Gates.
  • smdh (02/05/2022, 05:57) Like (40) Dislike (4) Reply
    So everybody enjoying the corruption smdh. Uk coming here will have is good and bad just like any other country. The Bvi wants change but can't accept change sigh. May God be with us.
  • VG (02/05/2022, 06:11) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let’s deal with the ones in office so this don’t happen again
  • C.P (02/05/2022, 06:12) Like (39) Dislike (5) Reply
    My main problem is if we allow this govt to continue who will investigate the heads of dept and other individuals whose names have been called in the scandal. We don't know if it's true or not but we know there are other individuals in this mess. I am all for the u.k. not taking over but there are too many corrupt people in govt and the public service. We see evidence all the time. I sincerely think we need help. And for those reasons I will not be marching.
    • WISE (02/05/2022, 12:11) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
      Who is going to look over the governor and miss lady?? The uk does not have a constitutional so how they want to rewrite ours??? Think people think and stop be jahhoons!!
  • Good day Hon Milling. (02/05/2022, 06:18) Like (32) Dislike (40) Reply
    I am here in all humbleness and sincerity asking you for just one favour. " Can you please plea with the United States Authority to have our X Premier Andrew Fahie serve his time in a decent prison in Britain. He will not survive in an American Prison..I am not asking you to ignore his wrongs but please consider his many years of good service, We all have sinsvand fall short,vI am asking you to use the compassionate side of you to intervene on my request. Thanks in advance, also do the same for Ms Olivine Maynard,. We love them, we don't want anything bad to happen to them. Thanks in advance.

    Signed...The Xpat they hate.
  • FIRE (02/05/2022, 06:21) Like (6) Dislike (41) Reply
    Those white people around the queen is terrible. How they want to take over what they never build. They haven't change one bit.
  • Windy (02/05/2022, 06:21) Like (6) Dislike (27) Reply
    I will be there with bells on no to direct rule
  • 4 REAL (02/05/2022, 06:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    U AT IT AGAIN
  • Drug Dealers (02/05/2022, 06:38) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    We will be giving out cash and guns to anyone who comes to this rally. We run this country, not the govt. Let's keep it that way! LOL
  • APB (02/05/2022, 06:47) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    While I do not agree with a UK direct rule, we should
    have demonstrated on the real issues a long time ago. Crimes and corruptions have been rampant in this country for too long now. We hardly heard from the Goverment or many of these people who are now calling for demonstrations. Whether we like it or how it has been done it has been proven that some elements in our Goverment are crooks and by now we know that is true. You cannot commit a crime and decide by force how or his you should be sentenced.
  • WELCOME (02/05/2022, 06:56) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Attend this march, get photographed, get arrested, go to jail, pray to Bishop Cline now.

    Have a nice day!
  • Massive? (02/05/2022, 06:58) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    You are having a laugh
  • Honestly (02/05/2022, 06:59) Like (30) Dislike (0) Reply
    So it is ok to deal drugs launder money leave open sewers close schools give money to your crooked mates
    But getting help to sort all the mess out. We should protest against
    Honestly.
  • RosanPenn (02/05/2022, 07:03) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cindy and Kishma do not join them. DO not join the masses. They the same one was calling you crazy. You prove your point and there is nothing else to prove.
  • not me (02/05/2022, 07:04) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not my family . Just u and your wicked bunch of crooks
  • smh (02/05/2022, 07:10) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Strupesssssss…… why?
  • (02/05/2022, 07:13) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    But these people ain just see the HEAD OF THE TERRITORY was found to be corrupt with substantial evidence proof …… this ain no on person or one time thing ! Y’all go ahead and keep more of them in government let the drugs keep running through the territory to fill their pockets while the small man break his back for bread smh
  • My views (02/05/2022, 07:26) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    No apologies for the serious crime this leaders committed and yet you want the people to March a lot of people are hurting. All passed and present leader's who think they are too big to apologize to the people for this mess Shame on you. The people are going to suffer for your greed and heart of stone. Our generation will suffer for your abused of power in office for personal gain. All the money stolen that were not accounted for. I am ashamed of you. God will expose you if you do not repent. Apologize to the people before you talk about prayers.stop using the church to hide your mess when your heart is dark full of secrets. Judgement is coming if you the leaders do not turn away from this evil. Enough it is time the people get a someone who will be a true leader and who will do what's is right. We deserve it.
  • V i til ii die (02/05/2022, 07:36) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yal won't march on your government doing u wrong but want to march on reaping what they sow gtfoh
  • Workhorse (02/05/2022, 07:36) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't know where this fits in but got to say it. Work for British couple got paid on time, tax, social security and NHI paid and got occasional bonus. Worked for a local have to complain to get paid. Tax, social security and NHI waaay behind. When you complain threats to withdraw work permit and told to go back where I am from. No one to turn to for help. I am sure some may have experienced the opposite. Call me what you want you guess who I will work for any day.
  • Really (02/05/2022, 08:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't know when everyone on this island will understand that no elected government do what they want. They go to work and they have the script of what to Do. Business owners have sense do you hire people for your establishment and let them do as they please,or do you tell them what you would like them to do throughout the day???? Do you all see anything the government has done throughout your list that you was promised by them? Do you all not see that all countries even in America which is supposed to be rich but has the highest population of homeless people? After they pull off this great reset and this new technology which is the beast system with the social credit system start almost everyone will be homeless except the puppets in tv,radio,news etc. You can see after things start popping off. You see how most people live pay check to pay check. If it wasn't for drugs and credit cards here they would have hundreds of homeless people here. Drugs dealers you all better prep for agenda 2030 because you money will be worthless with the social credit beast system
  • The American Way (02/05/2022, 08:59) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    US is the same country that elected a president that said he could walk down Fifth Ave and shoot someone and not get arrested. When he lost the next election he led an insurrection to over throw the government. He is still planning to run in the next election for president. Who is worse? If you’re WHITE you’re right. God help us.
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (02/05/2022, 09:09) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Demonstration when you are wrong cannot fix the many mess that we have caused against ourselves over the past twenty-five years in reference to mismanagement of our finances.
    The UK is reasonable to give us a short time to get our unjust act more balance. We should humble ourselves , and willing to first learn to do the things, so that we will be able to teach others to follow our lead.
    My people beware of being lead by people of unreasonable mindset, suck as selfish politicians.









    hat are right before we are ae


    ke some of us thing that rebellion




    -













  • ccc (02/05/2022, 09:13) Like (3) Dislike (21) Reply
    A set of white people trying to take over my land
  • Down Islanders (02/05/2022, 09:20) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Down Island people please stay away from this. In 2017 you stayed and help build the country, when it was back on its feet they had the worst to say about you. When the current government took over, all of a sudden work permits could not be processed. When it was time for people who had over twenty years to get some benefit from the country, they had numerous talk shows as to why you shouldn't benefit and go back to your country. Now there is a crisis they want you'll, down Island people open your eyes.
  • A little late, isn’t it? (02/05/2022, 09:35) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    So the people of the BVI all sat back like sheep watching the flock being devoured by wolves, and not saying or doing anything out of fear. And now they want to protest. That is so typical. What is the proposal? That we once again vote for the Myron’s and the Picko’s and the Smith’s? Thank you but no thank you. Something drastic needs to happen. Perhaps now we will all learn to stand in the pathway of right, and not of greed and divisiveness. I am a born Tortolian. My people on both sides worked this land from days of slavery, but this place I have longed loved has become the devil's workshop. We all know this. Ask for a temporary suspension until we can regroup and find leaders capable of the task at hand. Right now, we don’t have any.
  • Guest (02/05/2022, 09:55) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Isn’t that top photo from the protest that took place years ago? One of the persons in that photo I don’t think can no longer walk???
  • idiots (02/05/2022, 11:13) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Get out the road!
  • josiah'sbay (02/05/2022, 11:20) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    The great conundrum: Can a democracy function properly inside colonial rule?
  • Village (02/05/2022, 11:23) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    To all the people who tortolians call down island please stay home let them perfect tortolians go march themselves thy treat us all bad sit back and watch them country fall to shame
  • It is time (02/05/2022, 11:36) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    To send all of them packing and start over. Andrew need to submit his resignation letter. He is facing over thirty years in camp Fed. He disgraced the Country and it’s people. STUPID MAN gone on US soil like he was the big bad Andrew like he use to do in Tortola. Bet he is going to be humble now.Dumb azz walk right into the Feds arms.
  • Poor Planning (02/05/2022, 11:38) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Adequate time should have been given to gather as much persons as possible for greater support including our Sister Islands who would also be affected by the recent turn of events. The 1949 historic Great March which was led by Theodolph Faulkner of Anegada was a great example of how proper organization played a significant role in making an impact on history. Very poor planning by persons with private interest rather than their country’s best interest.
  • Thoughtful Sailor (02/05/2022, 11:46) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Judging by the meager turnout, it would appear that Bishop Cline unsuspectingly exposed the paucity of support for his demonstration!
  • Dem ain’t for the people (02/05/2022, 12:01) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    PICKO CINDY KISHMA HERITAGE are FAKERS. I’m very disappointed in all of them EQUALLY

    Picko and cindy didn’t attend Amberly protest because they didn’t attend there’s; That’s the small minded thinking as first off all it’s not an individual protest; it’s the people’s protest!! Cindy can’t come to us about supporting she and her campaign; kishma better to seen Jesus ans Piko only have a mouth!
    • New generation (02/05/2022, 17:07) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      Don't worry we will support Cindy and her campaign. Just wait and see.
  • Fools (02/05/2022, 13:16) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Fools protesting against the wrong thing. Protesting against UK when we should be protesting against corruption in our own government and among our own people. You protest saying we need to elect our own government. We did that and we did it poorly. Let the UK come and help resolve the issues. These people in charge have taken us for fools for too long now we showing them what fools we are when they get found out.
    • ... (02/05/2022, 14:14) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      100!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! up to now none of them mention what their honorable Mr Premier did but down the throat of the UK tryin to help fairness rain.
  • The bum (02/05/2022, 14:12) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    If the breeze didnt blow we tortolians would have never seen the chickens bottom.
  • Contradiction (02/05/2022, 16:14) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    I AM TOTALLY AGAISNST DIRECT RULE.

    Aside from that, there are folks that were front and center this morning at the demonstration who are directly responsible for the dilemma now faced. These egotistical folk should have stayed to the background at least for today.


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