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Bring on the referendum on independence

June 25th, 2022 | Tags:
Dickson C. Igwe. Photo: VINO/File
Dickson C. Igwe

The one clear and straightforward route to Virgin Islands Independence is through a Referendum. So, why are the "elites" shirking from a Referendum, and yet pontificating on the subject of self-rule and independence without cease?

If the people want independence from the UK at this time, which this Old boy doubts, bring on a referendum and see where the matter sits with the wider public.

Now a Referendum may or may not bring about the desired result. That is, the desired result of those who may want this, or that, or the other.

However, a referendum can bring about finality in a matter.

Unfortunately, the two most recent referendums in the UK: the referendum on Scottish Independence, and Brexit, have far from concluded those hugely important matters.

They have done two major favors for the UK. The referendums placed a lid on two boiling matters for the present, and they have been a very conclusive opinion polling on the two issues.

It would be the same for the British Virgin Islands, notwithstanding how the referendum turns out.

The cost of a referendum will be worth it for the simple fact it will close the door for now on the matter of independence. It will reveal where the voting public stands on the matter.

Matters such as self-rule and independence are so critically important a narrow group of elites with their even narrower interests cannot decide them.

The best route to crucial events of the future of any country lies with the people themselves through a referendum, and not by the dictates of the elite.

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11 Responses to “Bring on the referendum on independence”

  • E. Leonard (25/06/2022, 11:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Virgin Islands (VI) (British) is at a critical juncture in its history and the VI people must be given the opportunity to choose its future political status, ie, a) maintain status as an OT of the UK, b)independence, c)free association, d)integration, e)other, etc. The opportunity to choose can be provided through a referendum. The referendum will lower the chatter on the issue in the short-term. Follow on generations will definitely have other ideas on the self-determination issue. In regards to the VI, should the “For” choice be based on a simple majority of those voting, a larger majority, ie, 60% or a supermajority? The VI people must be engaged on the issue. A constitutionally due election is due in a few months and perhaps a political status choice can be an additional item on the ballot. Or the VI people may want it to be a separate election/referendum issue. Many may assume that government will be fully occupied with implementing the CoI. Nonetheless, this is all part of governing and a priority. Bermuda, a sister and oldest OT, held an independence referendum in 1995 and Bermudians voted (74%) to remain an OT of the UK. Scotland held an independence referendum in 2014 to separate from the UK; Scots voted (55%) to remain part of the Union. Yet, there is talk in Scotland for a second referendum. The VI should hold a referendum soonest, as well as a constitutional review.
    • Disinterested (25/06/2022, 13:56) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      E. Leonard, you wicked. The Unity Government, a splintered care taker government that is masquerading as a coalition government, can barely keep its above water trying to implement the CoI and being a lap dog to the Governor. And now you it to roll out a referendum on independence. You wicked. Lol.
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (25/06/2022, 11:40) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mr. Dickso C. Over, the majority of what I and others have read that you have written are good, but in our current mess, politically, Spiritually, socially, economically, and in great Division among ourselves, what makes you feel like a referendum is appropriate at this time?
    Mr. Dickson C. If we, I have high respect for you, but base on what you suggested to us is like expect the cart attached to a horse to pull the horse to the top a a hill.
    Mr. Dickson C. If we, don't allowed you good writing skills to control your brain, but rather let proven knowledge, and wisdom do. Enjoy your blessings.

  • @ SENIOR CITIZEN (25/06/2022, 15:41) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ì THINK YOU GOT IT WRONG , AS FAR AS WAS SAID IS , SOME PEOPLE ARE SINGING THAT INDEPENDENCE SONG OVER AND OVER EVERY DAY OVER AND OVER , SO BRING IT ON , IN OTHER WORDS STOP YAPPING AND DO THE REFERENDUM AND LET'S SEE WHAT HAPPENS / THATS HOW I INTERPRETATE IT * HE NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT IT BEING APPROPRIATE , OR THE RIGHT THING TO DO ????
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Viigin Islands (25/06/2022, 21:32) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    @@ Senior Citizens, I love Mr. Dickson C. Igwe comments. He is honest with his presentation, and his honest intention is to all time write facts, but we don't need to please the referendum seeker. Most referendum seekers are not interested in good governance, but rather power without accountibility to their employer, the people, facts. Only those that are deceived by the political leaders can't or refused to accept this truth.
    • Free Thinker (26/06/2022, 08:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (by the way where is the British Virgin Islands), you are blessed to have reached senior citizen status but that status does necessarily make you a wisbang or wiseacre. My read of Dickson’s point is time to put up or shut up. The so called referendum seekers too have and are entitled to their opinion(s). Nevertheless, if a referendum were to held, the outcome will be driven by the majority of voters who show up at the polls, not the referendum seekers. I support holding a referendum, for it will bring some stability if only for a minute. Regardless of the outcome, everyone will not be happy; it is an impossibility in life and in governing to please everyone. Many may disagree with my opinion. Trying to please everyone is like chasing and capturing the wind.
  • @ SENIOR CITIZEN (26/06/2022, 08:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just like ( igwe ) I do respect both of you comments , and all am saying is he is not seeking a referendum , / his message is to those who is shouting , hollering day and night about newly discovered ( RACISM AND COLONIALISM ) to bring it on or do it and we will see how it goes / so your comments are directed at the wrong person . that's all am saying , nuff respect to you and igwe for telling it like it is ????
    • @@Senior Citizen (26/06/2022, 11:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @@Senior Citizen, here is a news flash. Neither racism nor colonialism is a newly found vice. Both are deadly pathogen and contagion have flourished and caused grave damage to the marginalized and defenseless, went underground but is still vicious and active. Why we beating up on Senior Citizen for taking a different view from Igwe? On the other hand, E. Leonard supports not only a referendum but also constitutional review but he is left alone. Why? That said a referendum is a reasonable, sensible, responsible, and needed action.
  • # FREE THINKER (26/06/2022, 11:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply











    WELL PUT TOGETHER ???? AND AM SURPRISED THAT THE SENIOR CITIZEN , SEEMS TO HAVE MISSED THAT MESSAGE IN IGWE'S COMMENT ???? AND I DO RESPECT THEIR COMMENTS , ITS GOOD TO READ POSITIVE COMMENTS FROM BOTH SIDES , BECAUSE WE CAN ONLY LEARN THE FACTS FROM THEM




  • @ @ @ senior citizen (26/06/2022, 15:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    YOU NEED TO READ WHAT ( IGWE ) WROTE AND MAYBE YOU MIGHT GET THE MESSAGE , NOBODY IS BEATING UP ON ANYONE / AND YES SOME PEOPLE ARE USING THOSE 2
    WORDS LIKE THEY JUST DISCOVERED THEM , SO SINCE THEY WANT IT SO BADLY , STOP THE NOISE AND ( DO IT ) IS THAT SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND
  • tricks (27/06/2022, 16:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    All the noise and knowledge only leads to being perpetually trapped in the Caucasian Narrative and Babylonian System. Melanated people have been screwed and don't understand how.


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