The host of the Umoja radio program, Cromwell Smith, also known as 'Edju En Ka,' has expressed serious concerns regarding the state of affairs in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook

Mr Cromwell 'Edju En Ka' Smith stated that all the progress made over the years in leadership and development is at risk. Photo: Internet Source

Speaking on his program on Thursday, November 27, 2025, he stated that all the progress made over the years in leadership and development is at risk.

"It seems to me that Great Britain is moving to take us backwards," Smith remarked, adding, "The areas where we used to develop ourselves are now under threat, and we're losing the ability to recruit the personnel we need in various positions."

Great Britain to control our ports & other authorities 

He reflected on the fact that the territory had started recruiting its commissioners of police.

"It looks to me now like they’re trying to remove our ability to have a Chief of Police. Not only that, but to take control of our ports and other authorities, bringing in outside management from Great Britain, particularly to take over these things," he stated.

The territory's autonomy being threatened & curtailed

Smith emphasised the importance of Virgin Islanders understanding the current situation. "When our commission hires the Police Commissioner and recommends her for a permanent position, the Governor can choose to ignore that recommendation and import someone from Great Britain to fill that role. This is serious."

He expressed that he feels the territory's autonomy is being threatened and curtailed.

"We need to really buckle down and get serious about the management of our country," he continued. "We can no longer sit back and say it’s not time for us to take control or that we need to wait another ten years. By the time we decide to take control of the Virgin Islands, it will likely already be in someone else's hands."

Smith concluded, "It will be under British control, and I don't know how many of us want to be in that situation."