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Countries achieved independence yet VI still wrestling with the idea- Bishop Cline

-Calls on the people of the territory to seek out independence & not wait on the Gov't
Pastor, and Bishop of the New Life Baptist Church in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola, Mr John I. Cline has called on the people of the Virgin Islands (VI) to make moves towards being independent from the United Kingdom (UK). Photo: Facebook
Bishop Cline's latest call came was addressing at a gathering at the Sir Olva George Plaza, after Sunday’s November 21, 2021, 1949 Great Match Re-enactment in Road town, Tortola. Photo: Facebook
Bishop Cline's latest call came was addressing at a gathering at the Sir Olva George Plaza, after Sunday’s November 21, 2021, 1949 Great Match Re-enactment in Road town, Tortola. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Pastor and Bishop of the New Life Baptist Church in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola, Mr John I. Cline has called on the people of the Virgin Islands (VI) to make moves towards being independent from the United Kingdom (UK).

Bishop Cline's latest call came while addressing a gathering at the Sir Olva George Plaza, after Sunday’s November 21, 2021, 1949 Great March Re-enactment in Road Town, Tortola. 

Counties gained independence - Bishop Cline 

According to Bishop Cline, “It was established in 1945… and under that charter of decolonization [United Nations] that many territories have already achieved independence, but yet here we are 72 years later, still wrestling with whether or not we should be an independent country,” he said. 

In UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, known also as the Declaration on Decolonization.

By this resolution, the General Assembly, considering the important role of the United Nations in assisting the movement for independence in Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories, solemnly proclaimed the necessity of bringing colonialism in all its forms and manifestations to a speedy and unconditional end.

“The time is now that we the people seek our own independence!” Bishop Cline told the gathering.  

He reminded that in 1949, the Great March was not one that was organized by the Government, rather, it was the people who took the charge and lead by standing up.

“Our forefathers with courage and with will, took a stand and they marched to established BVI Identity, they marched to gain access to the governance of this land,” he said.

Bishop Cline said for the ancestors of the past, it was about ‘we the people' standing up and marching for change, and it was a change that came from the people sharing a common bond and demanding representation. 

Ancestors shared a common bond - Bishop Cline 

"It was a bond of people, a proud people, a strong people, an intelligent people, a people full of courage. That's on whose shoulders we stand," he said. 

Bishop Cline said other former UK colonies have gone far to remove themselves from under colonialism and seek independence, including removing the queen as the head of state. 

He said the VI some 72 years later, still seems to be mentally bound to its colonial past, however, that must change.

"What progress have we made for ourselves, from freeing ourselves from under the hands of our colonial masters?" Bishop Cline asked. 

40 Responses to “Countries achieved independence yet VI still wrestling with the idea- Bishop Cline ”

  • Well Sah (23/11/2021, 12:30) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Everybody want their page in history
  • lodger (23/11/2021, 12:39) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    In 1949 we didnt have two pounds to rub together. In fact not until about 1984 did we start to earn some money. If you want independence you have to persuade enough voters to only pick candidates who promise to hold a referendum on independence. If you get enough majority ( by one vote or two thirds, or whatever is decided) then you can start negotiating with the UK. I think generally the UK would be glad to be shot of us, but would also want to be assured that we could continue to fund ourselves (think financial services pulling out), before agreeing to sever the apron strings. Do you imagine we can survive on growing and exporting marijuana, running gambling casinos (think hotels, expanded airport, direct flights etc). Cruise ships dont stay overnight so passengers will be mor than content with the onboard casinos. If the referendum vote is lost, then like Scotland, you can forget about independence for at least a generation. Anything to stop this continuing whinging by a few hotheads who probably have no idea whether it is a viable proposition.
    • josiah'sbay (23/11/2021, 18:07) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ lodger and his sixteen likes: How long can we continue doing what we've been doing? Every action has consequences and inaction also have it's consequences. Our biggest out cry is that we are not ready for independence but we are not ready for anything else because we are pursuing nothing else. Despite our fears we will be victims of how the situation unfold regardless of the decisions we make or fail to make. I'm interested in hearing your solution, what actions should we pursue. At lease the independence seekers have a goal, what's your goal?
      • lodger (23/11/2021, 19:07) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
        Remember, “indigenous” BVIslanders are very much in the minority. They run to the US to give their babies US citizenship, and then they allow those that leave for a better life, education etc, to come back and vote in our elections. No wonder expatriate workers and residents are frightened of what will happen to them under a minority government of BVIslanders. And everyone is worried at the prospect of being ruled by our present political class, or of even more inexperienced new politicians. If the economy collapses when finance and tourism run from independence, there will be no jobs for all classes of resident. The whole national attitude is generally “whats in it for me” with “what can I do for the country” running a poor second. Education is the key, but with educators who can instill the right attitude. Our work ethic, especially in the civil service, is rotten from top to bottom. Government stuffs people into jobs at all levels, regardless of capabilities and more likely based on family ties. Nobody is sacked, just moved sideways, and government seems incapable of weeding out dead wood, or reducing numbers. Whilst the private sector has suffered greatly, the civil service has sailed on immune from reality. Would it be better under independence? I dont believe other Caribbean countries have the same problems we do, or if they do many have their original mother countries to fall back on. So….solution. Can we even get enough agreement to actually hold a referendum?
      • BuzzBvi (23/11/2021, 22:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Read this - Towards Colonial Freedom Kwame Nkrumah - Right or Wrong it will take real leadership but beware those leaders.
  • wow (23/11/2021, 12:45) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
    Because people like you want to empower and control all the money. You not afraid to open that there mouth of yours spewing what you think people want to hear. Change your ways that the People in Public can see a MAN of God and not a human of poor DEMEANOR.
  • Henritta (23/11/2021, 12:51) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    Bishop Cline, we have to also be mindful of the fact that the people from those countries that are now independent are running to those that are dependent. We have to first figure certain things out before making the move, but I am for independence. One question though, will the currency currently being used change?
    • Me (23/11/2021, 14:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Henritta.....yes the currency will change probably to EC dollars or BVI dollars. I'm not sure how that will be done.
      • lol (24/11/2021, 09:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        How can it be BVI Dollars if we will no longer be called the BVI? Or do we want to keep the name still?
  • my2cents (23/11/2021, 12:55) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well you know every other country has a socio conscious educated population and here a vast number of those persons have moved on to somewhere else for their views being considered too black too nationalist or too radical. So now we are behind in that part of our development and are very colonial minded. Here the Leader of the opposition said he won't be singing kum by ya to save the BVI from the UK takeover. And that was applauded by hundreds. So with such mind set in the leadership, there cannot be a real well planned partnership with the UK. Also we don't need politicians running for independence to do whatever they want. We need real communication with knowledge wisedom & understanding on the matter wholistically.
  • black power (23/11/2021, 12:59) Like (3) Dislike (14) Reply
    Independence is a must
  • Mr Man (23/11/2021, 13:36) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    The “people” aint tired tell you go siddung?
  • Sam (23/11/2021, 13:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    lots of those folks foaming at the mouth doing so for personal gratification

    Sir Cline left his territory now back home complaining

    Sir Cline you should have stayed home and develop our territory-wait till the horse out the stable now trying to close the door

    our people are the only ones always complain in our own country: lets get serious about our future and stop waiting until when something not in our favour to complain

    this is the same man who was against the vaccine until the school bell ring

    let regain that virgin islands pride and the roots of our forefathers

  • STRPPPSSS (23/11/2021, 14:18) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    yal seriously need to give this independence idea a rest for a while. Get ur yard in order first before talkin about independence. the Govt can barely run the show WITH "supervision" yal really think it will get BETTER with independence? the BVI is a LONG LOOOONNNNGGGGG way from becoming independent and yal need to realize this and LET IT GO!
  • PT09 (23/11/2021, 14:30) Like (41) Dislike (1) Reply
    I really think it's time John I. Cline takes a seat and shut up about independence.
  • Consider (23/11/2021, 14:36) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI's population is two-thirds expats. In reality the entire population, including expats is only the size of a small city.
    Reality check...there are not enough people to run the territory especially since most of the labor force is from outside. Look at the hospital, schools, and police force. The personnel are from other countries. There are not enough indigenous people to run things!
    • @consider (25/11/2021, 10:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thats why are getting into problems. We let non VI people over run the place instead of training our own and paying them well. More crime more unemployment loss of culture you name it we now have it. Johnny cakes going out of style. All thanks making VI peoples a minority in their own country.

      Im not xenophobic but everywhere you turn its strange faces. Back in the day people used to ask who you for. No point now majority from another country.

      what should have happened was allowing in only a certain percentage of people relative to our native population and let the population grow organically. Let those employers really look hard to find someone they will treat with respect not ship in someone who has a work permit holding over their head to make them loyal.

      This place is small enough and raking enough foreign tourist/financial tax that government should be able to PAY US a universal allowance, while paying our National health Insurance in full.

      Every man & woman should have been on the covid stimulus for a couple thousand but by this point its too many people who are here only for a time sending money back home where ever home is to them. Many undocumented people.

      We had no proper planning or reflection to our population crisis. Traditionally the people of Santo Domingo have a connection to VI people when it comes to sharing labor, with both going back and forth diversifying the gene pool, and enriching us with the Spanish culture not another set of English cultures to compete with.

      If Irma did not clear some of those bad characters out of this place we would have been in serious trouble in terms of social ills proliferating during covid-19.
  • just name one (23/11/2021, 14:45) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Show me one independent country that is running well
  • Common Sense (23/11/2021, 15:13) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this man serious after everything the COI has uncovered, including his own lucrative participation. The BVI is a British territory in which we live at Her Majesties pleasure. Now, if this gentleman and his followers want independence, by all means have it, but, perhaps do so somewhere else that is not a British territory. I think Haiti might be a suitable location as they certainly look like they could do with some leadership.
    • Sam (23/11/2021, 17:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      no handful of social friends should come into the public speaking about independence especially on the behalf of the people: just as we go to a political pole and vote for politicians: the subject of independence for the territory should be put to a voted: the people of the territory will either vote yes or no for independence; the voice of the people not the voice of the few disgruntled folks who have an axe to grind......
    • Noise (23/11/2021, 18:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      It’s because of the coi that he wants independence. If people are bringing bad people to account, those people will not like it.
  • fromafar (23/11/2021, 15:54) Like (1) Dislike (72) Reply
    some of you need to stop disrespecting the wishes of the indigenous people independence is overdue, stop telling us what is best for us , because it pleases you in so many ways. We have come a mighty long way without little or no help from the UK we survived as Virgin Islanders through the rough times , we will survive moving forward.
  • Mak (23/11/2021, 18:29) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    @fromafar, I am an indigenous person and it sounds to me like you dont know what you are talking about.
  • Mak (23/11/2021, 18:29) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    @fromafar, I am an indigenous person and it sounds to me like you dont know what you are talking about.
  • RESURFACED (23/11/2021, 18:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    THESE SELF PROCLAIMED PASTORS AND BISHOP WANNA BE , SHOULD WAIT FOR FULL MOON BEFORE STEPPING OUT OF THEIR FANTASY WORLD
  • How (23/11/2021, 19:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    You and Claude need to give up your US citizendhip so you dont have anywhere to run when you think independence is not working out for the BVI.
  • bvi (23/11/2021, 20:48) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    my goodness taking about the same thing over and over
  • hmmm (23/11/2021, 21:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This topic keeps coming up but no party seems to understand.

    It's not that we can't entertain the thought of being independent. It's not that we don't want it. But rather, we need better leadership we can trust to lead EVERYONE to a better life and not just make themselves and their friends fat. We need a well thought out vision and accountability and a sense of national pride.

    At the moment the place is too corrupt. Too much nonsense goes on and no one can give a straight answer. Stop trying to push such a serious issue with emotion and start making logically sound arguments.
  • Just saying (24/11/2021, 01:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the same man who just said in not so many words that we have very little infrastructure to show for over 1.6 billion dollars. In other words our politicians cannot manage our tax dollars and now in the next breath he wants independence. Lord send help.
  • x (24/11/2021, 06:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nobody studying that man. I hope he run for election so he truly understand that when he get two piece ah vote. Pure vanity and a profound lack of self-awareness. The only shame is that the media promotes it
  • independence (24/11/2021, 07:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you go by the wreckage of failed and or substandard government projects over the last 30 years, you have to ask if the BVI is capable of running itself, let alone paying its own way through. The monies they had in the golden years of offshore banking is long gone. There has been paltry long term investments in education. Elected politicians see their election as path to wealth and privilege and not as a commitment to bettering the lives of people who voted them in. No turning back once you sever the link.
  • BBC World News (24/11/2021, 08:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the bishop loves the people so much that when he got the opportunity to leave during the lockdown and various curfews he simply packed his stuff and off the bishop went to USA. he refused to stay in struggling BVI and suffer with the people but ran away to USA now standing in BVI Public looking supporters and talking fu(£
  • Dancing in the sunshine (24/11/2021, 10:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The concept of attaining independence is a process and it must be taken seriously. First of all we must sensitize the population of the concept divorcing themselves from the British Monarchy. First of all the House of Assembly has to vote for the holding of the Referendum. From there on there will be a voting exercise and if the government wins at least two-thirds majority, then there be a date set for holding the Referendum.
    After that process is finished, the government will have to inform the British of the wishes of the people. Should the Referendum vote succeed, then a date will be set for independence which should not be late than eighteen months after the referendum. So to my dear friend John Cline, it is not the people who decide on their own as in the days of the 1949 march. All we need is time.
  • TORTOLIAN (24/11/2021, 10:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I WANT TO RUN FOR ELECTION I MARRIED TWICE MY LAST WIFE RUN AWAY FROM ME IN TWO WEEKS DO YOU THINK I SHOULD RUN FOR ELECTION. IM SERIOUSLY THINKING
    About RUNNING. I NEED HELP
  • A BULLPISSLE (24/11/2021, 14:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    IN THE HANDS OF AN EXPERIENCED PERSON AND WITH A FEW STROKES ON THESE PRETENDERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO RID THEM OF THEIR FALSE PRETENSES
  • Ajic (25/11/2021, 19:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Only a donkey thinks independence is a good idea. Note only the rapist of our land calling for independence. Imagine what they will do when no one watching


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