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Disappointing turnout @ first Constitutional Review consultation meeting- Hon Malone

- said VI people should not allow a constitution to be given to them but they should help fashion it
Opposition Member and At Large Representative Hon Carvin Malone has expressed disappointment at the turnout for the first consultation meeting of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) held at West End Community Centre on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. Photo: GIS/File
The Constitution Review Commission (CRC) has planned an official launch of its consultation meetings at 3:00 pm today, November 11, 2022. Photo: Facebook
The Constitution Review Commission (CRC) has planned an official launch of its consultation meetings at 3:00 pm today, November 11, 2022. Photo: Facebook
Urging the people of the Virgin Islands to make it their duty to participate in the constitutional review consultations, Opposition Member Hon Carvin Malone said the people must play a part in creating a Virgin Islands Constitution that everyone can be proud of. Photo: VINO/File
Urging the people of the Virgin Islands to make it their duty to participate in the constitutional review consultations, Opposition Member Hon Carvin Malone said the people must play a part in creating a Virgin Islands Constitution that everyone can be proud of. Photo: VINO/File
WEST END, Tortola, VI- Opposition Member and At Large Representative Hon Carvin Malone has expressed disappointment at the turnout for the first consultation meeting of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) held at West End Community Centre on Wednesday, November 9, 2022.

“I just came from West End where they had the first consultation of the Constitutional Review Commission. I wish to thank those persons who came out, but I would like to express my somewhat of a disappointment in terms of the number of persons coming out,” Hon Malone stated as a caller to the Hot Seat radio show on ZBVI 780 AM on Wednesday evening.

Approximately 30 persons showed up for the meeting that was also not live-streamed.

‘We have to take responsibility for mistakes’- Hon Malone

The Opposition Member said the new constitution would take the Virgin Islands forward for the next 30 to 40 years and it was crucial that Virgin Islanders take the consultations very seriously and have a strong say in what will ultimately affect their lives and generations to come.

He also said people should not look at the negatives, especially coming out of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and make that a reason to not participate in the constitutional review consultations. Additionally, he said the Virgin Islands has had many successes and that is what people should be focusing on.

“We did a lot of good things…We can’t just express only the negative part of it. We have to correct them, yes…we have to take responsibility for them..but we have to work in terms of preparing our Virgin Islands for all of those persons who have toiled from the 1940s, 50s, 60s, straight up to [now] and for those still yet to come.”

‘Stockholm Syndrome’

Hon Malone said the people also have a responsibility to make it enshrined in the constitution that leaders must be held accountable.

He said this should be the way forward, rather than opting to go back into colonialism.

“We don’t want to hold the Stockholm Syndrome [mentality], whatever the British do to us we have done it to ourselves, no. We have done a lot of good things. What about that? So we have to express those good things we have done and we have to lay a path that says we have to put provisions in the constitution and make leaders in the present and the future more responsible…and put it in the constitution.

Stockholm syndrome is a theorised condition in which hostages develop a psychological bond with their captors during captivity.

“But we cannot go back to 1949, we cannot go back to 1967 and so forth. We have come too far and we have done too much,” Hon Malone said, while cautioning that Virgin Islanders must be mindful of the messages they send out.

‘This thing is serious’

Urging the people of the Virgin Islands to make it their duty to participate in the consultations, Hon Malone said the people must play a part in creating a Virgin Islands Constitution that everyone can be proud of.

“No matter how poor the turnout is in the beginning. We have a duty to go out there. You have to use your platform to encourage people to participate in it, because once the book is closed and the consultation is done and the review comes in that only two people showed up here, three people showed up there, four people showed up over here, the people of the Virgin Islands are not interested in anything concerning the constitution, so we in the UK could put whatever we want in it and when that is done then the same voices come back and tell you did not tell me this thing was so serious.

“Well, I am telling you now, this thing is serious.”

He added that most of what is on record for the CRC to consider has originated from the Commission of Inquiry, "but that is what they want, but what about what people want? They must get their voices heard, they must get represented and we must be able to do this together?” Hon Malone pleaded.

Call a big meeting @ Multi-Purpose Sports Complex- Julian Gordon

Meanwhile, the Host of the show, Mr Julian Gordon, said one of the first things that should have been done was to have a big town hall meeting at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, which he said is a most central area.

“Bring the Ministers, bring the other Representatives, and bring other persons that you want to speak and address the Constitution matter and come and invite the public en masse to come and sit there. You could fit 1500 people in there and when those 1500 come from all over the Virgin Islands and when they go back and talk about it with members in their constituency and other persons they are associated with the message will go forth.

He also said the Commission needs to do better to organise and promote the meetings so there is more participation.

Meanwhile, the CRC has planned an official launch of its consultation meetings at 3:00 pm today, November 11, 2022. The launch is expected to be live-streamed on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Facebook page.

26 Responses to “Disappointing turnout @ first Constitutional Review consultation meeting- Hon Malone”

  • independence (11/11/2022, 12:49) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    But I thought everyone wanted independence? Where are the crowds?
  • Hmmm... (11/11/2022, 13:11) Like (38) Dislike (0) Reply
    Doesn't seem like people really care much about this issue. A lack of faith in politicians perhaps? And, now the solution is have a bigger meeting? Says it all right there.
  • lodger (11/11/2022, 13:28) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have said before that when it comes to the crunch the public are not that interested. 30 is a good turnout compared to what I remember of the previous revue meetings.
    • The watchdog (11/11/2022, 17:03) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      We want our independence and a general election short of that get from in front our doors
  • Truth (11/11/2022, 13:50) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who knew.??? Always last minute
  • Carrot Bay (11/11/2022, 14:06) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The same reason why the office in Carrot Bay is NOT necessary. The elder continues to say BVI people don't attend meetings!
  • No trust. (11/11/2022, 14:07) Like (57) Dislike (1) Reply
    The people have had enough. There is no trust in politicians, no trust in the system, We are just a matter of convenience, we not going be that any more...
  • Vaxx deaths needs and answer (11/11/2022, 14:29) Like (50) Dislike (10) Reply

    Boss you terrorize the BVI people with illegal vaccine and now acting as if we should forgot how we was lockdown like chickens with police on our necks. That kind of leadership was slavery minded while y'all sell outs was collecting the bag secretly on the graves of our friends and families who lost their life carelessly. The BVI people needs accountability with the d**** sentence.

  • reality (11/11/2022, 14:42) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    People honestly feel that any meeting is just a farce, it doesnt matter what the subject is. Too many times meetings upon meetings are called, people give their input and they do what they want anyway!!! Its sad but its true!
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (11/11/2022, 14:53) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon. Carvin Malone, yes I do agree with you that a constitutional review is needed, but it is not the present contritution nor the UK appointment CoI Team that got us into the huge political mess, we now are in.
    Stop trying to lay the blame on the UK and the CoI.
    Most citizens of this Overseas Territory of the UK know who are those that got us in this gigantic political mess. You are not willing to admit to this truth, that the overwhelming reason why we are in the huge (gigantic) mess we are now in. So allowed me once again to tell you, bellow:
    The main reason why we are now in the huge political mess, is because over a period of many years of political mismanagement of our finances by our past and present leaders, though no proof is known of them all individually.
    Constitution review at this time can not remedy this detrimental injustice against us. Justice must prevail over injustice.
    We are in desperate need of better governance for the people of the British Virgin Islands, beginning time, now.
    "Righteousness exualt a nation". Political unaccountable of its finances proves dishonesty, and lack of respect to those it is due. Honestly remains the best policy, here, there, and everywhere all of the time.
  • That octopus ???? (11/11/2022, 15:16) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is trying ( AH TING) but I think the people has seen through his mask , but he still clinging on hoping to pull the wool over the same people they manipulated eyes again , thats brave ????
  • not nice (11/11/2022, 15:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok You want UK
  • You owe us an APOLOGY! (11/11/2022, 15:32) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's hear you take responsibility for your behavior as Health Minister, utterly atrocious. Your were not the medical expert, yet you insisted on giving the severely butchered reports. You failed miserable and I am still waiting for an acknowledgement, as well as, an apology from you ALL. All who proposed and supported the greedy bill and other self serving legislation.
  • resident (11/11/2022, 15:34) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
    You politicians don't follow the laws so why should we care, let the u.k take over
  • Really (11/11/2022, 15:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    When the almighty God people's go back in Power I will go to a meeting. That means the devil worshippers like this clown Must be removed along with the money
  • Fatigue (11/11/2022, 15:47) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    There was meeting after meeting after meeting in the 1st District prior to this meeting. Meeting with the Premier, meeting with Hon. Smith, meeting with Hon. Fraser, all in the space of a month or so. And still no tangible results. After a while you begin to ask yourself why bother with these meetings. Nothing happens! The people had meeting fatigue, I know I did!
  • Loose mouth (11/11/2022, 16:11) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr Malone once your name appear alongside any topic people are not going to listen or come out. The truth is I have been listening to you for two years now and believed and trusted you. I now realize that you are now as honest in what you said and is now saying. In my opinion you are just floating where the wind blows for self preservation.
  • lol (11/11/2022, 16:14) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    THE ONLY THING THAT COMES OUT OF THESE MEETINGS ARE THE FOLKS WHO ATTENDED
  • AF (11/11/2022, 16:23) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    No one wants to hear from you Carvin they rather hear from AF. Sad but true
  • Duck shoot (11/11/2022, 16:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who’s gonna stick their head above the parapet
  • Cat Eye (11/11/2022, 17:02) Like (2) Dislike (17) Reply
    Free the drew
  • justin (11/11/2022, 17:10) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    all the 13 of those elected does is speak poorly about each other

    tune in to a broadcast from house of assembly and the political leaders hardly speak about future developments for our people and our country

    Always some long stupid talk about what happened in the past: there have to be a change look at who trying to speak on behalf of of our people on Facebook and radio talk shows makes you want to vomit

  • Hmm (12/11/2022, 07:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lol does this guy have a brain? The majority of people who has a brain will never support putting clowns back into Government, like are they all so disconnected from reality that they can’t see that?

    EVERY single politician in the BVI is not a politician. They have no clue what they are doing. You lot are INCAPABLE of running a country. Your impeccable track record of being the most idiotic and stupid persons in a Government isn’t enough to show you that? The fact that this country is 2 decades behind the rest of the world isn’t enough to show these clowns that?

    Please hurry suspend the constitution. Maybe at some point persons with some level of intelligence can help this stagnant rock move.
  • justin (12/11/2022, 09:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    rasta marley sang a song called crazy bald head(give a serious listen).....look at some of us getting all worked up over the con plan the british come back with(from 1834 until 2022; say what!!!)

    it is amazing how our brothers and sisters that reside in this territory from the west indies can down press.....

    however those europeans got us so mix up ,mix up; all manner of community meetings, talk shows; Facebook, and pocket

    mr white simple submit his documents; them aint show up as yet(run with dat fu now ✔️????

    set of cowards in our own land where our forefathers suffered under the united Kingdom however grand pa and grand ma came out very victorious( the slave master were here back then

    The C O I simply sent the documents via FedEx and very man jack trembling.....wait till he touchdown at Beef Island in the private jets

    we talk to much, exposing yourself to the former slave traders( old folks always reminded me as a boy that silence is golden....shut mout catch no flies(some of us from right here mouth full of flies
  • Please Help me Understand (12/11/2022, 10:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The real purpose of the constitution. We already have a Constitution which is" The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007" and for the last two years the Political Leaders have watch it being voilated and did and said nothing. While the Plandemic was in effect, peoples human rights and jobs were threatened if they did'nt take the Covid Injection (which is now the #1 cause of death all over the world.(The truth is out but is being covered up, just follow the court cases around the world with the Pharmaceutical Companies).
    The Constitution section 15 talks about "Protection Of Rights To Personal Liberty" (e) For the purpose of preventing the spread of an infectious or contagious disease:
    Long and short of the story is that no one should be forced or conned into taking a medical experiment against there free will. It is wrong but no political leader defended the constitution then so what was the point of having it.
    The Constitution needs to be respected by all.


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