Don’t get lost in labels, we must defend what is ours- Troy E. Christopher
This, according to Mr Troy E. Christopher during his first appearance on Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline's Honestly Speaking radio broadcast on April 30, 2025, at which time, the Territory’s self-determination and or independence was at the heart of the discourse
According to Mr Christopher, “You have been recognised internationally from all those countries, 170 something countries.”
24 square-miles
To this end, he argues, “Your freedom doesn't start when you reach a state or when you become independent; It starts from that moment when you have already been recognised as a people, a grouping internationally.”
He used the occasion to caution against getting lost in the labels of political status—be it statehood, independence or republic status—and instead urged the populace to ground their arguments in their fundamental, internationally recognised rights.
“We as a people have an inherent right. That is correct. Yes. It's very important for us to start there; That's the foundation of the argument.” Despite the small size of the territory—“a small little 24 square mile”- Mr Christopher was adamant that the Virgin Islands' people must never shy away from asserting and defending their homeland.
“As small as it is, you still have to fight for it. Don't believe that people will say, well, that's just a little small place, leave the people be.”
Global relevance
Qualifying his position further, Mr Christopher drew reference to the international role played by the VI, especially in global commerce through financial services, and argues that, although the territory comprises a minuscule fraction of the world map, it punches well above its weight economically.
“Our current function—I think it’s 2% or something; We’re responsible for more than most in terms of our contribution, given the trillions of dollars.”
This, he said, ensures that when the world’s most powerful economic forums meet, “the Virgin Islands as a destination, as a jurisdiction, is understandably a part of the conversation.”
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