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Hickinbottom ‘out of step with reality’ to suggest UK direct rule in VI- David Comissiong

- says UK continues to have an ‘image problem’ in the C’bean region
Barbados Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong (right) has questioned why Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom (left) would even make a recommendation for United Kingdom (UK) direct rule in his CoI report and has commented that Mr Hickinbottom is ‘out of step with current realities'. Photo: Daily Mail/Internet Source
Demonstration against the possible imposition of direct rule by the United Kingdom (UK) on Monday, May 2, 2022. Photo: VINO
Demonstration against the possible imposition of direct rule by the United Kingdom (UK) on Monday, May 2, 2022. Photo: VINO
Virgin Islanders are opposed to direct rule by the United Kingdom. Photo: VINO
Virgin Islanders are opposed to direct rule by the United Kingdom. Photo: VINO
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados– Barbados Ambassador to Caricom, David Comissiong has questioned why Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom would even make a recommendation for United Kingdom (UK) direct rule in his CoI report and has commented that Mr Hickinbottom is ‘out of step with current realities.

Mr Comissiong appeared on the May 1, 2022, ‘Barbados Morning’ television show, which discussed the Situation in the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) and CARICOM's rejection of the recommendation to suspend the Constitution of the VI, dissolve the democratically elected House of Assembly, and to impose direct colonial rule.

“If you examine the report that he made, you ask yourself what could there be in that report to merit something as drastic like this,” he added.

Comissiong said there’s an image problem with the UK in the Caribbean, adding that British representatives are evoking colonial ethos that makes them out of step with the current reality in the region.

“This British Judge, Sir Gary Hickenbottom, he too is out of step with reality to make such a recommendation.”

Report says corruption likely - Comissiong

“They been banding around this concept that this Commission of Inquiry found evidence of great corruption… when you actually read it or read the analysis of those who have read it, it is saying that corruption has likely occurred in recent years,” he said. 

Mr Comissiong, who is also Barbados' Ambassador to CARICOM, and a lawyer, politician, and former election candidate, added, “They have not actually found corruption, they think it might be likely,” he said.

Mr Comissiong added that the likely corruption as flagged in the CoI report could not merit direct rule and and a suspension of the local constitution. 

He said there might be more to the mortar than the pestle, pointing to issues like Belongership status and an alleged tussle for UK nationals wanting to easily move to the VI and gain citizenship or status.

Caricom leaders have so far called ‘ridiculous’ the CoI Report recommendation of direct rule.

The regional organisation, CARICOM, has so far slammed what it called a ‘retrograde step’ to propose restoring direct rule by the Governor in Council as existed in Her Majesty’s colonies during the colonial period.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), University of the West Indies (UWI) and the US Virgin Islands (USVI) have also condemned the recommendation of direct rule by the UK.

36 Responses to “Hickinbottom ‘out of step with reality’ to suggest UK direct rule in VI- David Comissiong”

  • Bro (11/05/2022, 19:52) Like (12) Dislike (14) Reply
    Kick rocks!!!
    • IGNORANT PROTESTORS (11/05/2022, 22:54) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
      The DISRESPECTFUL IGNORANT SIGN they had at that rally today that read, Tell Manda we want our money” shows the level of ignorance that does not reflect the majority.
  • Who are you? (11/05/2022, 19:54) Like (57) Dislike (20) Reply
    And why are you interfering in our politics? Shut up and sit down..
  • Yes. (11/05/2022, 19:55) Like (34) Dislike (2) Reply
    Yes get from here you Id***t. When then we’re make the territory suffer where we’re you ?
  • True Sir (11/05/2022, 20:01) Like (47) Dislike (26) Reply
    Sir, the British Virgin Islands is a British colony in which the Head is a subject of The United Kingdom. What is wrong with you people. Is that you guys have to much education and no wisdom and understanding. In order wards the Island BVI is owned by the British now until they seek independence.
    My question is, should the British take full control, what would CARICOM do? I guest you will sue the British eh; Stupes!
    Its better for the corrupt CARICOM Leaders to close their lips. Barbados is full of crimes try to sort that out.
    • Need to take over (11/05/2022, 20:21) Like (45) Dislike (7) Reply

      When picko moff. Cindy and kishma were speaking, nobody was listening. Some were behaving like they crazy. The sh** hit the fan now so they up and down like headless chicken.
      Some didn't care because they were getting white envelopes to vote, big positions, some positions were even created for some. Some got farming and fishing money even though they never picked up a rake or a fishing line in their lives. Some got big contracts over and over, some placed on 4 to 5 different boards. Some police are a part of the crimes that is why so many of them can't be solved. How can they solve them when they might be implicated.
      All of that going to be over with now so they bend out of shape.
      The place needs cleaning from head to toe. Look at what the head is accused of. Still can't comprehend up to now.

      • the rock (12/05/2022, 06:22) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        To need to take over---Cindy was the 1st to say no to UK take over as suspending out constitution, Picko and Kishma joined after, now talk that, yes they should gome and do the clean up but.your head and slot others are so far up you all A$$es that you all cant think for yourelves
      • Take Over (12/05/2022, 12:30) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        I love Kishma. That young woman speaks with authentic authority. She speaks Truth.
        Blessings on you Kishma.
    • Brightforbritches. (11/05/2022, 22:54) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
      Yes, we are educated. The UK does not own rhe BVI. The BVI is a non self governing Territory. The UK assumes the responsibility of administration. The UK is the Trustee and the people of BVI are the beneficiaries of the trust property. The trust property is the islands of the BVI.. See COI Report pages 34 to 37. No UN Member must own a colony. By 2030, all BOTs must be free from attachment to Colonial Powers
      • @BfB (12/05/2022, 13:32) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        A non-self governing territory? Is that a territory that cannot govern itself or a territory that is governed by someone other than self?
  • Oppressors (11/05/2022, 20:06) Like (19) Dislike (51) Reply
    The man is correct let the racist Uk go
  • Huu (11/05/2022, 20:07) Like (36) Dislike (3) Reply
    Caribbean people the BVI is corrupt and if left un attended people will suffer later. CARICOM please, try to help Haiti and allow justice to take place. why don't you sick opinion from the Bajans residing in BVI?
  • bystander (11/05/2022, 21:12) Like (28) Dislike (2) Reply
    Comments like Mr. Commissiong’s discredits the Caribbean because it makes it sound as though what has been uncovered by the CoI, and now it seems the DEA, is just normal behavior instead of disgraceful; which it is.
  • ??????? (11/05/2022, 21:26) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    GET A LIFE!! The entire Caribbean is in for a shock. Educated people??? Then read and research. Time to get with the rest of the world. Neither you or any of the rest of CARICOM … NOTHING CAN STOP WHAT IS COMING FOR THE WORLD. All these leaders with PhD degrees. Where did you get them? Then expand your vision to include the world. You choose or not. This is such shame to see people so uninformed shout with arrogance. It’s all so ugly and NO the world doesn’t need it. Speak with respect and dignity or is that all lost. Darn
  • Seriously? (11/05/2022, 21:32) Like (27) Dislike (9) Reply
    Does the Ambassador not realize that our recent dis honorable Premier was in a scheme to profit off selling out the future of the BVI people to Narco Traffickers?
  • fromafar (11/05/2022, 21:45) Like (15) Dislike (23) Reply
    you negative bloggers do not speak for the true virgin islanders, you have beef with us and are beyond disrespectful for others who do not share your point of view.
    • @ from afar (11/05/2022, 22:50) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      The 30 people at the protest today and that includes reporters and police surely don’t speak for We The People
      • to we the people (12/05/2022, 10:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        “We the 50 People of the BIV Country” Again??? ???? ???? ????
    • So much Trouble in the region.. (11/05/2022, 23:22) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
      You have your own serious Issues in Barbados, speak on that. Put your energy and time into fixing Barbados. How about St. Kitts Kaos and all the corruption and suffering all across the caribbean by poligicians, focus on those and keep your eyes off of us. Weve been suffering and screaming for help for too long, no one listen, no one cares But Britain...So Pls go sit down. The little fame and notary is good for you. Continue
      • Power of words (12/05/2022, 10:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        All going down. God’s earth. He will no longer have any of it. The same corruption is rampant everywhere and it’s our job here in the world to expose it as the Lord steps in and chooses His “We the People” who follow Gods Commandments to “Love God and keep His Commandments in order to enter His Kingdom” I know you all go to church. Well His Commandments Live. This is no sweet talk. Time is short. Watch the waters. BVI is just not great enough to be exempt. Period. Certainly not greater than God. And God is not nearly, a person living on the earth. Gods here, you must surrender and give your allegiance to God. “ Thou shall not have any gods before ME. Thou shall not bow down to them, nor shall thou serve them for I am a jealous God.” Speak
        Carefully.
    • Tired of the Foolishness (11/05/2022, 23:27) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      STFU you people have been victimizing expats for years and then have the AUDACITY to expect them to march with you when your backs against the wall. Newsflash this is a colony sweetie not a country so the Queen can come for her things anytime. At the end of the day Yall do it to yourselves. Tou had 60 years to lead with integrity and failed and now begging for another chance ...again lol. Pride goethe before a fall.
    • Well... (12/05/2022, 06:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I am no expert but this reads like a negative blog so what was your point again?
  • First Generation (11/05/2022, 22:58) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Nothing that goes on in the BVi is any different to what is going on in the while world. There are those expats from the Caribbean who talk about how beautiful and resourceful the other Islands are in comparison to the BVI. However, they still have to be in the BVI for their survival. If the BVI is so corrupt and and underdeveloped why are you here and why UK wants to have control? Expats are ungrateful, always complaining about how they are treated like slaves. All who feel like they are slaves freedom is only a plane ticket away. I listened to a young lady last night talking down to whoever would listen separating first generation BVIslanders from indegenous BVIslanders. I am a first generation BVIslander with BVI father and a mother from another Caribbean Island I grew up seeing my father and mother showing love and respect for each other. This young lady's experience is not mine. I love both my mother and my father so I cannot take sides. I advocate that we stop all this anger amd fighting. There are so many people from the other Carribean Islands who thank the BVI and its people for being kind to them. I am so sorry that her life experience is so bad that she have all that hate in her. Stigmatising is bad and also devisive speach. If UK's agenda is to desolve the Government and take away our voting rights also adjust the constitution all blacks living here lives will change irrespective of our status. Becareful what you wish for.
  • lol (11/05/2022, 23:26) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr Commisiong is out of touch with the reality of the BVI. We had a rogue incompetent government under strong influence of international crime. It is quite unlikely that the remnants of that Government no matter how unified or divided have what it takes to right this capsized ship SS BVI. Pride and ego aside the BVI needs serious help in the area of governance and leadership and the electorate have lost faith with the current slate and also have little faith with the hopefuls on the horizon.

    Some form of serious UK intervention is required to put us back on even keel and sailing with purpose and skill. Regardless of what form that takes the people need to be represented and have their interests respected and views heard.

    Our politicians and political system have significantly failed us over the years in that regard. A serious rethink and correction is required and in the interim we need some mechanism for governance and leadership. The jury is out and the populace are largely skeptical and weary of the interim solution and the UK appear acutely aware of that.
  • Rubber Duck (11/05/2022, 23:38) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Who is this tosser? How much is he getting?
  • WHY? (12/05/2022, 03:19) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most of these bloggers are not Virgin Islanders. There is an obvious pattern to these bloggs. Same set of people using different words repeating themselves.
    • Perfect example (12/05/2022, 10:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Of stupid. How do you know about the blogger. We have family, friends, us, land that was stolen from the family. What a stupid stupid summation from out of the air. You you you are the dangerous blogger. So get off and get back to gossip.
  • reality (12/05/2022, 05:13) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The realty Mr Ambassador is that corruption is rampant across the Caribbean from Cayman in the West to Grenada in the south. Corrupt politicians have consistently enrich themselves and families from the public purse with no consequences. Just go on the street corner in any of the countries and ask the local man what is the first thing that comes to their mind when they hear the word politician. CORRUPTION AND THIEVES will be the response 99% of the time. Thank fully the BVI has a higher authority that can squash such behaviour. in the other Islands the system is controlled by the players so nothing happens. Jamaica there are presently two cases in the courts which are just being dragged out until it pitters out to an acquittal. Interestingly, one former minister was given a multimillion dollar settlement by the same ministry that he allegedly robbed as a minister. So lets not get nostalgic about colonialism and forget about the corruption. Corruption is corruption. White or black. We cannot condone, turn a blind eye, or embrace corruption because it is committed by blacks. This is a grave crisis in leadership and not one of them has come out to condemn it. WHY? Is it an old boys club or it might be me tomorrow. Come locally brother, almost all the leaders in the anti movement have benefited directly or indirectly from contracts or appointments. They are the loudest and most visible.
  • Bull by the horns (12/05/2022, 07:21) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Comissiong is correct. Direct rule will only indicate there is no one in the VI capable of honest leadership, or capable to fix the issues higlighted in the COI. And who is to say the Governor himself will not give in to corrupt and dictatorial behaviour? The logic of history confirms that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

    The best way forward is to re-write the constitution and restructure the political system so all loopholes can be closed. Then install an independent watchdog to look for and expose future incidents of corruption. And not just expose, but promote prosecution or censure as defined by law and policy. This is the best way that the UK can carry out its obligations to the VI.

  • Buckingham (12/05/2022, 08:27) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    the commission of inquiry was simply the footstool to regain economic control of the territory: the british know the volume of money that passes through therefore needs her share

    It is all about money and the product is now Cocane NOT sugar cane
    • Buckingham (12/05/2022, 11:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hope you don’t have a degree or Doctorate. What a draconian statement.
  • WHY? (12/05/2022, 10:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    And so what is your silly point. Arrogance repeats itself at every turn. So does corruption. Quiet
  • hmmm (12/05/2022, 12:26) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes sir lots more in the mortar. We do agree that there are serious issues here to be addressed like every other country and we have to get going addressing and fixing them now. But direct rule is unnecessary. Now that you have made recommendations give the people the opportunity to address.

    We are also aware of those that have the ears of the UK rep for years who want some changes in favour of themselves.

    We are also aware of the nasty blogs of those non BVIslanders posing as BVIslanders.

    Too much interests floating around. I hope at the end of the day the BVI interest will be the true interest to prevail but there is one who knows all that is being done and said behind closed doors and he will be the one to have the final say in this.

  • YOU JOKERS (12/05/2022, 14:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ALREADY KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS , YET YOU ALL STILL FIGHTING IT , YOU
  • @ reality (12/05/2022, 14:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    YOU SAID IT LIKE IT IS , BUT THOSE HYPOCRITES STILL FIGHTING IT , THEY ARE EITHER A PART OF THE CORRUPTION OR THEY REFUSE TO BE HONEST WITH THEMSELVES , ALL THEY DO IS SPEWING A WHOLE SET OF SH*T TO DECIEVE THE SAME PEOPLE THAT THEY HAVE ENJOYED EXPLOITING FOR YEARS WITH DECEPTION


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