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Hon. Christian’s ‘no sympathy’ remark questionable – resident

- says gov’t yet to pass Freedom of Information Act
One resident has taken a legislator’s comments to task about having no sympathy for whistle blowers such as the United States’ Edward Snowden by calling the remark a ‘questionable’ one. Photo: businessinsider.com
At-Large Representative Hon. Archibald C. Christian commented on the issue in reference during a recent sitting of the House of Assembly while debating the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, 2013. Photo: VINO/File
At-Large Representative Hon. Archibald C. Christian commented on the issue in reference during a recent sitting of the House of Assembly while debating the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, 2013. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – One resident has taken a legislator’s comments to task about having no sympathy for whistle blowers such as the United States’ Edward Snowden by calling the remark a ‘questionable’ one.

“To say that we don’t have any sympathy for somebody who makes a personal sacrifice to expose that type of information to the public… I find that a questionable remark,” the caller said on the Speak Out BVI programme aired on March 18, 2014.

At-Large Representative Hon. Archibald C. Christian made the comment in reference during a recent sitting of the House of Assembly while debating the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, 2013.

While taking note of claims that whistle blowers should direct their exposure of information to proper authorities instead of the media, the caller commented that the media plays a very important role in providing information to the public and said it was appropriate to expose things being withheld from the public through this medium.

He also noted that government are yet to pass the much needed Freedom of Information (FoI) Act which would give the public the right to have certain information not made public initially.

He also recalled the issue of a letter sent by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to former Premier Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, regarding the BiWater contract that was acquired and used by then members of the opposition for political mileage. The letter was reportedly leaked from the Premier’s office at the time.

“The ruling party now, the National Democratic Party [NDP], didn’t seem to have such a problem with the leak at that time,” he said while stating that there were allegations that a candidate for the party had been in possession of the document as well.

“I don’t understand now when they get in government now that all of a sudden it’s the most horrible thing. We have to remember that the government of today could be the opposition of tomorrow and so we should make sure that the laws of today should be just regardless of who’s in power,” he added.

19 Responses to “Hon. Christian’s ‘no sympathy’ remark questionable – resident”

  • come on now (19/03/2014, 13:15) Like (44) Dislike (3) Reply
    But any body studying Christian?
  • Gypsy (19/03/2014, 13:44) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I his comment questionnable as well. Snowden was right for exposing his big bad boss. They can do dirty and get away with it. Government is not above the law is it? That's why we have the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches. Power is to be separated and must have checks and balances. The US snoops but is annoyed when other countries snoop on them. You ever hear more stupidness!! Expose them yes. Whistleblowing is a serious matter and you could end up with a lot of pressure on you. You have to be very careful when you've made that decision, and be prepared for any eventuality.
    • ISPY (19/03/2014, 18:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      completely agree many governments use secrecy to do illegal acts
      • black boy (20/03/2014, 03:06) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Archibald Christian sees himself as something new and fresh and thus different from established politicians. But he is just another self-seeker
  • chad (19/03/2014, 18:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only reason why the government is so into getting the "bill" pass. It is because, they look like idiots. When the Media expose them of the confidentiality clause in the agreement signed between the them and the two crusie lines.
    • Me (19/03/2014, 18:51) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
      Are you not too young to be on the blog? From the way you write I judge that you are a class 3 student at one of the local primary schools. Don't let your parents know that you are spending your studying time blogging!
  • eh! (19/03/2014, 19:46) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Orlando is hereby found guilty of being a hypocrite for using knowledge gained from a leaked letter addressed to Ralph to further achieve his agenda and now he thinks its the worse sin known to man. How the hell you gon watch me steal the mango, help me eat it then call the police lol
  • $$$$$! (19/03/2014, 20:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    How the hell did people like this get into our house of Assembly in the first place?
  • rainbow (20/03/2014, 02:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Like everything Mr. Cxhristian does, this is pointless political theater.
  • Days (20/03/2014, 03:26) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Free the whistleblowers; jail the bankers and the politians
  • Be Fair (20/03/2014, 07:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I commend the caller for his/her comments.
  • Online Now (20/03/2014, 09:07) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    There are two separate things here. Whistleblowing when the Government is being underhanded and acting dishonestly is one thing and for the general good and those should be applauded - as long as they are not damaging national security.
    However, what is also being covered here is the leaking of private documents for no other reason than sensationalism and this needs to stop. This is not whistleblowing this is just breaching security.
  • Informer (20/03/2014, 11:27) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Christian's unwarranted comments just displays his lack of knowledge on the subject area. When there is lack of knowledge it is better that you keep your mouth shut. Any legislator that can publicly say they have no sympathy for a whistleblowers does not need to have any authority role in this country.
  • Punga (20/03/2014, 12:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon Christian is a very big disappointment
  • legend (20/03/2014, 18:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the government in the sunshine? It's better to expose evil people than for private or like minded crooks to use it as a vendetta against the whistle blower.


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