Cromwell Smith, the host of the Umoja radio programme, also known as 'Edju En Ka,' has expressed disappointment with the slow progress in developing national resilience in the Virgin Islands against wars and global conflicts. Photo: Facebook

As of early 2026, global conflicts are at a historic high, with nearly 130 active armed conflicts—double the number from 15 years ago. Major violence is increasingly interconnected, with rising incidents in the Middle East involving Israel, Iran, and their proxies. Photo: Internet Source/ CNN

During the Umoja programme on ZBVI 780 AM on April 2, 2026, Smith stated, “What I'm concerned about is the pace at which we are moving to secure ourselves.”

As of early 2026, global conflicts are at a historic high, with nearly 130 active armed conflicts, double the number from 15 years ago. Major violence is increasingly interconnected, with rising incidents in the Middle East involving Israel, Iran, and their proxies.

Government should have acted more swiftly

Smith noted that the current war between Israel and Iran has lasted just over a month; however, discussions and tensions surrounding war had been present long before that, presenting an opportunity for the government to act more swiftly in addressing these rising issues.

“This war is just over a month old, and before it started, there was a smaller war, and then before that, it was talk of war and then there was war going on in other parts of the world, and you would think that we would take the opportunity to move quickly, to do the things that we need to do," he said.

He referenced renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, stating, “We live in an area with an abundance of sun, with sun in the day all day long. Solar energy has become very affordable now, and you would think that we would have been further along.”

Expressed disappointment over the country's reliance on energy 

While Smith commended the government for taking steps toward developing renewable energy, he expressed disappointment that the country is not more reliant on it.

Current global conflicts, especially the Iran-Israel conflict and the ongoing war in Ukraine, have led to significant volatility in energy markets. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has halted the transport of over 20 million barrels of oil daily, pushing Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel and driving up global fuel prices. This crisis threatens to increase annual household energy costs by over $1,000.

Smith added, “Yes, we have made a start, which is commendable, but I am disappointed that we're not further along, particularly given the situation that developing globally. We could have secured ourselves, at least with the solar energy, so that we would be able to have that, to cook, to have light, to do production of all sorts and be in a position to survive.”

Government should focus on speeding up agricultural production

He also emphasised the need for the government to focus more on accelerating agricultural production.

“I know the government says that there's a big agricultural plan. We should have been speeding those things up, given the global situation and trying to produce more food for ourselves,” he stressed. 

Smith concluded, “So there are things that we can do and should have been doing, and should have been further along in doing.”