Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

‘I am disappointed that we're not further along’-Edju En Ka

-said VI's progress in developing national resilience against wars & global conflicts is slow
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
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
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – Cromwell Smith, also known as 'Edju En Ka', and host of the Umoja radio programme, has expressed disappointment with the slow progress in developing national resilience in the Virgin Islands (VI) against wars and global conflicts.

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.”

15 Responses to “‘I am disappointed that we're not further along’-Edju En Ka”

  • ............................... (05/04/2026, 10:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    we are still waiting on this announcement form the Government
    • hmm (07/04/2026, 09:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mr Smith is not actually knows as Edju En Ka is he - if he was, it would not be necessary to say it in every story about him.
  • %100 raise (05/04/2026, 11:18) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Man is designed to survive through bein broke or rich don't get scared.
  • Rubber Duck (05/04/2026, 11:27) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Just another ndp mouth piece
  • ndp (05/04/2026, 11:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    When NDP first came on stream I thought they
    Honestly had the mantle to carry out the requirements of the Terriftory, but I was wrong in my thinkkng.
    • @NDP (06/04/2026, 21:30) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      How were you wrong? We have a new hospital which was their languishing as the VIP couldn't finish it. We have a mini one in Virgin Gorda. We had over 15 persons sent away to study to be doctors. Both hospitals are not being maintained on VIP watch both physically and monetarily. We have the two lane highway. We have the Pier Park. We have the $10,000 tax free. We have the NHI, yes, the NHI. Lots more people would be dead if it was not for that, especially the elderly and all these young boys on bikes or our country would be broke as they had to pay for everyone going overseas. We have many other things that cannot even be maintained by the VIP for the last 8 years. Sorry that you have short memory. We now have a Complex that cannot reopen after spending millions in the double digits to renovate and over $8 million a year in outside rents for the Public Service. A DDM building where we have spent millions in the double digits and still unfinished. We have a $2 million Economic Zone in Huntumns Ghut that serves no purpose, nothing economic going on there. But then this Government does not know the word 'economic'. They are however fully aware of the words 'spend' and 'waste'. So you can leave the NDP alone. There are three sharks coming back from their alliance and retirement who they need to leave the hell alone, but they have done more for this country lately than the VIP has. So miss me with your silly comment. No perfect parties in these Virgin Isles but NDP is not the worst. Nossaw.
  • @rubber duck (05/04/2026, 11:54) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    And whose mouthpiece are you or you're just quacking as usual? I read the article thoroughly and it matters not who is in charge of this country. He stated is making absolute sense. We all need to speak the truth and shame the devil. no matter whre we vote. everything is not about VIP and NDP. We all need to concentrate on country, not self nor any 'P'.
  • o (05/04/2026, 12:36) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    If he with NDP where All 13 fit?
  • RA (05/04/2026, 16:37) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    He has no credibility just doing ndp talking points we are doom if ndp takes power
  • lord o. (06/04/2026, 04:34) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Not talking Politics but I have to touch a bit on it....What VIP accomplishments for the past 35 yrs? Nothing. As a matter a fact we in reverse.. I am hoping Ronnie get a Chance to be Premier because he seems to be the one with the courage to make the tough decisions putting people & country 1st.
    • @lord o (06/04/2026, 21:16) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      I agree. Ronnie as Premier is our best chance for this country. Let's give him a try. We cannot survive another four years of the status quo. We are already suffering. I took a drive today and how these young people who travels all over the damn world on our dime have our roads, I am so ashamed. You cannot find a decent patch of road. Our poor vehicles' front ends. We need rescuing.
  • edu (06/04/2026, 19:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Boi if as a couple of bloggers said / then the nfp had the green houses EQUIPMENT on the land , you should know that , ASK the mouth champ (aka) CUBAN why he left them to deteriorate to go and hang out with Branson / or all now so we would of been way ahead in agriculture , it's not vto late for any government to build a farm , it will create lots of employment , lots of people are that is skilled in agriculture , and can grow healthy vegetables / the vegetables we are getting from the us and those big countries is full of GMO , but we ain't got no choice / then again ! We hollering out " independence and we cannot even feed WESELF , we cannot even fix the infractures etc but we SQUANDERING our taxpayers money on everything else , and blaming the white colonists slave masters to cover their greedy life style , like doubling their own salaries , free jams - rental properties - not finishing repairs on government buildings - gor years - starting projects and won't finish them - traveling like kings - taking advantage of the civil servants and the poor pensioners , and its been going on for years now • SO HOW COME ONLY NOW YOU GETTING DISAPPOINTED ? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING BRO ? ? ?
  • Loading…. (07/04/2026, 11:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Special Interests at work. You of ALL people dare say this when YOU sell out the country the quickest where you and your ilk can make a buck!!!

    What’s the percentage of locals/belongers you employ vs work permit holders? How many work permits does your 40+ companies employ? Gtfoh you sambo!

    NHI - you guys setup as a farce to exploit financially

    Consumer Affairs - sissy ain’t doing nada to benefit the inhabitants of these islands. More talk and focus on financial services - less on price controls and regulation in the markets outside of Financial Services!

    Real Estate - through your shenanigans, the market has increased & inflated to new levels that prices locals and first time buyers out.

    Food security- y’all killed of agriculture by underinvestment unless you were the ones financially benefiting. Now you all glorify the imported (not safe for consumption) American garbage that places more of our people on dialysis and other diseases from your cheap imported junk foods. This helps more ‘new’ patients come on-stream for more payouts to private healthcare providers (cough).

    The wheels of corrupt politicians, doctors, lawyers keep turning a profit while turning a blind eye! That government pension $$$$$$$ and other perks keep drawing you hypocrites back to inflict more pain and suffering.
  • Stealth (07/04/2026, 19:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The failure rest with both the politicians and the electorate. Poor planning, execution, a sense of urgency, prioritization ,leadership and management , etc, are key factors in the underperformance. During political campaigns nuff promises are made with much underdelivering. Yet, the electorate does is throw their hands in the air, vent, etc. This goes on from cycle to cycle. Electorate wake up and demand change.
  • Oohdju (08/04/2026, 04:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Better make some more blood sacrifice to the beat of the drum, right?


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.