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I would boycott Queen's Birthday celebration as private citizen- Dr. Pickering

-But will attend in official capacity as Acting Premier
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) and Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Photo. Internet Source
Claude O. Skelton-Cline. Photo. VINO File
Claude O. Skelton-Cline. Photo. VINO File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola VI- Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7)—the man who many say had the best speech at the ‘Decision to March’ on May 24, 2018 against the United Kingdom’s Parliament decision to impose public registry for beneficial ownership—is making the news again.

Last Tuesday, May 29, 2018, the host of ‘Honestly Speaking’ Claude O. Skelton-Cline, on his radio show, stated that he “was joining his voice to the chorus of those who had concluded that they too, with Bishop John I. Cline, were not going to support the annual Queen’s Birthday Parade on June 9, 2018.”

Boycott parade- Skelton-Cline

The social commentator, declared that he wanted Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert—Her Majesty’s representative—to know, “given he was not there for us when we needed him to be there on May 24, 2018 for the Decision March, he should not expect us to be there for him, when he need us to be, on June 9, 2018 for The Queen’s Birthday Parade.”

Mr. Skelton Cline called on schools and all likeminded citizens to send a message to Her Majesty’s representative in protest of the debilitating economic impact, the recent Sanction Anti-Money Laundering Bill passed by the UK Parliament, would have on the people of the Virgin Islands.

I am only going because of official duties- Dr Pickering

The social commentator then turned to his guest, the Deputy Premier, Dr. Kedrick D.  Pickering and ask him if he would support such a protest. Dr. Pickering responded by saying, “I wish to make it abundantly clear, that it so happen that on that day, I will be Acting Premier, and therefore, in my official capacity, I will attend the parade, but, if you are asking me as a private citizen, if I will attend, the answer would be no.” So in other words, Hon Pickering is only attending out of responsibility as a Minister, according to the member.

Queen signed Bill to kill us

The Territory is getting ready to stage a formal celebration of Her Majesty’s Queen Elizabeth II birthday on Saturday, June 9, 2018. However, it was on Wednesday, March 23, 2018, that Queen Elizabeth II—the lady who the Territory is to celebrate her 93rd birthday—gave Royal Assent to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill that contained an amendment demanding registers of beneficial ownership only for the Caribbean Overseas Territories be made public.

It will result in the collapse of the Virgin Islands (VI) economy, since some 60 per cent of revenue comes directly from the offshore sector and 80 per cent indirectly. On June 9, 2018, funds will be taken from the local Treasury to facilitate the parade, according to a senior officer in the Deputy Governor’s Office.

 

14 Responses to “I would boycott Queen's Birthday celebration as private citizen- Dr. Pickering”

  • Who will help us (04/06/2018, 13:56) Like (18) Dislike (12) Reply
    Empty coffers and Gov present a budget $311m income and $350m expenses. Who are the expecting to support the territory as we seem to be bankrupt? All government depts. in a mess and no resources whatsoever. Yes the UK decision needs to be fought but burning bridges in spite does not benefit our citizens
  • Lawd! Hear ting! (04/06/2018, 14:02) Like (15) Dislike (17) Reply
    Look out Foy, like a reenergized lion araising. Done Deal holding no prisoners. This man not hold back his tongue for no one these days. I with them on this one to boycott this parade. For too long we’ve been supporting these people who don’t give even care nor give a hoot about us, but just fulfilling their agendas.
  • Strupess (04/06/2018, 14:38) Like (17) Dislike (17) Reply
    The queen didn't do us a thing!! Ayo overing now mahn.
    • @strupess (04/06/2018, 19:03) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
      yes she did! She is the head of state. Our relationship should be with her and not with the UK Parliament. She needs to fix that like it is with the Crown Dependencies. If she cannot keep them off of us then we cannot support her cause. You are either with me or against me.
  • faith (04/06/2018, 14:41) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
    I agree with the cuban
  • tretretrete (04/06/2018, 15:50) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply
    How can the minister boycot the parade as a private citizen when he’s a prominent politician? What is he going to do? Clone himself so that the minister can attend whilst the private citizen stays home in protest?
  • just wrong (04/06/2018, 15:56) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    The ignorance, and audacity of this man continues to astound me.
  • I agree (04/06/2018, 16:21) Like (11) Dislike (9) Reply
    I agree with Pickering.And Strupes, what planet are you living on. Do you really think the Queen gives a damn about little Tortola?
  • Twist (04/06/2018, 16:32) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Media always twist headings to get attention. The minister have a life to and in his own opinion he stated his personal view and position stop twisting things cause you can't stop the hand writing on the wall
  • Longshanks (04/06/2018, 16:39) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    As a UK citizen and non-belonger, I wouldn't attend this either, not because I am "boycotting" the event, but just because it's a bit weird that the BVI celebrates it and has it as an official public holiday. No one in the UK would take any notice.

    Separately, the Queen has had nothing to do with the UK legislation. Sure she signs it as a ceremonial role, but she doesn't get a say. Remember, this is an act of the UK parliament but was not something the UK government wanted to bring in - rather, borne of weakness of the UK government, a collection of MPs managed to find agreement on their anger at inequality and, fuelled by the left wing UK press, are happy to see the success of offshore diminish just as they would be happy to see largely unregulated capitalism in general decline. The BVI model of expecting others to pay for the corporate product and simply to receive dividends from that without paying much in the way of tax or doing much in the way of productive work in the BVI is something the left of centre parts of the UK would not support in any event.
  • Umm (04/06/2018, 16:50) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
    Struppz i swear bvi ppl stupid like dirt!!! Ya’ll go ahead start a war. Hope you like the out come!
  • You know now (04/06/2018, 17:53) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    These people love their queen and everything like her, and hate themselves and everything like them. Can’t get it out of them now, it will take generations to come. Nuff said.
  • strumu (04/06/2018, 20:33) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    If yo do da yo oin geh deh Tisik.
  • Political Observer (PO) (05/06/2018, 04:53) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    “Royal Assent is the Monarch's agreement that is required to make a Bill into an Act of Parliament.” Though Royal Assent is required to make a bill law, in this modern era, it is almost never refused; it is a formality. Her Majesty’s assent to a bill passed by parliament is automatic and refusal of royal assent would probably result in a backlash against the monarchy. When was the last time a royal assent refused?

    Consequently, the VI furor over the amendment to Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill that requires OT’s by 2020 established a public register of beneficial ownership should be directed at the UK parliament. Putting the monarchy in the crosshairs may be misplaced anger. Though it is customary to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, each resident has the right not to. Nonetheless, IMO there is a different requirement for members of government. Although they may privately disagree with the Monarchy, they should set the personal example by publicly supporting it. Here is a news flash. Taking the oath as a minister means one is a public figure all the time, not on a part time basis.

    On the other hand though, election fever is in air and politicians will act like politicians by trying to get a majority of electorate on his/her side. Furthermore, more than election fever is in the air. Party(s) leadership is up for grab so aspirants are trying to seal the deal by appearing tough. The Bill provides an opportunity to talk tough. Moreover, undoubtedly, the Bill was unfair, discriminatory, racial.......etc but the BVI effort to effect change should be trained on entities that can make things happened, ie, HC, HL........etc. For starters, the same requirements should be imposed on crown dependencies (Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey) as are imposed on OTs. What is the difference b/w crown dependencies and OTs, ie, TCI, CI, VI, Anguilla, Montserrat, Bermuda......etc?


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