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It's time to think about our ‘self-determination & our freedom’- Willock

As the people of the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) observe this year’s Emancipation activities–marking the abolishment of slavery–former Speaker of the House of Assembly (HoA) Mr Julian Willock believes the time is right to seriously reconsider 'self-Determination' and ultimately 'freedom' from the United Kingdom (UK). Photo: GIS/File
Mr Julian Willock appeared on a panel discussion called ‘PANEL 4’ on WPG 10TV in Grenada on August 1, 2023. The topic for discussion was 'The issue of governance and the colonial yoke'. Photo: YouTube
Mr Julian Willock appeared on a panel discussion called ‘PANEL 4’ on WPG 10TV in Grenada on August 1, 2023. The topic for discussion was 'The issue of governance and the colonial yoke'. Photo: YouTube
The Virgin Islands remains a territory of the United Kingdom. Photo: VINO/File
The Virgin Islands remains a territory of the United Kingdom. Photo: VINO/File
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- As the people of the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) observe this year’s Emancipation activities–marking the abolishment of slavery–former Speaker of the House of Assembly (HoA) Mr Julian Willock believes the time is right to seriously reconsider “self-Determination” and ultimately “freedom” from the United Kingdom (UK).

Mr Willock gave his views while a guest on the ‘Panel-4’ discussion hosted by WPG-10–a Caribbean-themed television channel–to speak on the topic ‘Governance and the yolk of colonialism in the BVI.’ The show was aired on YouTube on August 1, 2023.

Strangleholds

According to Mr Willock, “It is time for the people of the BVI to determine the way forward, and in my humble view, the way out is certainly our self-determination. It's time for us to start thinking about our self-determination and our freedom.”

He was at the time speaking to the relationship between the UK and the VI and the impediments that accompany that relationship.

To this end, the Political Consultant, who served as Speaker of the House of Assembly under the previous VIP administration, noted that there are still several strangleholds that remain, and which leaves the territory dependent.

One such instance, according to Mr Willock, is the VI’s representation on the international stage, which in the present arrangement must be channeled through the UK.

This situation, he said, limits the abilities of the people of the Virgin Islands.

“All that (Intl representation), has to be channeled through the colonial power which is the UK, so we need to now look at our relationship with the UK.”

‘One-sided’ partnership

Mr Willock was adamant that a “partnership is based on mutual respect and understanding where each person is coming from, in terms of whatever the challenges of the day is” and reminded different Premiers have lamented the existing state of affairs as “one-sided.”

He cited, as an example, that complaints lodged with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the UK against a sitting Governor are simply brushed aside.

Recognising ongoing efforts to revisit the relationship between the Virgin Islands and the UK, Mr Willock stressed, “The relationship has to be reviewed and in my humble view, it's time for us to start thinking about our self-determination and our freedom.” 

80 Responses to “It's time to think about our ‘self-determination & our freedom’- Willock”

  • Slow minded (03/08/2023, 11:24) Like (16) Dislike (20) Reply
    What you mean its time. You mean y'all behind time. From since when black people need white people to servive?
    • Common Sense (03/08/2023, 13:02) Like (10) Dislike (13) Reply
      Waiting until everything is right and to the liking of some including the UK to go independent is tantamount to telling your child they can never become an adult and get married and have children nor move out on their own until you the parent are satisfied with all they are doing and have done. You cannot stop the inevitable.
    • Cucu (05/08/2023, 19:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Servive? Need we say more?
  • Youth (03/08/2023, 11:43) Like (11) Dislike (32) Reply
    Fully agree.
  • Native Voice (03/08/2023, 11:43) Like (9) Dislike (14) Reply
    Of course Mr. Willock. Should have been done from 1st August 1834. Not taking back this chat either.
  • My Take (03/08/2023, 11:44) Like (29) Dislike (28) Reply
    The BVI has done well on its own over the years as the UK has not done much to assist only criticize. It is time to move out of this abusive relationship and seek independence.
  • no debate (03/08/2023, 11:48) Like (13) Dislike (21) Reply
    The BVI and its people are resilient. The time is now for independence. The UK is trying to make us think we cannot take care of ourselves in a responsible manner, but this is just an old slavery tactic being used in a modernized fashion. They can't keep a Prime Minister for 3yrs straight and they are riddled with corruption but some of us do not stay updated with their affairs, so they make us think they have it all together when that is further from the truth.
    • @ Noi debate (04/08/2023, 07:29) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      You offer the whataboutism argument that has little merit, and indeed brings to mind the aphorism of about people in glass houses not throwing stones. BVI’s history over the last 50 years has shown that we’re not particularly capable in good governance, which IMHO means governing for the benefit of the people in the country, and not for the benefit of the politicians. We have politicians leasing buildings to the govertment at absurd rates, we have them spend the public purse on projects that benefit their cronies, we have politicians evidently engaged in narco trafficking, major projects end up with missing funds, meanwhile our roads are mashed up, we burn our garbage in the open, our sewage goes untreated into the sea, our schools are a disgrace, we offer unreliable electricity (check the latest multimillion debacle in Anegada) and water supply (pipe project to be sole sourced to whom?). Do you believe independence is going make these things better? If history is prologue, I can’t see significant improvements with independence.
  • pat (03/08/2023, 11:49) Like (13) Dislike (25) Reply
    I must agree with the man
  • wake up (03/08/2023, 11:49) Like (16) Dislike (66) Reply
    Any system who thinks themselves as superior and all under their rule as inferior is practicing colonialism. BVI independence is the only credible way forward.
    • Seema (03/08/2023, 20:00) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Good luck to us then. There is a way forward that is shared between the UK and our country. We will suffer without the affiliation. The finance industry will leave and whether you think it’s important or not, I promise you it is. Good luck getting foreign governments to lend to us, good luck getting aid during hurricanes. Please think this through instead of making it about colonialism.
  • vg youth (03/08/2023, 11:52) Like (13) Dislike (26) Reply
    I have no fear of going independent. Let us not be like the Israelites who were afraid to come out from under Egypt thinking they were going to die if they did so, not knowing God had better for them and they would have missed it if they did not move out. Let us move out 911.
  • outlook (03/08/2023, 11:53) Like (15) Dislike (20) Reply
    The UK wants two things from us,1) financial services for the revenue and, 2) the islands without the people. Only who blind cannot see this.
    • lodger (03/08/2023, 15:42) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
      To Outlook. BVI financial income would not pay for one day of UK expenses.
    • @ Outlook (04/08/2023, 07:48) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      BVI GDP is about $ 400 million. The Uk’s GDP is around $ 2,750,000 million, so BVis contribution would be 0.015%, or 1.5 cents per $100. If you were walking along the road and you found $ 100 bill on the street. Would you pick up 2 pennies if you saw them on the ground a short time later? If anything, the UK would be more interested in UK citizens hiding from UK’s tax authorities. Many, if they’re smart enough, have slinked off further away.
      Islands without the people? How would that happen? UK’s too busy trying to keep people away, and does not have the resources or political will for that matter to make all BVislanders move to the UK.
  • Disgust (03/08/2023, 11:56) Like (12) Dislike (20) Reply
    All the last two Governors, especially this one does each day is find all the areas they deem as negative about the BVI, its government, and its people and make speeches on it. They see ABSOULTELY NO GOOD in any of us at any time. This is DISGUSTING & WRONG!
  • Peeple of BVI (03/08/2023, 11:59) Like (7) Dislike (15) Reply
    You will never do enough to please the UK even if you all complete and implement their pre-authored 48 recommendations from their predetermined COI with their well calculated ridiculous and unreasonable deadlines aimed at trying to ensure the BVI fails in the exercise.
  • hey (03/08/2023, 12:00) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    Any system where the partnership allows one side to hold the other accountable and can always look into them and discipline them, but it is not reciprocal is a leaky partnership and one riddled with injustices.
  • while (03/08/2023, 12:04) Like (60) Dislike (7) Reply
    Can we please first fight corruption.

    With corruption no self determination.
    • @while (03/08/2023, 12:14) Like (5) Dislike (20) Reply
      Show me a country that does not have some form of corruption or wrong doing? No one condones it and the judiciary is there to deal with such but the BVI is not the bad place the Governor and UK is intentionally trying to portray so people like you can always doubt the people and leaders of the BVI.
      • No Man (03/08/2023, 13:05) Like (27) Dislike (6) Reply
        No place is perfect. But if there is corruption like the covid grants and the premier says he doesn't see anything wrong you are not ready.
  • mulato (03/08/2023, 12:06) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    nonsense
  • action (03/08/2023, 12:07) Like (23) Dislike (7) Reply
    It must be the people who must make the final determination as to their future. I dare anyone to ask the locals today who would they prefer to lead the nation, slowman or the govern. I dare you ask the same question tomorrow, what about next year the answer will always be the same, not the slowman. I do not see anyone in the hoa presently who is qualified to lead this nation. Maybe the next 25 years maybe. Tola belongs to the UK. We will be release our land to incompetence. We will not give it over to the likes of the present crop. You have a number 9 as minister of health. Where in the world could you see that. You have a number 8 who wanted to be premier where on God's earth would you imagine. The education ministry is run by someone who could not even be a deputy principal at a primary school. Min of finance who spending sleepless nights trying to balance budget.

    Yet you have an auditor general an attorney general capable of leading this country and you bad mouthing them. But tolans like incompetence they put an ex next to the name of slowman, but I commend you for sending a sheep out to pasture and bring back the Joshau in Myron. Yep action man said it.
    • @Action (03/08/2023, 12:16) Like (2) Dislike (23) Reply
      You have a narrow and bias view. Most of the people on the ground in BVI who do not blog nor call in on talk shows are ready for independence and they are the majority.
      • action (03/08/2023, 13:13) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
        @action action wake up local your bladder is filled go and we we (piss) before you wet the bed. You are dreaming.
    • To Action (03/08/2023, 12:46) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      Go check yourself in the hospital for mental treatment. You want a man who is arrested and may go jail for corruption to lead the BVI into independence? You want the laziest smooth talking, did nothing when they were permanent secretary in Premier office and at FSC and now where they are, to lead BVI into independence? You want a woman who writes one sided reports with bias and liable conclusions and no balance, who is going to cost the tax payers millions of dollars in lawsuits soon only because they have an axe to grind, and you want her to lead the BVI into independence? You better go check yourself into the hospital for mental treatment.
      • action (03/08/2023, 14:37) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
        @to action, thank you at least someone agree with me a few times. I am a straight talker and an expat lover. How ever the locals feel about me I feel 100 times about you. I am a UK citizen by birth but would rather identify with my mum who from the Caribbean.

        So I can bat for the UK and for expats. I make no apology, tola belongs to the UK so that means it belongs to me. It belongs to my king and his heirs. We are your parent honor us. We will keep you under subjection for the next 100 years unless you begin to learn sense.

        I can guarantee you that we Brits love tola more than you. How can you claim to love tola and vote an incompetent slow man to run the affairs. How can slowman claim to love tola and fought to be premier knowing full well he is incapable of running the country. We/I love tola hence the reason we are joining with the majority of tola lovers in saying no absolutely no to any form of self governance with this present incomoetent lot. Yep the action man speaks in the majority.
    • Response to action (03/08/2023, 12:54) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
      I do not agree with most of your post but I do agree the only two persons who have the drive and intuitiveness to move this country forward in a positive direction is Myron and Fahie. Probably that is why they were targeted. Yep I said it also.
  • question (03/08/2023, 12:11) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    Why is the Governor and all UK persons working under his responsibility in government in the BVI not obligated under the law to register their interest under the BVI's new register of interest act? This is not good governance.
    • @Question (03/08/2023, 12:30) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      Good questions. There has been strong rumors about misconduct of some in the past but once it is them it is never looked into.
  • Checks and Balances (03/08/2023, 12:13) Like (13) Dislike (11) Reply
    Voting NO to this as fast and as often as I can.
    • @Checks and Balances (03/08/2023, 12:33) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
      No matter how much checks and balances get put in place some of you will vote no out of share hatred. This needs a referendum right away. I am confident most people will vote yes. No one our country is perfect not even the UK and their Governor, but the BVI good far outweigh its bad.
  • asura (03/08/2023, 12:16) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    WILLOCK THEY GOING COME FOR YOU I AM WARNING YOU
  • Time to research (03/08/2023, 12:28) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    Before people make a decision on whether independence or not ask yourself a few questions.

    Ask where can you go on any UK site and see all the requirements (step by step) that any territory under them must follow if they want independence? Post it when you find it as all they say is if you want it just ask meanwhile they go behind the scenes and put barriers to make the people feel they are never ready for it. SMDH.

    Research what was the reason in 1880 that caused the UK influenced commission of Inquiry Act to be passed during the still present slavery environment they created and said it was abloshied in 1834 and then turn around and used a 1880 act in 2021 in modern days to do what they called an 'independent and transparent' COI? You will be shocked when you find the answer.

    Ask why no black or Caribbean person in the 21st century has ever been named Governor by the UK for any of its Overseas Territories?

    The answers to the above will help anyone with common sense and basic understanding to make the right decision of whether to chose independence or not.
    • Double check (03/08/2023, 22:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Check, the current governor of Bermuda is Blavk. Research you say??
  • hypocrites (03/08/2023, 12:40) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    The Governor and UK Commissioner of Police telling the people of the BVI the Cane Garden Bay and West End Police Stations are always opened 24hrs per day 7 days a week although everyone with eyes and sense is seeing and knowing it is not so. This is an insult to the people of the BVI but as usual some of you see no wrong or lies they do and tell. This makes you wonder what other lies are they telling us? Can you imagine what would have happened to a local Commissioner of Police if the drug boats were stolen from the police possession and burnt while under their watch? Could you imagine if this happened under customs watch where most locals and Caribbean people work? Some of you are just BVI haters and flat out hypocrites. The BVI can hold its own on the independent stage with class and dignity. It is time.
  • Caution (03/08/2023, 12:50) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Willock most people will not come on this site or any site to state their postion on this but they are with you on this one but becareful because this is one of the main reasons they organized to try to get rid of the last leader. These people play for the keeps when they are challenged.
    • WHAT!!! (03/08/2023, 13:56) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      "Caution" no one "try to get rid of the last leader" he did it to himself from the mouth of Ms. Maynard "he is a bit of a crook"
  • Corruption (03/08/2023, 12:55) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    The BVI Government and the Judiciary are corrupt from top to bottom. Independence will make a few very rich and most very poor. Nevertheless, if that is what you want, Good Luck.
    • Blind leading the blind (06/08/2023, 00:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree. Crime is going to skyrocket.. more suffrage going go on because we living paychecks to paychecks! (Puttjng it nicely) . Government only helping the, friends and family... not who really needs it
  • Just A Thought (03/08/2023, 12:58) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    The BVI Government is being criticized in some circles for a few things including handling of covid. But did anyone ever stop and think what the BVI would like now if they did not do anything good during covid? How many including our economy would now be dead? The same holds true for Irma. Those who criticizing and doing reports to fit their narrative did not lift a meaningful finger to help the BVI. The BVI is over due for independence.
  • are you sure? (03/08/2023, 13:02) Like (24) Dislike (8) Reply
    No more UK Passports, no more US$, top of the overseas tax authorities black list, and a mass exodus of skilled workers. Good luck with that.
    • @are you sure? (03/08/2023, 16:05) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      Nice scare tactic but it will not work you Uk and Governor bloggers.
  • D8 (03/08/2023, 13:09) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    Unless the BVI take the step towards independence we will never know if we will get there. It is like hoping to win the lottery but you never bought a ticket. Let us make the first steps now.
  • E. Leonard (03/08/2023, 13:53) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    All people have the right, not should have the right, to pursue unrestrictedly the blessings of freedom and liberty through self-determination. Self-determination is not solely independence; in addition to independence, it can include integration, free association, etc. After WW II, in 1946, the UN launched an initiative to decolonize some 72 ( 17 remaining, including VI) non-self-governing territories( NSGT), including the Virgin Islands(VI) [British]. The UN appointed the UK as the ‘Administering Power’ for the VI with responsibilities for assisting and guiding it towards a full measure of self-governance. That action/task is still a work in progress.

    Moreover, the UK colonize the Virgin Islands in 1672 and has had full control of it ever since. The VI was part of Leeward Islands Federation until it became a direct colony in 1960; it is now an Overseas Territory (OT) ( 2002) of the UK, changing to the more political correct title from the less politically correct Dependent Territory. During its tenure under the Leeward Islands Federation, it had its Legislature suspended in 1901. It was reinstated in 1950 post the Great March of November 1949. It also got its first modern constitution in 1950, and local Virgin Islanders got the right/ability for the first time to vote directly for four (4) at large members to represent them in the Legislative Council. It attained universal suffrage in 1954, giving all qualified Virgin Islanders the right to vote. The VI got its second modern constitution in 1967, ushering the ministerial system of government, gaining a full measure of partial self-governance. It got additional constitutions in 1977 and 2007 which provided more incremental measures of self-governance, ie, transfer of finance from Governor to the local government. It got of grant -in-aid in 1979/80 under the Willard Wheatley Administration.

    Moreover, the current constitution (2007) is a power sharing arrangement but a dependency-modeled constitution with U.K./Governor being responsible for defence, external affairs, internal security, including RVIPF; civil service, judiciary, and HMP ( partial ??); local government, remaining functions. Nevertheless, the U.K.-appointed governor has unilateral power and control, ie, reserved powers, retained and assigned powers, assent, etc. And any devolved powers can be easily reversed, ie, suspending of constitution ( which is currently suspended by an order in council and being held in abeyance).

    Finally, if all people have the right through self-determination to pursue the blessings of liberty and freedom, in the spirit and intent, right, etc., of this blessing, Virgin Islanders should be given the opportunity through a referendum and by a majority vote to choose their political status. They must be given the option to choose from among status quo, free association, integration, independence, etc. The VI has transitioned a supposed poverty stricken, little sleepy hollow, poor house of the West Indies, only useful as a bird sanctuary, subsistence agricultural locale to service -based economy ( tourism /finsncial services)locale which is viewed as having one the highest standard of living, quality of life, per capita income, human development index in the region.
    • question? (03/08/2023, 18:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      What is universal suffrage?? And what is its importance to the VI and Virgin Islanders? You guys need to break things down.
      • E. Leonard (03/08/2023, 19:42) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ Question?, Wikipedia: “ Universal suffrage (or franchise) ensures the right to vote for as many people who are bound by a government’s laws as possibke, as supported by the “ one person, one vote” principle.” It is my understanding that not all Virgin Islanders, especially those of African descent, before universal suffrage didn’t have the automatic right to vote, ie, they had to be literate, propertied, etc. It look like it was akin to a poll tax.
        • Little Levity (04/08/2023, 18:43) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          For a minute, I thought universal suffrage was about a lot of people suffering. Lol! But wait a minute, it was, for if a large gaggle of folks could not vote because of socioeconomic, racial, etc, status/situation, that was suffering. Sad thing is sacrifices were made to get the privilege to vote (the right to vote is not enshrined in VI constitution; it must be with the next review) but many take the privilege for granted or it does not matter or is not going to make a different, etc, yet many don’t vote. I will take a wild a$$ guest that if a referendum were to be held, the turn out would be low. This generation(s) feel privileged, entitled, believing that the BVI they are enjoying today came easy without struggle and sacrifices and that tomorrow will come easy without planning, struggles, sacrifices, etc.
      • action (03/08/2023, 20:15) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
        @question. This post has to come from a local. Not motivated enough to Google.. but of course believe that someone else should do it. Just vote no to any sort any level of independence. That's all you need to know for now.
    • Let’s Get It On (03/08/2023, 19:18) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is time to get this independence show on the road. It has been on the board for years and nothing is happening but talk, talk. it is time to let a majority of people decide through a referendum. Before the referendum, government must launch a robust public education and outreach programme, denoting the pros and cons, costs and benefits, etc. Referendum done, the territory can get on addressing its other myriads of problems. Bermuda, a sister and oldest OT, did just that. Bermuda held an independence referendum on 16 August 1995. The voters had two choices a )independence, and b) remaining as a British territory. In the election, approximately 59% of eligible voters showed up at the polls and 74 % voted against independence. Let’s give BVI voters the same opportunity through a referendum to decide their future. Government must have a plan to execute if the majority of voters voted against the status quo. Let’s get it on!!!
    • E. Leonard (03/08/2023, 22:53) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      Correction; “…. gaining a full measure of partial self-governance.” Should have read “ gaining some measure of partial self-governance.”
    • Frig…. (04/08/2023, 14:04) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ELeonard, the Frig… here with a few words. So the British invaded and colonized the VI, not BVI, in or around 1672 and it was neglected, forgotten, struggled and tagged as a little sleepy hollow, poverty stricken, poor house of the West Indies, a bird sanctuary. Nevertheless, Through the hard work, hard times, personal sacrifice of some warriors, heroes and visionaries such as Theodolph Faulkner, Noel Lloyd, etc. , mere rugged individualism, a VI trait that is waining, the VI struggled through these and other challenges to having one of the highest standard of living, quality of life, and per capita income in the Caribbean region, though being the smallest and resource-poorest in the region. The men and women of yesteryear were unselfish and seem to have accomplished more and move the VI farther along than the current generation( s). This current lot is soft and want everything on a silver platter and ready made and don’t want to struggle. They think that with catchy jingles like “ natures little secret” or “ we are different” all will be well. Frederick Douglass: “ If there is no struggle, no progress.” That was said around the 19th Century but it is still true today, the 21st Century. We better get off our lazy asses and fight and struggle for what we want. If prior generations had not struggle or had foresight, the VI would still be the poor house of the West Indies. If we want and deserve another political status let’s do what is needed, ie, be it independence,,integration, free association, etc.. Stop the damn talk, talk, and get the referend
      • @Frig…. (04/08/2023, 16:24) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
        @Frig…, lawd ah mussy nah, you are a frig, it is Festival time mon so geh ah ve a likle time to enjoy the wuk up and ting to forget all the stress, hard times, disappointment, pretending that all is well. It would be a respite from the pressures of life in the BVI. After the Carrot Cultural Fiesta we will get back to reality. Anyway, agree wid yu dat Virgin Islanders are soft, selfish, etc. They want to enjoy the good life but don’t want to sacrifice to structure the country so that as many people as possible can an enjoy the good times. They want to invest their time and resources to bring about the opportunity so that they can enjoy the good life. Selfish s..bs. The UK have assessed the situation on the ground and ascertain that it is a deeply divided country/territory so they do what they want, how they want, where they want without any resistance , for the divide and rule conditioning has worked and nuff people are afflicted with Stockholm Syndrome. We were the last to get secondary schools, but now brag that per capita we have the highest rate of masters degrees. But what good is that doing us? Not much. The degrees are wall decorations, for we are behaving like simpletons, nincompoops, mumus, functional illiterates, etc. It seems the degrees are not worth the paper they are printed on. Clearly, we didn’t learn any critical thinking, for we have bought in to the false premise, perhaps, that the way forward is holding on the UK ‘s apron string and the UK don’t give a rat’s a$$ about us. Time may have rolled on but their behaviour and attitude about colonialism and people of African descent has not changed. They are still a defective species, an underclass with a designated servile role. A few may have gotten uppity but that is an anomaly.They know the deal. We must take control of our own destiny be it independence, free association, integration, or some other relationship, etc. why wait, let her rip.
    • Class Mate. (04/08/2023, 18:56) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I was wondering if all was well , for I didn’t see an article or comment in the blogs from you. But I see you are back, bringing the goods as usual. Indeed, we need a referendum on the way forward towards as listed either independence, free association, integration, etc. A while back you wrote a commentary on forming a regional political/economic union or something like that. That could be an integration option. In the article you commented that the region should unite and used its limited resources for the benefit of most people. We are going to have a referendum on same-sex marriage, and we also need a referendum on self-determination.
      • Wheel And Come Again (05/08/2023, 07:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Class Mate, what you have been smoking or drinking ? Whatever it was it messed you up bro/sis. Who you want us (BVI) to form a union with? Here is a little history. After the Leeward Island Federation disbanded in 1956, the BVI had the opportunity to join the West Indies Federation(1958-1952) but chose to become a direct colony. The West Indian Federation was short lived; ione factor for the mash up was siting the capital. Trinidad wanted it and Jamaica wanted it. In the end Jamaica says I’m out and bolted. Remember the famous or infamous quote from Eric Williams, “ 1 from 10 leave nought (o, zero). Jamaica went independent on 06 August 1962, and the region has been adrift ever since. The region needs to unite but it is not there yet. So let’s wheel and come again. The NVI is a mess all by its lonesome. The divide and rule mentality is still strong. Hell, the BVI struggles to unite internally so how can it unite with others. Let’s get our house in order. We are a bunch of crabs in a bucket. I say this with no pride but it is real. It has 189 years since physical emancipation after approximately 400 years of slavery but yet we cannot decide if it is Monday or Thursday. We cannot eben hood a referendum to decide if we should stay wedded to the Brits or try something different. Willie Lynch conditioning still shackles us. Leonard was on point calling for a referendum on self-determination/independence as Bermuda did in 1995. But let’s see if it will be just talk, talk, talk, and talk. We are expert at talk, talk, talk and more talk. We need strong leaders/managers, not just policy wonks.
        • Opportunity & Hypocrites (05/08/2023, 09:57) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          The BVI is full of opportunists, hypocrites, and users; I guess they learn well from the Brits who are masters of the opportunists, hypocrites and users art form. For example, Guyana is a former British colony and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations but relationship and association was no barrier to the UK imposing visa requirements on Guyanese. Nevertheless, as soon as Guyana strike it rich on a huge oil find, the UK at supersonic speed ditch the visa requirement, now embracing Guyana and Guyanese warmly as part of the family. Similarly, the BVI imposed vida requirement on Guyanese citizens, but now also with supersonic speed is racing to waived the visa requirement. Further, the opportunism for the BVI continues. When the UK was moving with breakneck speed to suspend the BVI constitution and imposed direct rule( the constitution was suspended by an Order in Council but is being held in abeyance like the Sword of Damocles over the head of the BVI people), the BVI race to the OECS, CARICOM and other regional institutions for assistance and moral support. Now, the mere mention of regional integration seem to bring out the hatred, hopelessness, insult, etc. Opportunists, hypocrites, users, etc.
          • red carpet (05/08/2023, 18:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
            Many Other countries didn’t give a rat’s ass about Guyana, seeing it as poor third world country in South America with a huge skill and brain drain, leaving it sparsely populated, ie, less than 20 people per square mile. Nevertheless, with the find of oil now some of the same countries, including the BVI, that didn’t give a rat’s a$$ about it are now rolling out the red carpet. As another blogger noted, they are opportunists, hypocrites, and users.
          • Guyanese (05/08/2023, 19:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            @Opportunidts and Hypocrites, deep, profound, and on point. I say to hell with lifting the visa requirement. My prayer and hope is that President Ali and the rest of Guyana and Guyanese arrest and rise to the moment and opportunity and Guyanese can smoothly find their way home from around the world. Let’s build a strong welcoming country, developing a high standard of living, quality of life, per capita income, etc. let’s not the oil find be a resource curse, ie, country rich resource yet people are dirt poor.
    • Outsider (05/08/2023, 05:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What about the thousands of people here whose applications for permanent residency/belongership aren’t being processed? Where do they figure in this ‘independence’ talk? What about their rights?
    • Sambo (05/08/2023, 11:07) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      We are in the midst of celebrating 189 years of Emancipation from the exploiting , brutalizing,,dehumanizing, violence, rape, lynching, murder and other unimaginable atrocities of physical slavery. I’m not in the celebrating mood, for the Emancipation celebration has devolved into a farce mimicking falsely the true meaning and purpose of Emancipation. It has been wholly commercialized and lost its true purpose. Are we truly experiencing the blessings of liberty and freedom?

      True, as a people,,as a territory, we transitioned from a lowly presidency in the Leeward Islands Federation to a forgotten and neglected direct colony to a dependent territory to today an Overseas Territory(OT). Under all of these statuses the BVI has been under the unilateral thumbs of the UK. As a territory, we are floundering from pillar to post not knowing up from down or east from west. The divide and rule conditioning crafted and implemented by Willy Lynch and hosts of others has and is working well. We are trying to find ourselves even after almost 200 years of supposed emancipation. We have hitched our blessings of liberty and freedom to the UK wagon. In case we have forgotten, the UK was instrumental in launching and implementing the slave trade, the institution of slavery, etc, exploiting the labour of our forebears. Slave labour was a real life monopoly game, enriching slave owners without having to work, contributing to building the insurance, banking, real estate, transportation, telecommunications, financial, shipping,etc industries. Additionally, lest not also forget that under Abolition Act of 1833, the UK authorized and appropriated £20, 000, 000 to compensate some 3000 slave owners( University College of London (UCL)) for the lost of their chatel property (slaves) and source of income and wealth building. The £20M equated to 40% of the UK budget at the time( today’s estimated value £17b); it was also borrowed money/loan which was paid off in 2015. The slave owners were paid but to this day the slaves and their descendants have yet to get even a farthing or even a simple apology to those force to play the monopoly slavery game with neither assets nor money yet force to partake in the game. The VI and other regional countries must get reparative justice as did Native Americans, Jews, Japanese, etc. The Brits did provide reparations to Kenyans for the Mau Mau uprising and resulting brutality. Where are we headed as the VI and Virgin Islanders? The Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll Alice in Wonderland noted that if you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there. Is our destination hitching to the UK’s skirt tail? Has that plan work for us thus far? Do we need another wagon to hitch to??
      • @Sambo (05/08/2023, 20:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Sambo, I’m not always thrilled with your commentaries, for they most often have a bias, racial tilt. But on this commentary, I must admit that it was research, factual, truthful and purposeful. It was related to the Emancipation moment. It is worth reading all the way through with an open mind.
        • @@Sambo (06/08/2023, 08:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          @@Sambo, I’m about telling the truth about the slave trade, institution of slavery, colonialism, neocolonialism, etc. It seems like you are comfortable with and prefer the sanitized and purposefully revisionist version of history. The truth will set us free, for what happens in the dark must come to light. Some people want to revise history and pretend that slavery was not so bad or the slaves personally benefit from slavery, for it prepared them for a better life. WTF!! Further, teaching and educating about it will make the descendants of slave owners uncomfortable. Weaklings. It is not that they are uncomfortable, it is that they want to absolve themselves of any responsibility for the the horrible atrocities inflicted on Blacks and that the situation Blacks are in are of their own doing because they were too lazy, not industrious enough, demonstrating bad behaviour, etc to take advantage of the various economic and social opportunities available to them. Yes, Blacks structure the monopoly game that give whites all the wealth, power, control, resources,,control of government, etc.?? Yes, Blacks engineered the system that position them as a permanent underclass, ranking themselves the lowest on the social acceptability platform?? The bottomline is Blacks position is their own fault and whites were not a key player in their condition. Really!!! Planned ignorance was part of the game but we can reason and differentiate between a 6 and 9. The truth be told if anyone should be uncomfortable, it should be the descendants of the slaves. It takes patience, much self control, strength etc, to control oneself reading the truth about the slave trade, slavery, colonialism/imperialism, etc. enjoy the fake Emancipation celebration.
  • El Demonio Negro (03/08/2023, 14:23) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    We got to wait for the current power structure, the individuals currently wielding all the financial power to die off. There greed and covetousness knows no boundaries. We might have better luck with their off springs.
  • Really Now (03/08/2023, 14:58) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    Independence in the BVI would be used just like they used the NHI and the social security system to make their friends and family wealthy now look where it is now so much poor people in this place their money being deducted from their salary but not being paid into the system snd when they get sick nothing there for them after slacking for them for all your adult life and you retire nothing there for you and when you make a report the person at social security calls them and rat you out instead of bringing a criminal case against the employer in this corrupt place that’s why this place is the way it is too much tears from poor people the so call elites now some about to go to jail so they want independence to save them but just like trump it’s on the horizon coming hope they have enough space in the UK jail for them
    • RealPol (05/08/2023, 18:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Really Now, Let’s not conflate issues, ie, independence, social security , and NHI. Independence is a political status which will entail a constitution, various checks and balances. Social security and NHI are social programs with responsibilities for both employer and employees. For example, every employee by law are required to have money taken from their pay checks. Employers are required to deduct money from employee wages and forward to Social security and NHI. It is dishonesty and fraud for employers to deduct wages from employees wages and not forward to social security. Social security should interact with employers and if issues are not satisfactory addressed legal action should be taken. Employers who deduct employee wages and don’t forward to social security is selfish, heartless, and disrespectful, and provides a disservice to employees and their families. It does not reflect teamwork; teamwork is not a one way street.
  • UK Ex-Pat Here (03/08/2023, 15:06) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    This process requires a minimum of two referendums.
    The first is to determine if this is the will of the people. If that is the case then the second referendum is conducted once all the terms and conditions are fully understood and the pro's and con's have been explained.
    The UK voted for BREXIT without even understanding what that would entail. If they had that vote again today they would get right back into the EU. Understanding is key.
    • @UK ex-Pat (03/08/2023, 21:30) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      Tw*t, we would never rejoin the EU
      • @ @UK ex-Pat (04/08/2023, 12:56) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Dear sir:
        1. Profanity is crutch for the intellectually disabled.
        2. Please see latest opinion poll "As of July 2023, 55 percent of people in Great Britain thought that it was wrong to leave the European Union, compared with 33 percent who thought it was the right decision." https://www.statista.com/statistics/987347/brexit-opinion-poll/#:~:text=As%20of%20July%202023%2C%2055,it%20was%20the%20right%20decision.
        3. Have a nice day
  • hmm (03/08/2023, 15:22) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    Freedom from legal bills
  • YES E Leonard (03/08/2023, 15:46) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    You are talking sense. This is topic is for a referendum and may it be decided. Let's go government - time to let the people have their say and the majority rule.
  • @ EL DEMONIO NEGRO (03/08/2023, 20:16) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Their offspring are very much worse. It's in their DNA.
  • Josiahsbay (03/08/2023, 20:18) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    For the past sixty years or more, we have educated VI children to oppose independence. Besides the UK will not be satisfied with any decision we make where they won't have control. Independence and Association with them are off the table, they may allow integration. Most of the people who are anti-independence will be too old to live under it so they should not be a part of the referendum.
  • ReferWho? (03/08/2023, 20:21) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    The premier only interested in a GAY Referendum Dum Dum.
  • Common Sense (04/08/2023, 05:58) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    I have long admired Mr. Willock. One of the best Speakers of the House we have ever had. He was my boss at Water and Sewerage Department and up to today I tell everyone what a remarkable manager and leader he was. He fights for his people, love his country and can represent us anywhere in the world.

    LONG LIVE THE ESTEEMED SPEAKER the closest person to BVI royally!!!!!
  • Eldread (04/08/2023, 06:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It would be great, but will the colonizers leave or we will have neo colonizers in the form of elected representative? Who will be extracting wealth from the treasury or consolidated funds to offshore banks account creating a more liquid cash flow for the European banks to be able to give loans at low interest rates to the former colonizers, and once the neo colonial elected leaders get power over the police and military,they use it to suppress that free protest and speech in news paper and no media access. It all comes in the package of self determination. Where a political party is paramount to the country, there should be a united Caribbean states, with a single judicial and police system to prosecute these ministers who steal from their country like how england does their COI. These leaders has coconut head, brown outside but white inside, they are educated in the white man university so they only know to keep there people colonized, not empowering them at all, look at prospect reef, instead of assisting a set of virgin Islanders born to create a new business hub there through financial and tax incentives on a moratorium, we (ministers)will be looking for a white savior to shower with concessions and empower. They think white when they in charge but get black to be elected with all them sympathy speech about slavery. Look at niger who rise up against their puppet president saying that the resources must benefit the people instead of France. Does any of our present leaders see the land resources benefit the people. Government should appropriate lands inherited by colonialism to give to the black BVI born. Give them the commanding heights of the economy, and not themselves extracting to Europe banks. My wish is that self determination comes with responsibility and not tribal politics which benefits the white monopoly Capital colonialism.
  • hmm (04/08/2023, 21:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Freedom to thief is what the politicians want


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