Opposition Leader had ‘zero reason’ to back out of press conference with Premier- Carvin Malone
Mr Malone said that he feels there was no reason for Hon Skelton to back out of the press conference called by Premier Wheatley following the announcement by outgoing Governor John J. Rankin, CMG on January 5, 2024, to request additional powers to hasten the implementation of recommendations following a Commission of Inquiry.
This move was met with outright rejection by the entire House of Assembly, as stated by Premier Wheatley in an address to the territory shortly after the Governor’s announcement.
Opposition ‘felt it necessary’ to have own press conference
Instead, the Opposition held its own press conference on January 9, 2024, and its leader Hon Skelton sought to defend his position.
“We reiterate our position, our solidarity with the government and the people of the Virgin Islands against any additional powers being given to the governor. I think that would be both a retrograde and unnecessary step in the furtherance of governance and democracy.”
He added, “However, I need to make it abundantly clear that while we are in agreement on this core point, there are certain issues, discussions and agreements between the government of the Virgin Islands and the government of the UK of which the Opposition and the people of the Virgin Islands have not yet been made aware.”
Hon Skelton insisted that while the Opposition stands firmly with the government on objecting to additional powers for the Governor, he said: “We felt it necessary to hold our own press conference, which we hope will demonstrate our zero tolerance for any dilution of the devolved powers conferred on the duly elected representative by our people via our constitution.”
Opposition dropped the ball- Hon Malone
Speaking on ‘The Big Story’ with Ms Cathy O. Richards today, January 10, 2024, Mr Malone said he is “glad” Opposition Members were eventually able to join forces in terms of showing solidarity with the particular government.
Mr Malone said; however, that he “would go on record as saying there was absolutely zero reasons why they could not meet as one body” at the press conference called by the Premier.
The former legislator insisted that the show of togetherness and unity is what the people of the Virgin Islands needs to be seeing at this time.
“It’s bigger than you, it’s bigger than I, it's bigger than everybody…. A show of that solidarity, so they need to get together and demonstrate it properly, not hiding behind the proverbial banana tree to see how the crowd feels, and then you will come and then adjust your motions to fit the crowd. This is no crowd-pleasing moment,” Mr Malone stated.
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40 Responses to “Opposition Leader had ‘zero reason’ to back out of press conference with Premier- Carvin Malone”
A potential collaboration could have been forged with the special envoy, Mr. Benito Wheatley, who possesses remarkable acumen, albeit being engaged in other commitments. Establishing a committee under the leadership of Honorable Malone would not only ensure a proactive stance in anticipating any actions by the Governor but also contribute to avoiding reactive measures. Leveraging Honorable Malone's proficiency as a businessman and VIP stalwart, he possesses the skills necessary to negotiate in a diplomatic and effective manner that yields tangible results.
Moreover, the divide and rule conditioning, divide and scatter mentality construct employed by colonialists have controlled, influenced and retarded/slowed slaves and descendants behavior and progress, keeping them non-empowered, impoverished, powerless, non competitive and as an underclass. The colonialists have always had the assistance of some slave and descendants in executing their divide and rule,,divide and scatter plan. Colonialism’s Modus Operandi is dividing a country, colony, territory, etc into sectors and supporting a particular sector which is then beholding to it.
The Virgin Islands [British] is a deeply divided territory. And consistent with the divide and rule strategy, Governor Rankin and the cabal are weaponizing the VI’s disunity to easily do what it wants—-take control. Consequently, the VI people must unite to protect the VI for the good of Virgin Islanders and residents by working collectively, cooperatively, and collaboratively. Pushing back against the colonialism rising tide requires effective organizing, planning, unity. The Great March of 24 November 1949, which was led by national Hero Theodolph Faulkner, success depended and rested heavily on organizing, planning and unity. National hero Noel Lloyd and Positive Action Movement (PAM) success in putting Wickhams Cay and 80% of Anegada back into local hands rested on unity , organizing, and planning. The blueprint is there for fighting the rising tide. Let’s do dis damn ting!!
The Virgin Islands [British] is a deeply divided territory. And consistent with the divide and rule strategy, Governor Rankin and the cabal are weaponizing the VI’s disunity to easily do what it wants—-take control. Consequently, the VI people must unite to protect the VI for the good of Virgin Islanders and residents by working collectively, cooperatively, and collaboratively. Pushing back against the colonialism rising tide requires effective organizing, planning, unity. The Great March of 24 November 1949, which was led by national Hero Theodolph Faulkner, success depended and rested heavily on organizing, planning and unity. National hero Noel Lloyd and Positive Action Movement (PAM) success in putting Wickhams Cay and 80% of Anegada back into local hands rested on unity , organizing, and planning. The blueprint is there for fighting the rising tide. Let’s do dis damn ting!!”
than some of our elected officials.
When last you took one
Lying to us and stealing from us,. I have worked for both the black boss and the white boss and I will work for the white boss any day over the black boss. The black boss going to look out for himself, Rob, steal whatever, and favour who they like. The white boss only sees performance, only concern about employees impact and results and will compensate you accordingly...The white man is a minor part of our problem, our own blaxkz are our major problem...
I believe the members of the House of Assembly should have public meetings to educate the citizens and mobilize their support to thwart the aggression of the governor. WE have come too far to relinquish our rights to the British now. If this aggression is not abated, then the masses should consider the way forward. Furthermore, Massa days are over, and I cannot wait for his departure from the Territory.
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