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Prepare for independence or risk being caught off guard- Hon Vanterpool

- said independence could be forced upon VI sooner rather than later
Senior Opposition legislator and Fourth District Representative, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool has warned that the Virgin Islands should get serious about getting ready for independence as that may end up being forced upon it, catching it in an unprepared state. Photo: Facebook/File
According to Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), the day the United Kingdom says goodbye to its Overseas Territories or the United Nations demands that the UK follows Article 73 of the UN Charter, the Virgin Islands would be caught in an unprepared position. Photo: VINO/File
According to Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), the day the United Kingdom says goodbye to its Overseas Territories or the United Nations demands that the UK follows Article 73 of the UN Charter, the Virgin Islands would be caught in an unprepared position. Photo: VINO/File
At present, 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs) across the globe remain on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, home to nearly 2 million people. Photo: United Nations
At present, 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs) across the globe remain on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, home to nearly 2 million people. Photo: United Nations
DUFF'S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- A senior Opposition legislator has warned that the Virgin Islands should get serious about getting ready for independence as that may end up being forced upon it, catching it in an unprepared state.

Fourth District Representative, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool was one of many legislators addressing the Fourth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) on Friday, December 4, 2020, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Legislative Council, now named the House of Assembly.

‘Sometimes we are fearful’

According to the former Minister of Communications and Works, the Virgin Islanders should not be afraid about expressing sentiments of being an independent nation.

“Sometimes we are fearful, we are afraid to stand up and speak up as to where we think we should be and what we should be doing,” Vanterpool told his colleagues.

“We are here celebrating today, but there would not be a celebration if somebody, even one, were not willing to stand up and to gather help and to get people to understand what it meant to be governed by persons other than yourselves, with no interest in yourselves, when you are capable of doing it for yourself. Until somebody comes to us and say ‘listen you, gentlemen, we think it is time that you cut your navel string from your mother and go on your own.’ When that time happens, we will all going to be scrambling and say what we are going to do and how we are going to do it,” he added.

Prepare for independence

The Opposition legislator said the territory needs to begin making preparations for it to become an independent nation.

He explained: “In the meantime, we need to prepare and move on to see what we can move to the next stage. We are learning from 70 years that these good gentlemen fought for us to be able to have our own legislature and sit in here… It’s a lesson, Mr Speaker, for us to learn, for our young persons to learn so that they can aspire to something that they can do that once before they couldn’t aspire to that.”

Speaking about the Great March of 1949, which ignited the spirit of self-determination in the hearts of Virgin Islanders and let to the Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands being reinstated in 1950, after being abolished for 49 years, Hon Vanterpool asked when would the Virgin Islands aspire to reach the level of self-determination.

“What year are we going to aspire to, that we are going to take the next step? Who is going to be the brave soul?”

Acknowledging that the issue of self-determination and independence are nothing new, Hon Vanterpool lamented that progress is hardly made since there is never a purposeful motive to go the distance.

“Every time it is raised, oh, let’s see what it’s going to cost to be independent, let’s do a cost analysis, let’s set up a committee to do the cost, let us set up a committee to do this, a committee to do that.”

According to Hon Vanterpool, the day that the United Kingdom says goodbye to its OTs or the United Nations demands that the UK follows Article 73 of the UN Charter, the territory would be caught in an unprepared position.

“And that day might come sooner than we think,” Hon Vanterpool warned.

What does Article 73 of UN charter say?

Article 73 of the UN charter states that “Members of the United Nations which have or assume responsibilities for the administration of territories whose peoples have not yet attained a full measure of self-government recognize the principle that the interests of the inhabitants of these territories are paramount, and accept as a sacred trust the obligation to promote to the utmost, within the system of international peace and security established by the present Charter, the well-being of the inhabitants of these territories, and, to this end:

a. to ensure, with due respect for the culture of the peoples concerned, their political, economic, social, and educational advancement, their just treatment, and their protection against abuses;

b. to develop self-government, to take due account of the political aspirations of the peoples, and to assist them in the progressive development of their free political institutions, according to the particular circumstances of each territory and its peoples and their varying stages of advancement;…”

Decolonisation

Since the birth of the United Nations in 1945, more than 80 former colonies comprising some 750 million people have gained independence. At present, 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs) across the globe remain on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, home to nearly 2 million people.

As the process of decolonisation continued to advance, the General Assembly, in 1960, adopted its landmark Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The Declaration affirmed the right of all people to self-determination and proclaimed that colonialism should be brought to a speedy and unconditional end. Two years later, a Special Committee on Decolonisation was established to monitor its implementation.

39 Responses to “Prepare for independence or risk being caught off guard- Hon Vanterpool”

  • GG (10/12/2020, 16:39) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    Only now ppls going run from bvi
  • Servant of the Most High God in Christ Jesus (10/12/2020, 17:49) Like (18) Dislike (5) Reply
    True, the B.V.I do need to prepear for independant. But base on the last thirty years, there about, accountibility of money handling by thise responsible is in deep question.
    In my honest opinion, it is safer to be ruled by a white skin Master the a black skin brother that do not see you as his equal, based on treatment recieved.
    And while I am still typing, independent is a pilutical word. All humans are, in fact, dependent on others, so does a Country, the B.V.I included. AAAAAAAAMEN.
    • josiah'sbay (10/12/2020, 20:23) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
      Can you point to any time in history, the present or the imaginable future where you see White people treating people of color as equals?
    • hello (11/12/2020, 03:56) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      pleaseeee.......Next time polish up your writing skills. I'm sure you could do better.
  • hgfhfg (10/12/2020, 18:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  • narj (10/12/2020, 18:26) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    the bvi gone cray and we will regret it wait and see
    • Albert (11/12/2020, 09:59) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
      The USVI and the rest of the boating world are talking loudly about boycotting the BVI even without independence . The future of the BVI is looking very grim thanks to the bully mentality . BVI love HAHAHA
      • nonsense (11/12/2020, 10:18) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
        The only bully is those who can't respect the laws of this country and government to protect its people in this pandemic. And some of us is to blame for that too. Instead of supporting our government they gone chatting crap on the internet, not knowing they shooting themselves and country just because they want this government to look bad. You are like traitors, worse than the expats who you always complain about. have some pride and common sense
      • @Albert (11/12/2020, 15:45) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        as they go more will come yall keep watching the book from one side flip the page ALBERT! trust me MORE WILL COME
  • From here. (10/12/2020, 18:59) Like (33) Dislike (4) Reply
    Well boss, I Not agree with youbat all, independence for
    What, I don't hear anybody talking about independence just some politician. We the people of the big dont want independence.
    • josiah'sbay (10/12/2020, 20:26) Like (13) Dislike (14) Reply
      We'll always have some slaves that don't want to leave the plantation. If they would only keep that mentality to themselves.
  • Pride and Dignity (10/12/2020, 19:23) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply
    From the comments expressed here there is clear indication that there is a lack of pride and dignity in the Virgin Islands. Foreigners should not be here overtly or covertly sowing seeds of discord and trying to hinder the progress of this country while they enjoy independent status in their home country. This is wrong and heartless. We need all hands on deck to prepare for the inevitable. Like it or not we are going to have to stand on our own feet very soon the writing is on the wall. Let us look at the greater good of the country and the future of the youth instead of our own self interest and make the necessary sacrifices to get us to the next level same as our fore fathers did. Let us put aside the negativity and rise to the occasion with a can do attitude. In the words of Barack Obama "YES WE CAN".
  • Mash One (10/12/2020, 21:21) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Queen said if you want independence you MUST have a vote and I think that is the only way to go about it,bottom line.
  • 1st District (10/12/2020, 21:23) Like (22) Dislike (5) Reply
    Because the BVI is only made up of 13 wise men and women along with CSC. And to hell with the rest of us. You all keep provoking and disrespect the govenor, forget that you all representing and working for the people so we must ALL suffer for you all ignorance!!
  • taxpayer (10/12/2020, 21:24) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply
    If independence, prepare for drug loaded little secrets instead of Nature’s little secrets! Pls don’t make this another Jamaica!
    • Crap (11/12/2020, 10:20) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
      Another load of crap trying to instil fear. get out of fear with your weak insecure feelings. Black people can rule their own destiny. they were born to be kings and queens
  • ztrzrt (10/12/2020, 21:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
  • Servant of the Most High God in Christ Jesus (10/12/2020, 22:33) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Independence for the B.V.I people, politically speaking is needed, but not before black political leader of the B.V.I see and treat the people that they lead with respect and equal rights to share the profits of this country, nit jest the mini minority number.
    When time draws near fir election time, the polical leaders will seek votes from senuor citizens, 80, 90, and even 100 years old to get reelected. But after then, we know how it goes. Iur fore fathers and mothers rake and scape to help us survived. But as soon as they get hand in the white dollars, poor we. Why are not the rich politions so ravenously after the white man's dollars, but cursing him out. If you truely want independence so much, prove that you also can become independence of his dollars.
    Who is trying to fool me, you? I got all my wisdom from the Creator, the Author, and Archetech of life, the God of Love, justice, and equal rights. Equal or closer to balance rights. If not, INDEPENDENCE WILL DO US LITTLE GOOD, AS A PEOPLE. BELIEVE IT OR NOT.
  • guy hill (10/12/2020, 23:09) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    The mind and the will of virgin Islanders were very different in 1949 and 1968. I'll just rest this there.
    • E.Leonard (11/12/2020, 13:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes, 1949 and 1968 were different times, different eras. They reflect the VI at its best. Theodolph Faulkner and Noel Lloyd were warriors. They were the real deal, not paper warriors. They had a vision, a strong sense of purpose. They had a target and aim for and strike the target in the bull’s eye. The commonality between both are that they had a national strategy and purpose, market/sold the purpose to other Virgin Islanders and was effective in motivating and leading other Virgin Islanders to take the hill. They were unselfish and endured much personal sacrifices to strike targets, ie, imprisoned, ostracized, shunned ...etc.

      Theodolph led 1500 other Virgin Islanders through the streets of Road Town to Commissioner JAC Cruikshank’s office at Government House to protest and agitate for more rights, freedoms and changes. Leading 1500 Virgin Islanders in 1949 from an estimated population of 6000-7000 was impressive and a big ....deal. Similarly, Noel, sensing a give away of VI land on Wickhams Cay and 4/5 of Anegada for a 199 years in a lose-lose lease to Kenneth Bates-Hill , a UK company, led a movement, Positive Action Movement, to right the wrong, disadvantage and exploitation. As a result of the courageous protest and advocacy, both Wickhams Cay and Anegada lands were returned to Virgin Islanders.

      Frederick Douglass says, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” If Virgin Islanders want independence, they must plan, prepare and struggle for it. As a FAMU alumni, I must harken back to a few verses of its fight song, ie Strike, Strike and Strike again!!!
      • VI History (11/12/2020, 18:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Too many Virgin Islanders seemed starved of true VI history. The narrators of VI history down played VI history. We were fed a heavy diet of the history of others. The level of information addressed in the electronic media and elsewhere have exposed the paucity of local history taught in local institutions. Though the War of Roses, 100 Year War, exploit of Drake, Hawkins and Nelson may offer some value, focusing on Theodolph, Noel....., the Great March.......etc may be relevant and offer more value. The school curriculum must be changed to include more substantive VI history.

        Left as only good as a bird sanctuary by the colonialist sugar barrons, Virgin Islanders demonstrated a hardy determination, working with little to eek a living in farming, agriculture, fishing, sailing.......etc. Of late, that steely determination seems to be weakening. The political system has created a system of dependency, especially there is a deep dependency on government. Further, too many want change but don’t want to sacrifice anything to help effect change. Everyone wants to hide behind their shadow to protect their self interest.
  • Indepencewha (10/12/2020, 23:58) Like (21) Dislike (6) Reply
    You guys not ready boss
    You are not transparent, objective or trustworthy and we the people say no
  • Be Cautious (11/12/2020, 01:07) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Look at our present situation and compare it with other so called independent countries of the same size. Anguilla didn't want to stay with St. Kitts and Nevis and now they are much better off. Independence can be good but for who and when. Be careful with the independence pushers, when the going gets tough they are gone.
    • Forward ever Backward never (11/12/2020, 09:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Be cautious
      Anguilla is still a British Dependent Territory.
  • X-Man (11/12/2020, 03:20) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    Independent? Now who’s going to police the VIP or NDP from robbery of all the money. Please tell us
  • priest (11/12/2020, 06:00) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wise word indeed. Just a question, with all of the voices calling for independence, has any Government ever officially asked the UK for it? That is why the call for a referendum by the third district representative where the people could get involved is important. Staying in the water and cry shark will not solve the problem either we take care of the shark or get out of the water.
  • vi (11/12/2020, 06:10) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only way it will not happen is if vip out of power this thing was on the vip for years
  • facts (11/12/2020, 06:34) Like (5) Dislike (10) Reply
    Independence is a must
    • vi (11/12/2020, 10:10) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      What we have we depending on everything coming from outside we cannot be on we own
      • sense (11/12/2020, 10:27) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
        Do you know what indepence even mean? It does not mean locking yourself away from the world. Trade will continue. And in case you didn't know. The UK does not give anything to the BVI economy. NOTHING, ZILCH. All that the BVI has accomplished was through the hard work, sweat and brain of the BVI people. ThE UK has only been seeking to stagnate us. trying to wreck our financial services industry, gay marriage, tarnishing Vi reputation by painting it as corrupt and drug running. No significant help after IRMa, nothing significant in COVID-19. That is just the tip of the iceberg for ya.
        • no I don't (11/12/2020, 15:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Maybe you could explain to us what " indepence " is. Good Lord
          • sense (11/12/2020, 16:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            So the typo is what you take issue with now? but glad I put some sense in your grey matter on the issue. Keep educating yourself and you will liberate yourself
  • Firm (11/12/2020, 06:43) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Stop trying to upset the people with foolish talk. Some persons want independence so they can do as they please. What do you have to lean on with independence? Virginislanders were never beggars. They were hard working people.Those pushing for independence should know that and they were a proud people. Do they want to destroy the people by putting them in a beggars situation?
    • wow (11/12/2020, 10:30) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
      Nevr heard so much nonsense yet. how would they become beggars. What does the UK give to the BVi now? Everything the BVI has is what it acquired on its own. The UK has refused to help the BVI significantly even in its most vulnerable situations, like Irma and Covid 19. A little help here and there is just so that the world looking on cannot say they offered none at all, since they are obligated to help. but they refuse to help in any significant way. Ask them to build another prison. they will do it right way.
  • True (11/12/2020, 11:21) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am afraid the honourable is right. this is not about if but when. when you fail to prepare you prepare to fail. The lawmakers are being just being proactive. cant nail them to the cross for that.
  • Not true (12/12/2020, 05:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow! I wrote a piece yesterday highlighting hos Mark and the others are failing the people in the BVI and the how they are not telling the people the benefits where is it?


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