Public protest in Road Town reportedly being planned for next week
According to a circular calling for support, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr have been officially informed of the intention to hold what was described as a lawful and peaceful protest by next week, should a resolution not be put to the people to resolve the issues at hand.
7-day Notice
VINO was informed by one of the main drivers of the planned protest, Floyd P. Burnett aka 'Heritage', that a direct appeal has also been made to Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), who has since requested an extension to respond.
Mr Burnett told this publication that if demands are not met by the coming week, the people will take to the streets.
Both the Deputy Governor and the Chief Inspector of Police have reportedly also expressed no objections to the demonstration, provided it adheres to legal requirements, including the mandatory seven-day notice to allow for proper security and planning.
Our News Centre was told that the formal application letter to stage the protest was to be dispatched to the relevant authorities on May 27, 2025.
Among the key issues outlined are daily and nightly water shortages, the high cost of living, the need for stronger consumer protection and price controls, a revised minimum wage, and the redirection of public funds to benefit lower-income earners.
Waited too long
Additionally, concerns include a demand for a public commission of inquiry into the recent salary review, as well as elected term limits for public officials.
The "movement" is also calling for national action on food security, the legalisation of marijuana and the release of non-violent drug offenders, and investments in solar, wind, and water energy solutions to reduce utility bills, among other prevalent issues plaguing citizens.
According to Burnett, the demonstration represents a broader call for national reform, arguing that the people of the Virgin Islands have waited too long for meaningful change and that urgent action is needed.
It is unclear who else may be involved in the planning of the protest.
Meanwhile, efforts to get a comment from the Office of the Premier were not successful up to the time of publication.
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24 Responses to “Public protest in Road Town reportedly being planned for next week”
They rushed the salary reform just to say they raised salaries. Imagine teachers with over 25 years of experience in the BVi and a Master's degree started at the same point with teachers who just came and and with a Bachelor's degree getting the same salary. How can that be fair?
Teachers asked for one incremental step for experience and they refused... Wicked.
With the same breath, they hired overseas teachers and are giving them all kinds of allowances.
The ministry did not advocate properly for their experienced qualified teachers.