34 Responses to “Ray George went against his people for foreign interest - Cromwell Smith”

• i hate the ndp (09/12/2011, 07:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  here who talking the pot calling the kettle black u didn't went against your people (jewelry store ) for foreign interest too?
  • Quiet Storm (09/12/2011, 08:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    Let me see if I get this right. Ray was making an honest living on a valid project authorized and approved in the HOA by the majority of members. We are all Virgin Islanders with differing point of views. And because I disagree with your point of view and you mine does not make one of us right and the other wrong. ........sit him down and set him straight. Wow! Many may not agree with the BI-Water handling but it is a legally approved project. NDP is in power and they have the authority to rescind the contract. But I will advised them to proceed cautiously. One of our strength is dependable and impartial law and order. Further, UK will not standby and let the BVI terminate a legal contract based on politics. Would we have preferred that a non-BVIIslander was brought in to perform the project coordination work instead of Ray. Sowande had the more reasonable take on this issue. The BVI is for BVIslanders and victimization of any kind has no place in these Virgin Isalnds. A house divided will fall; stop the divide and conquer. It is time we shed these chains. If a man or woman cannot make a fair living in his/her country, where will they? We should be focusing on building the economy and mending the frayed social fabric, not petty nonsense. This petty behavior make supposedly educated and sensible people look like idiots. Come on Ronnie, Kedric, Orlando, Myron you guys got to take hold of this situation and stop the self destruction that will bring the country down.
    • yes we can (09/12/2011, 10:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      ME AGREE WITH YOU QUIET STORM...THIS WILL COME BACK AT THEM RAY FROM HERE HE HAS NO WAY TO GO...MARK VANTERPOOL CAN GO BACK TO ANGUILLA THIS IS JUST WRONG FOR PEOPLE TO COME TO OUR PLACE AND DIS OUR OWN AND WE SIT BY AND ALLOW IT
    • well Said (10/12/2011, 00:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      Quiet Storm.. i agree.. Ray has every right to stand up for what he believes,,, if he feels biwater was good for the ppl of the VI he should not have to lose his job as a result... NDP we expect ALL VIRGIN ISLANDERS to be treated fairly regardless of their political affiliations.. is that now what you promised in your campaign speeches...
  • FALSE PROPHET (09/12/2011, 13:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    BUT CROMWELL NEED TO STOP HOW MUCH YEARS HE WENT AND LEFT HERE AND INVEST IN ANOTHER COUNTRY DID HE PAY HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COUNTRY OTHER THAN WORKING BY TRACY WA ABOUT THE 50 O/O SHARES FOREIGN INTEREST TO CAYMAN ISLANDS U JUST COME BACK HERE CROMWELL SHUT UP
• badboy (09/12/2011, 08:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  these are the kinda things that does make people flip out and go on shooting sprees...it happens everywhere
  • Quiet Storm (10/12/2011, 08:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    Let's fight with words if we must, not physical violence. We are the BVI, not other dysfunctional countries or societies; and we are not a banana republic. Going postal is not the answer; it will take education, hold the politicos accountable peacefully through the ballot box, and drive the growth of government/political maturity. We cannot and should not suggest, incite, or advocate violence. Violence harms our tourism, one of our major revenue and income drivers. Ask St. Croix. They not have recovered supposedly from a violent incident in the early 1970's. We the people have the power, not the politicians; we cannot cede this power to the politicians ever.Thus, we have the power to stop any bad behavior we want or effect any change(s) we want. We are the captain of the ship; we only elected politicians to coordinate the affairs of the territory. Our power and control over the politicos did not stop at the polls on 07 November. We still have the same level of control and power or even more now. As Edgar Leonard noted in an article that was posted on this site just before the election: .....one thing that a politician hates more than not getting elected is not getting re-elected. Once power is tasted it becomes addicting and hard to give up. So we have the power and my plea is for us to employ it peacefully by constantly engaging with politicians (they must be aware and constantly reminded that we control things), demanding answers to questions or protesting if we need to. We must carry the power stick and do not exchange it for a stick of carrot. Just thinking.....we may need to amend the constitution to provide the ability to recall politicians who are thwarting the will of the people.
    • billy b (11/12/2011, 10:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      Quiet Storm, that is why Juggy feel it so bad, because he has tasted power and now it is gone. It looks like he ain give up. He still making appearances and going on like he could step in for Delores when she is absent. Juggy, go sit down, you ain ever going to taste that power ever again. Delores in to stay until another NDP takes her place. From the very minute I heard that Ray was fired, I warned the NDP to be careful. There is no need to be laying off all these people. Understandably you need people in this critical areas that you feel you can trust, however, you need to relocate them and no terminate them. Their children is our children, their suffering is our suffering and NDP you should remain impartial. Show the VIP that you are not as vindictive as they are. These people that are being fired were placed in position where they had to do as they were told, and everyone wants to make it at the top of the food chain. So do not penalize them for (legally) doing what they needed to do to make it to the next level. They followed orders, they didn't do anything wrong. THEY WERE SIMPLY MISGUIDED, KEEP THEM ON THE JOB AND REDIRECT THEIR PATH. NDP, you promised to listen, NOW DO SO.
• Confucius (09/12/2011, 10:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  Well said Quiet Storm! We are being asked to put aside the VIP/NDP thing ~ yet this is the sort of thing that is going on! Everyone has to work TOGETHER. I would very much like to see the political appointments (cronyism) and removal of long serving staffers (which in many cases is clearly politically motivated) come to an end. Was the accountant general not doing a good job or was she removed because she is married to the district 3, VIP candidate? Was Ray George removed because he was not doing a good job or because he is a VIP supporter and was in support of the BiWater contract? Quite honestly, I am in total agreement of the removal of Ms. Maynard. I have had dealings with her and I cannot in good conscience say she was doing a good job. In fact, I would say quite the opposite. All Virgin Islanders need to pull TOGETHER and stop allowing government officials to victimize members of this party or that. We are all ONE and provided a person is qualified AND IS DOING THEIR JOB SATISFACTORILY, they should be left to do their jobs! When injustices are done, we must call the government out on it and let our voices be heard! I can tell you this much ~ if I lost my job because of who I was married to or which party I was affiliated with, I would take the government to court for wrongful dismissal! They have to PROVE that someone has not been performing their job properly or was in some way been negligent or corrupt or incompetent. I think the Governor, as head of the Civil Service, needs to ensure that mechanisms are put in place to stop political cronyism once and for all. That goes for ALL political parties, regardless of who might be in power. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. We need to stop our politicians from indulging in pettiness at the expense of the people.
  • Sick of the Foolishness (09/12/2011, 11:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    People of the B.V.I. wake up, in most places in the world all upper level government positions are considered political. As such one has to run for office for them. The Attorney General and five or six Permenant Secretaries, Chief of Police, Accountant General, Financial Secretary all of these positions should be political. If not we should adopt a system similiar to the United States where the President picks his member of staff as he sees fit but it still has to be approved by the house. Get real people if we change the government and we don't change the staff or the face of the civil service in upper management we will always have a VIP administration.
    • for real (09/12/2011, 19:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      please "sick of the foolishness" Ray George only got let go because he was not an NDP cowbird!!!
    • Too Small (10/12/2011, 00:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      Sick of the Foolishness - our island too small for that kind of approach
    • Hmmmm (10/12/2011, 10:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      The long and short only moves of the Private Secretaries is understood. Leave the civil servants alone. They have a right to place their X where they want. Geez, leave them, work them and if you prove them ain't working out call them in, speak with them, and take action. Don't just oust them. how them going live. We giving people who already have, and moving them who need the jobs. check it out.
    • Jill (11/12/2011, 17:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      Sick of the Foolishness, Well said. This is not the Virgin Islands of long ago. People are serious with politics now.
• winham (09/12/2011, 10:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  so because ray spoke out against to bad deal ocean conversion was doing to the people and that Biwater was better for us, that meant he was against we the locals...not at all..what they did to ray was damm wrong but four years cannot come too soon!
• hmmmm (09/12/2011, 11:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  PEOPLE HE WAS ON CONTRACT.....................WHEN YOU ARE ON CONTRACT AND YOU DO NOT MEET THE REQUIRED EXPECTATIONS GUESS WHAT HAPPENS....................YOU ALL PEOPLE MAKING DUMB LOOK GOOD! WE HAVE BEEN IN THE PRACTICE OF GIVING PEOPLE CONTACT FOR GIVING SAKES AND NO RESULTS IN THE END! IF THAT IS NOT A WASTE OF TAXPAYERS MONEY TELL ME WHAT IS.
  • Too So hmmmm (10/12/2011, 00:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    can you pls explain the most recent appointments...
  • billy b (11/12/2011, 10:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    @hmmmm, I completely understand what you are saying, but what we are saying is the the penalty in this hard economic time is too harsh. Ray George is not the only contractor that has screwed up, there are many, that even though they are not on the government payroll, they will still be considered for future jobs. Unfortunately, Ray was an easier target since he was on the government's payroll, but all in all, we must look out for each other. Demote him if you have to, but ousting him is not the answer. If he choses to leave because of the demotion, so be it, but that should have been an option rather than cutting him off from his benefits (I'm sure he's already invested at least 20 years in service already.
• Cookie (09/12/2011, 12:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  Everyone talking about qualifications, this is just one component to getting the job. What about INTEGRITY? If you do not do your job without favours and biases, you are bound for corruption and conflict of interest. Do your job PROFESSIONALLY and with SOUND JUDGEMENT and at the end of the day you should have a clear conscience. People let position get to their heads and end up turning them into an ugly person. Maintain your integrity. After all when you are dead how would you like to be remembered? As the saying goes: "Be careful how you treat people on your up, because you may meet them on your way back down"
• Small Head (09/12/2011, 15:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  Hope when 2015 comes and VIP fires the 7 “advisers” they will hire no NDP haters will chat hogwash….
• Tram (09/12/2011, 17:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  "Government exercised a clause in George’s contract where they terminated him with immediate effect, in lieu of one month’s pay" Whatever that clause was, Ray would have had every opportunity to be familiar with it. It is likely that there was a breach of contract. If so, what would you expect the government to do? You folks need to stop and at least try to picture the most sensible reasons behind things before making emotional comments.
• far and near (09/12/2011, 18:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  enough of this Ray thing. the child went against the NDP and their company Ocean Conversion so why the hell you all expect....???
• PS (09/12/2011, 21:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  Our ignorance is so pervasive that it now borders on stupidity. Cromwell is a hypocrite and needs to put a bit in his mouth. Yes he needs to be bridled. He is like a French Bill (he cuts on both sides). How can you say in one breath that Ray George went against his people in favor of foreign interest and in another say he should not have been let go because he is a brother and a BVIlander? A handful of people benefit while the masses suffer but he is a BVIlander. What does it matter that he is a BVIlander? So is Fraser who was castigated for the same contract that Ray George defended staunchly and maligned his own brothers and sisters (Ocean Conversion) on public radio and television with falsehoods and misrepresentations. I guess if he were an expat it would be okay to sack him. So it stands to reason that once you are a BVIlander you are absolved of everything. You can even be wrong and strong even when your action hurt others in the process. This kind of myopia is exactly what is contributing to the problems we have today. There was a time when many believed and were blaming Jamaicans and others for the crimes in this country, hence, the stipulation requiring Jamaicans and Guyanese to first obtain visas before they are allowed to travel here. We later found out that 60% of the prison population is locals. Further we are seeing that many of the young people involved in crimes are from right here. We act as if expats and others tear down the society when in fact less than 1% of the expat population is involved in crimes. Same way less than 1% of locals is involved in crimes. The people who come here are not a burden on the society on the contrary they add value to the society. The issue is not about Ray George’s intelligence or capability. The same way he was hand- picked by the VIP others could have done the same thing but he was favored and he got it; no problem there. The broader issue is one of loyalty. When governments change it is in their best interest to surround themselves with key people with a sense of loyalty and can further their agendas. If the NDP were firing rank and file employees that would not only be egregious but a big problem. The truth is people in key positions must be trustworthy and dependable and not prone to undermine the government’s efforts. That is the logic behind choosing those loyal to the administration in those key and high level positions. It is clear that we are okay with making exceptions when the people in question are either our friends or families. This is yet another reason why crime is so rampant and difficult to solve and justice is so selective. Most people in high level positions (with few exceptions) usually possess a higher level of skills or qualifications or both. For this reason they tend to be more marketable and do not suffer the same fate as lesser qualified individuals. They can make it in the public sector as well as the private sector. I would like someone to release the figures associated with contracts given to Carvin Malone and the few others over the years and tell me they were justified. We don’t want to go there but we are jumping all over Claude Skelton-Kline because we don’t like him and some of us think he hasn’t been around us long enough to deserve anything. A few must eat while the many starve and we are okay with that. For those who are hot under the collar and can’t wait for 2015 to come I say be patient. It will come and when it does you would be able to see the accomplishments of the new government and judge them accordingly. For now, let’s stop tripping over our feet or acting like the dog trying to chase its tail. Save the vitriol and use the energy for something more productive called nation building. I hope when more details emerge of the enormous waste of the past fours you can forget you were even angry.
  • Loyalty to country (10/12/2011, 12:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    While some aspects of your argument here seem reasonable, in my opinion you have a flawed premise. When Governing, we should prioritize loyalty country over loyalty to party. Civil servants have s responsibility to carry out the agenda of the ruling party even if they disagree with it. If they refuse to do that, of course they should be let go, regardless of political affiliation. But pre-emptive action is not the way to go. Produce evidence of sabotage rather than assuming it is inevitable. We all may have supported one group or another, but at the end of the day we have a job to do, and we must be committed to it. Our ambitions for advancement must not be frustrated by our political affiliation. Let us take a different approach...please!
    • Diaspora (10/12/2011, 14:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      @Loyalty to country, well said. You clearly and concisely stated the approach that government should be taking. Give Virgin Islanders the opportunity to excel. Set expectations, motivate, and hold responsible/accountable for both behavior and performance. This is what strong leadership and effective management is about. Leading through victimization or retaliation is not strong and effective leadership. It is being coward and taking the path of least resistance; it i preying on the vulnerable. More despicable it is preying on Virgin Islanders for expressing their views. Last I check we are a representative democracy.
• E. Leonard (09/12/2011, 21:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  Undoubtedly, elections have consequences. To the victor go the spoils. It' may not appear fair but it is real. Nonetheless, in spite of these cliches, Virgin Islanders should have a democratic right to express their political views without fear of retribution, retaliation or victimization. And if they cannot, we the Virgin Islands may be in the company with Cuba, Russia, Vietnam.....etc; this is not us, I hope. We are different from these countries. These countries, in essence, effectively have a one party system with no tolerance for diversity of thought. Opponents cannot publicly express their views; they harbor their views secretly and live in fear. I'm confidence that this is not the society we want. Can we agree that diversity of thought has value. And a strong opposition( elected or unelected) is healthy and provides for more effective governance; it keeps the ruling party sharp and on it toes. Regardless of the party in power, Virgin Islanders should be able to hold differing political views yet be able to earn a living in the territory. No one, I hope, will disagree that at a minimum they should be able to housed, feed, and clothed their families. Further, in spite of their differing political views, they should be afforded the opportunity to earn a living and serve the territory with pride, distinction, and professionalism. Strong leadership and effective management should set the expectations and motivate Virgin Islanders to perform their jobs productively consistent with the terms and condition of their employment. Virgin Islanders, though they may have differing political views, I'm confident want the best for the territory, for it's in their and their families best interest. Ruling parties should be creating the environment to attract people to their political philosophy, not driving them away. When a member of a family is harmed, the whole extended family is harmed; a few votes in the VI can make a difference. Another area of concern is the published rumors about who will be fired next. The rumors have to be stressful to employees and their families. The employees do not deserve to be treated this way. If any employee has to be let go, it should be a private and confidential meeting between the employee and an employer's representative. A common saying is that one should treat others as one would like to be treated. But my saying is treat others the way they (employees) to be treated. In regards to the BI-Water controversy, I though know enough of the procurement method or the term and conditions of the contract to make an inform comment. But I will borrow some lines from Quiet Storm's above comments: "Ray was making an honest living on a valid project authorized and approved in the HOA by the majority of members." Further, I will add that contracts have offer and consideration, term and conditions and options. And sometimes one has to live with executed options. The BVI needs the effort of all Virgin Islanders to get it thru this challenging financial period. And it needs all their effort in its continued growth and development.
  • Good comment (10/12/2011, 12:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    @E.Leonard Balanced and well thought out as usual!
    • Balanced....... (12/12/2011, 05:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      So true. Clearly understands the art of politics and as noted is uncommonly balanced in approach to things. Fair and reasonable approach is what the BVI needs; would be a valued addition to the HOA. On a less sober note, NDP probably could have used him as a port consultant, for as memory serve me he was appointed to the Port Director's position but declined the offer. Ray, you appear to be snake bitten and cannot catch a break. But be strong, keep the faith, and keep believing in God even in these difficult times. Sometimes he breaks us down to build us up; sometimes we have to experience some trials an tribulations----Job. Fear not for He does send more birds than berries. Birds of the air, animal of the wild, and fish of the sea produce nothing yet God takes care of them. So keep the faith for God is the ultimate decider who exacts payback in His own time. He will provide a way; we are praying for you and your family during this yuletide season.
• one eye roster (10/12/2011, 00:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  gimme ah break bossman dem fire Ray because he tis VIP...lawd ah mussy dats dey truth
• about time (10/12/2011, 19:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  If this was premeditated on the NDPs part it is wrong because every civil servant can't publicly go against the government of the day with anything so the man was just doing his job by supporting the bi water contract, however if there was a clause in the contract and the now NDP government saw there was a breach in that contract they then have an argument. I guess will wait to see if it goes to court because I don't think the government won any of those yet everybody who they send home has been on a wining streak.
• east end man (10/12/2011, 19:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  i feel so bad for Mr. George..there was a time when he hit rock bottom and he almost went crazy...my prayers are with this man
• billy b (11/12/2011, 10:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  Man, reading all these blogs on this story (though interesting) is sooo stressfull. Let me lighten the mood a little bit. Anybody see Dancia??? Wa, they ain giving she no more jobs either??? Dancia, get back in the game and run your own firm. Everything will be alright.
  • Strupes (12/12/2011, 06:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    Woman of honour, recognition. Gave up her private practice to serve her community, and was losing money. No Government position can't pay she right now. None. She didn't any power either, she was already established.
• Please (12/12/2011, 16:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

  This is not victimization. When you go to war, you want the best people around you...people you can trust to carry out your vision and mission. Not people who will be trying to sell you out or undercut you at every turn. This "brother" has little or no loyalty but to himself and money. He will be fine. I agree with what the government did. They might be saving him in the long run by removing him now, before the shite hits the fan with BiWater. There are lots more changes that must happen. Tourist Board has some serious changes. Immigration will need changes. Communication & Works. Natural Resources and Labour has some big changes with all those "family" members of Omar. FSC has a head or two that has to roll. This is normal practice. Any government will want to surround itself with leaders and managers that it can fully trust to execute its mandate.