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‘Right to self-determination’ must be respected- VI Gov’t on Russia-Ukraine conflict

- said VI mindful of economic impacts this conflict could cause
Russian tanks move into Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Photo: Sergei MalSergei Malgavko\TASS via Getty Images)
The VI government of Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), which has been fighting to get the United Kingdom (UK) to understand the Virgin Islands position on a similar issue, has said a country’s sovereignty and right to self-determination should be respected. Photo: VINO/File
The VI government of Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), which has been fighting to get the United Kingdom (UK) to understand the Virgin Islands position on a similar issue, has said a country’s sovereignty and right to self-determination should be respected. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Government of the [British] Virgin Islands says it continues to monitor, with immense concern, the situation in Europe in regards to the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine and Russia and the global community, which situation continues to evolve and escalate.

“We in the Virgin Islands pray for the safety of all the people who are innocently caught in the middle of this conflict. We hope for a speedy resolution, and for peace and good sense to prevail,” according to a statement from Government today, February 28, 2022.

Russia has refused to recognise Ukraine as a sovereign state, and although there have long been tensions and conflict started in 2014; things escalated when  Russia launched an unprecedented invasion of its neighbor Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday morning, February 24, 2022.

Russian President Vladimir V. Putin issued a chilling warning to the West, saying any country which tried to “interfere” would face immediate consequences.

Countries, including the US and some countries in Europe have responded with sanctions against Russia.

Respect right to self-determination- Premier Fahie

The VI government of Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), which has been fighting to get the United Kingdom (UK) to understand the Virgin Islands' position on a similar issue, has said a country’s sovereignty and right to self-determination should be respected.

“In the modern civilised world, sovereignty, the right of people to self-determination, and the principles of international law must all be respected.”

Be prepared!

Hon Fahie said, in addition to the VI’s concern that this conflict will cause and increase human suffering, it is also mindful that there are economic impacts - which are already showing and which will get worse – as well as social implications, which will ripple around the world.

“Leaders in some large economies are already cautioning their citizens to brace for tough times. Coming on the heels of the August floods and hurricanes of 2017 and more recently COVID-19, the possibility of war makes it important for us to be prepared for any disruptions that can be felt here.”

At home, residents are urged to be mindful of these impacts and how they may disrupt local industries and economy, which depend on international travel, commerce and trade.

“We must be vigilant and further strengthen our resilience through, for instance, pushing our transition to sustainable energy and assuring our food security. The Government of the Virgin Islands has already implemented measures to support development in these areas, and residents are encouraged to access these facilities so that we can bolster our resilience,” Premier Fahie said.

19 Responses to “‘Right to self-determination’ must be respected- VI Gov’t on Russia-Ukraine conflict”

  • Democrat President... (28/02/2022, 17:57) Like (12) Dislike (16) Reply
    World leaders got no respect for US democrat presidents. These kind of attacks where one country attack another under a republic president rarely happen and when it does the attacker feel the weight of the US military. Putin wouldn't try this if Trump was in power..
  • My words (28/02/2022, 18:00) Like (10) Dislike (31) Reply
    The British has no moral authority to speak on this subject they still have the bvi colonized
  • Maverick (28/02/2022, 18:38) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
    America only has military muscles for The Mid East , Venezuela, the so-called Third World Nations. Putin is responsible for killing thousands of Ukrainians from 2014 until now and The World Police aka The USA cannot rein in that scoundrel. Why the special treatment? But second thought, you can't rein in DT, how then VP and he smarter than the duncehead. Don.! Reagan would have silenced the muskrat.
  • mad (28/02/2022, 19:10) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Hail Satan
  • Me (28/02/2022, 19:11) Like (5) Dislike (34) Reply
    While the brain washed pray for Ukraine the smart ones stand with putin
    • Squid (01/03/2022, 08:38) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      I wouldn't really call it brainwashed. The media has strong influence on how we perceive information, as people that usually too lazy to do their own research and find out the whole picture we depend on whats given. So if all the western media tells us Putin bad, well majority of the people now see him as bad. What he's doing isn't good either but under the full picture I can understand why. Still really wish they found another solution cause innocent people getting hurt.
  • just (28/02/2022, 21:37) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Hail Satan
  • IS SO MUCH LUNATICS ? (28/02/2022, 21:56) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    On the loose
  • Really (28/02/2022, 22:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    All sheeps
  • patrick (28/02/2022, 22:28) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Not the same you ignorant blow heart
  • We’ll see (28/02/2022, 22:54) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only thing the BVI is gearing up to do is increase on prices.
    Prices goes up before the impact and stays up. Even when things are back to normal BVI prices don’t come down.
  • National (28/02/2022, 22:59) Like (1) Dislike (23) Reply
    Bvi must become independence fast
  • Ta Rab (01/03/2022, 01:46) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply

    Oppressors and racists must go!!

  • Well Well (01/03/2022, 04:04) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    Can you all tell me how the.people of Ukraine can.be going through hell and still find time to be racists against black citizens, I'm waiting!
  • expose (01/03/2022, 05:37) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Time to expose to the world all those BVI companies with the names and ID's of the russian directors and shareholders.
  • Self determination (01/03/2022, 09:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes I. Self determination. From way before the pandemic when black peoples were still savage illiterates, to when joe labeled them super predators worthy of lengthy incarceration for vegetable matter, to this current conflict there’s always someone telling us how to think.

    What is this a prequel to 1984?
    We need self determination of thought and a right to critical thinking in the face of propaganda and censorship as freedom of speech becomes taboo.

    it takes two sides cooperating to hold peace. Had there been legitimate attempts to understand each other this conflict would have stopped at negotiations. They’re quick to rewrite Russians role in ww2 as allies.

    Now they want us to believe all Russians are bad while the UK US & Europe are clean as a whistle with no track record of invasions, genocidal conquests nor crusades. People are still suffering from chemicals of war in Vietnam.

    I’m not buying it. That is the type of black and white lacking of critical thinking which causes attacks on Asians in America simply for being Asian. Black peoples should know better.

    Support peace not increase of violence & discrimination stemming from lies.
  • UKM (01/03/2022, 09:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone who thinks that the BVI can make it been independent is either stupid or think they have a lot to gain, we will end up with some other country coming to our aid because we won't be able to make it on our own. The decision to become independent is not Andrew Fahie the VIP government or any other government decision, the decision is in the hands of the people of the BVI. This is a small part of what will happen if we were to go independent, the Trust companies will be gone, the tourist industry is in trouble right now thanks to the VIP government, Our taxes will be so high will triple what they are now, I can go on and on but I am sure you got the picture. Just look at how many people we have working for us in the BVI from independent Islands, I know they like to tell us that they are here to help us out but the truth of the matter is they are here because we are in a better position them, trust me if we became independent they will be gone because things will be different.
  • Brit but proud to live in BVI (01/03/2022, 12:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have friends suffering in the Ukraine as I write. It is an act of horrific atrocity that is being undertaken by the Russian forces. I pray that common sense will prevail. It is not a subject of the US or U.K. standing by. Action in support of the Ukraine is inevitable. Humanitarian aid through to military action. This will have a massive impact on the world and our territory. Let us pray and send every good wish to all those caught in the middle of aggression. Let’s give some BVI love but remember that BVI love starts at home.
    • Self determination (01/03/2022, 16:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      So your saying to end violence, we need more violence? & Lets wish good to all those caught in the middle of aggression by ramping up aggression? I pray too that common sense will prevail. You say this isnt about certain county's standing by, but their standing by & failure to enable compromise was in part responsible for the negotiations not progressing.

      They put them up as a scapegoat now they're really standing by & unable to do what your advocating, increase violence through military action, because no one wants ww3 at any cost. Common sense may yet prevail.

      The only way out of this is de-escalation & a return to talks. We're distractedly impassioned meanwhile freedom of speech, freedom of information & freedom of the press is being bundled out the door to be replaced by racism & propaganda on a global scale.

      wake up.


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