The position of Governor means 'dancing between 2 powers’- Dr Kedrick D. Pickering
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He spoke during the ‘Hands off our Commissioner’ protest on Monday, November 10, 2025, where he said the position of Governor has been referred to as a “schizophrenic position”.
This, he said, means the Governor sits in a position where he has to “dance between two powers”.
Dr Pickering explained that the Governor is the Virgin Islands’ (VI) voice in London as he is responsible for representing the views of the VI to the United Kingdom (UK) government.
“Part of the reason we pay the Governor’s salary is so that he can represent our views there. Is it done? That’s a different story.”
The Governor also has a duty to represent the UK’s views in the Virgin Islands.
Dr Pickering said he has witnessed first-hand Governors dancing between two opinions, adding that the Governor is often in a difficult position.
“That is the reality of what we live in in today’s world.”
We are the ones to decide to rule our destiny
Governor Daniel Pruce’s decision to have Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Jacqueline E. Vanterpool return to her role as Deputy Commissioner of Police, in favour of nominating United Kingdom national Richard Ullger for interim CoP, sparked the protest action that will continue throughout the week.
Dr Pickering said to be fair, he has never attended a meeting where he sensed the UK government wants to “hold us into colonialism”.
“What I have seen is that they are telling you, ‘As long as you remain under our rule, you will do what we say’. But what that speaks volumes to is that we as a people are the ones who are to make a decision to rule our own destiny.”
Dr Pickering said that since the reinstatement of the legislative council 75 years ago, VI’s history shows steady progress.
“We have never looked back. Why now people want to turn us back? Why now people want to tell us we must behave in a certain way, when they should be doing what is necessary for us to move forward?”
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16 Responses to “The position of Governor means 'dancing between 2 powers’- Dr Kedrick D. Pickering”
Dr Kedrick Pickering I ‘ m sorry to say is spouting some &^%$’ing appeasement convenient bull s***. Is this Mr. Done Deal? Is this the same cat who bellowed that people hate him because he had rich while friends? What has Doc done for the 7 th District having been its representative for 20 years. Doc is addicted to power , having severe withdrawal d pains, wanting to feed again at the compensation trough. The appeasement angle wants one to puke. Former UK PM Sir Winston Churchill says : %” Appeasement is feeding the crocodiles hoping they will eat you last.” Doc trying to appease, playing both sides of the fence, trying to dance the twist on a knife’s.
Moreover, I didn’t realize that the VI taxpayers were paying for Governor Pruce’ s salary; I thought that UK was paying his salary and the BVI taxpayers were paying for food, housing, transportation, utilities, communication, entertainmen, etc. Does it not fit the definition of cruising, paying for the Governor to rule and exercise unilateral power over the BVI and its people. Here is a news flash for Doc Pickering and others. Gov Pruce was appointed by the UK without input or consultation with BVI residents to represent the UK’ s interests. The guv does not give a rat’s @#$ about the BVI and its people. Though it will feed scattering, division, etc,. among the population through meritorious manumission, take a side, which is then beholden to it. This is a key chapter, verse, and line directly from the colonialism playbook. Let’s put the BVI first, 2nd, 3rd, ,,,,,,
LEADING WITH COLLECTIVE STRENGTH
by Tafari Zharr
The conversation surrounding affluent individuals, particularly within Indigenous communities, often straddles celebration and critique. It’s a delicate balance; saying “hello” to complex societal issues while enjoying privilege can seem disingenuous.
Perhaps it’s déjà vu—recalling lessons from figures like Dionne Warwick, where sounding cool doesn’t always translate into impactful action. During the COVID pandemic, Warwick utilized social platforms like Twitter and Instagram to spread positivity, support mental health initiatives, and raise funds for those in need, demonstrating that influence can foster community resilience.
Following Hurricane Irma's devastating Category 5 force in 2017, the British Virgin Islands faced immense challenges. Widespread destruction left thousands in dire conditions. During this pivotal time, Dr. Pickering, then Deputy Premier, conducted an interview with MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle. Instead of addressing the pressing needs of his community, he opted to highlight his own home, asserting, "My windows held strong through the storm."
While this personal focus showcased resilience, it missed a critical opportunity for advocacy on broader infrastructural challenges. He overlooked the community's struggle for better hurricane preparedness and recovery strategies, such as improved building practices. Focusing on personal property during a crisis can seem tone-deaf, especially when many remain vulnerable to future storms.
Reflecting on these choices and the community's response—a lack of re-election—reveals that citizens seek leaders who empathize with their challenges and prioritize collective safety. Effective leadership requires a commitment to enhancing infrastructure and ensuring all citizens are prepared for future disasters.
Moving forward, leaders must KISS—Keep It Simple, Stupid—and focus on advocating for practical strategies. By promoting infrastructure resilience and community preparedness, they can address the needs of all citizens effectively.
As we ponder what it means to lead authentically, let’s remember Warwick’s haunting refrain: “You’re my reason for living, for giving… it’s déjà vu.” The time for “past privileged” to support and advocate for “promising” is presently approaching.
Let’s not snooze on this window of déjà vu—if we fail to shine in the windows of opportunity, we follow those who would whitewash our weaknesses. Then we’ll be left not just either old LPs and 45s but the saddest legacies of broken records and redundancies.
By the way Women of Justice are very capable of making their voices heard- just ask the King!
Copyright (c) Tafari Zharr 2025. All rights reserved