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UN should not dictate on VI’s self-determination timeline - Kevon S. Lettsome

- calls for education, consultation & engagement with citizens on the topic
Opposition leader of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament (VIYP), Mr Kevon S. Lettsome has proposed that while the Virgin Islands should walk the part of full self-determination, it must do so by taking steps and not be dictated on by the 2030 United Nations (UN) resolution on decolonisation. Photo: VIYP/Youtube
The VIYP Opposition Leader said the Virgin Islands' change in status should not be dictated by any UN resolution, rather, on the terms of educated Virgin Islanders when the time is right. Photo: Internet Source
The VIYP Opposition Leader said the Virgin Islands' change in status should not be dictated by any UN resolution, rather, on the terms of educated Virgin Islanders when the time is right. Photo: Internet Source
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – Opposition Leader of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament (VIYP), Mr Kevon S. Lettsome has proposed that while the Virgin Islands (VI) should walk the part of full self-determination, it must do so by taking steps and not be dictated on by the 2030 United Nations (UN) resolution on decolonisation.

He was at the time contributing on the debate topic, “Should the Virgin Islands move to self-determination?” when the VIYP held its first Sitting for 2021 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola, on March 11, 2021.

“Madam Speaker… yes, the BVI should move to full self-determination, but not before the people are educated and some areas of governance have been reformed, refined and refocused,” Lettsome told the VIYP.

Consultations first - Kevon Lettsome 

“The route to full self-determination, as I see it, is to consult with the people of the Virgin Islands; hold public meetings with all our people throughout the territory; present all the options we have at our disposal [and] educate ourselves on the advantages and disadvantages of each option.”

In addition, Lettsome tasked legislators to answer the difficult questions that Virgin Islanders would have regarding self-determination.

“Self- Determination is a process, people of the Virgin Islands! Incorporation, Free association and Independence. Three option and one process.” Part of the educational process, he said, is enlightening Virgin Islanders on the options of greater self-determination and greater autonomy from the UK.

Steps & process must be followed - Lettsome 

Lettsome likened self-determination to the process of birthing a child and the 9-month gestation process, along with the construction of a house.

“This self – determination business is like when you are building a house from the foundation up, it has a process. You can’t start from the roof down to the foundation, it will never work."

He said the VI’s change in status should not be dictated by any UN resolution, rather, on the terms of educated Virgin Islanders when the time is right.

19 Responses to “UN should not dictate on VI’s self-determination timeline - Kevon S. Lettsome”

  • Rubber Duck (17/03/2021, 20:51) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    good job shaq but you still can't beat Kedrick or Showda
    • Holy moly (18/03/2021, 07:47) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
      I am not sure that youth parliament is a good idea. It teaches the kids that a pointless talking shop is the solution - we talk about things endlessly but never seem to get anything done. The HoA is like a greenhouse there is so much hot air. Teaching kids to start every sentence with “Mr Speaker ...” does nothing to solve the BVIs issues. The kids time would be better spent cleaning up the rubbish that is left all over the territory.
    • Rubber Duck (18/03/2021, 09:14) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      If you want to use my name you need to be able to write lyrical soaring incisive English and have a clue. Mumbling ineptitude is not going to cut it.
    • LLM (19/03/2021, 06:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      If you were in the know, you would have known that the guy is one of Dr.Pickering biggest supporter. What we are anticipating is he will run 2023, if Dr.Pickering is not running.
  • Growth (17/03/2021, 21:38) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why do we need a opposition. Training the youth to take on this system that creates division and self centeredness. The leader wants to look capable the opposition aims to make them seem incapable. In the end there is no possibility of unity as the politicians undermine each other.

    Her majesty’s loyal opposition. Change it to her majesty’s loyal advisers. Leader of the opposition becomes leader of advisers.

    There, a counter balancing position with respect to unity as a people. We can not fight each other systematically and expect to move forward efficiently.
  • Godmother (18/03/2021, 05:58) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well executed Kevon, you touched on very strong points. Congratulations on a job well done.
  • jah (18/03/2021, 06:12) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fight to solve the crime and stop the gun spree.
    If the UK decides to take back all its rightful assets bvi will be broke and cannot travel to destination as it pleases and tortola will be the hub and back door for drugs..such a small island and yet they cannot solve no crime.shame
    • Sigh (18/03/2021, 07:44) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Interesting, because the last time I checked the UK appointed UK National Commissioner and Governor, who is from the UK, are chiefly responsible for the security of these Virgin Islands. So, it might not be a bad idea if they take back their incompetent Commissioner and Governor. Most vicious crimes under this Commissioner. Not a good record to have.
  • @ Sign (18/03/2021, 07:58) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mathews should have been on the plane with racist Gus
  • @ SIGH (18/03/2021, 08:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    YEAH THERE YOU GO AGAIN AND KEEK POINTING YOUR BLOODY FINGER AT THE UK / JASPERT AND THE COMMISSIONER AFTER YOU ALL DONE ORDER A HIT OR PULL THE TRIGGER THAT WILL MAKE YOU A HERO IN THIS HOLY LAND
    • @@ sign (18/03/2021, 09:33) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      who else can be blame beside the oppressors and the blood suckers?
  • Not2Sure (18/03/2021, 09:29) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was impress to watch on tv all the people of the youth parliament voted for self determination now that is THE REAL MESSAGE
    • Cold as ice (18/03/2021, 10:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Most of the youth are also socialists but they will probably grow out of it!
  • mad max (18/03/2021, 10:16) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Waste of time. If these "youths" wish to be in politics, go for it. They are too old for this play thing.
    • @ mad max (18/03/2021, 10:28) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      i know you feel bad that you were not nominated, please contact your district rep
  • @ NOT2 SURE (18/03/2021, 10:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    ARE U SERIOUS ? WHAT WE GOT TO EXPORT ? CAN WE FEED OURSELVES ? WE HERE DOING A BALANCING ACT WITH WEED SOME OF US ARE IN DREAMLAND - YOU JOKERS NEED TO TRY AND UNDERSTAND WHAT Mr LAVITY DTOUT MEANT
    • @ @ reply (18/03/2021, 12:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

      Set of bull Sh** questions with no relevance to self determination

  • swag (19/03/2021, 14:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Kev is 100% rite on that point


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