VI 'treated like second class citizens' under UK rule - Premier Fahie
"We are part of a system that treats us, in many ways, like second class citizens and second class people, in spite all that our generations have achieved and in spite of all that we have proven that we are capable of," Hon Fahie said in a June 11, 2020, statement on eliminating racism.
Addressing systematic racism
"We have to get to the bottom of this problem once and for all," he said while noting that the murder of George P. Floyd Jr is forcing societies to confront the existence of systemic racism.
"We have to remove all the obstacles, such as distrust, so that we can proceed to continue building these Virgin Islands that we love and call home, in the way that we want to see it built," Premier Fahie said in reference to the Virgin Islands.
He said the upcoming Constitutional Review exercise in the Territory, therefore represents a 'golden opportunity' to address some of the issues plaguing the Territory where equality is concerned.
"It is a chance to examine the institutional framework and make adjustments to allow the people of the Virgin Islands the opportunity to breathe and to truly lift their heads up."
Equity Commission being established
The Premier said in an effort to assist this process, Government is moving to establish an Equity Commission.
"This Commission will be charged with the task of examining how the private and public sectors operate to determine to identify the systemic issues that undermine equity in our society and to find solutions for creating a more equitable environment for all our people."
He said the VI is in a fortunate position to be able to learn from what is taking around the world and does not have to wait until people become too frustrated before proactive steps are taken.
He said too regularly, the people of the Virgin Islands have been crying out about inequitable treatment in various areas.
"Racism is worse than COVID-19, but there is a cure for racism and that cure is love, which we already have inside of us. Love conquers hate, always," Hon Fahie underscored.
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40 Responses to “VI 'treated like second class citizens' under UK rule - Premier Fahie”
you are incorrect. all BV Islanders have for many many years had equ rights as a british subject...britosh passport if you ao want it .( which a majority have ). yet british here have had to wait some 30 years to get any kind of statuss.
i hear your point...but you are not correct in some of your facts
Government revenue - paid for by someone else outside the BVI.
Anything involving more than a desk job - worked by someone else.
Benefits, cash handouts and brown envelopes - not given to anyone else.
It reeks.
But What about the love the BVI has for its fellow Caribbean brothers and sisters? Always trying to degrade them calling them "down island" but yall want the UK to treat yall better? Love begins at home I'm sure just like how BVI people see other Caribbean people the UK sees the BVI and they ain't the same color always remember that. Yall want to get rid of both the British and the "Island" people but what's left? Virgins that are clueless about the world. Good luck persuading the crown to treat yall better.
let the people cast votes if they wish to remain an overseas territory or rather become an independent country and move forward
The BVI can enjoy a lot of freedoms and respect from the crown, it is no secret.
Isn’t the best respect earned by showing responsibility? Should not fiscal responsibility at least be attempted first?
Everyone knows the Economic benefits of being a OT far outweighs That of independence.
So is the decision based on accounting or arrogance?
In regards to racism, it has always been in the VI. The plantation and slavery were based on racism. And modern day racists are coming into the VI and bringing their nasty beliefs and practicing it. It is festering and some Uncle Thoms are enabling them in practicing and spreading it. The solution to arresting the racism is not a constitutional review. The community must take a no nonsense approach to racial discrimination and prejudice. People coming into the VI either as visitors or workers must be put on notice that racism is not practice in the VI. Violators should be shamed and put out the territory. Uncle Thoms too should be shamed. Racists should not be welcomed into the VI. And uneasy should be the head that wears the racist crown.
Smh
stop feeding off the back of this tragic event to make a point. If Sir you are saying that the UK is choking the BVI to death.......wilfully......heartlesly and do nothing what so ever to help the BVI then you are wrong.
The BVI chokes itself with its unchecked corruption...its outward hatred of down island people and the growing evidence of hatred towards people of differnt colour.
The BVI is sadly and rapidly becoming a place of hate.......a country who welcome you if yiu have value..but once that worth runsout..you are disguarded without feeling or remorse. yearly we welcome tourists...predominately white...yet openly talk about not wanting them around......it is so very hypocritical and sad....the BVI has become a society of open hatred.............
and before you ask....i am a man of colour...I am white.
In the BVI,the fact of becoming a belonger dont change how born here citizens feel about you,they still see you as an islandman and treat you like an islandman,so what needs to change in the Constitution?