‘We need to get our act together’ before self-determination- Violet Thomas-Gaul
During the weekly radio show on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025, Mrs Thomas-Gaul said, “We talk about getting our independence from Britain, but we need to get our act together before throwing that around.”
She added that there is a lot to be discussed and to be understood by everyone, and not just a few people.
“Not throwing words out there at people, but to look at it realistically…we need to look at things in a good, good way and to see how these things would work to benefit everyone, not just the politicians but everyone.”
Leadership has a greater responsibility regarding self-determination
Grange added that the conversation on self-determination is not a new one, but it is also one that the Virgin Islands must begin to have.
“What is particularly challenging is when decisions are being made to determine the destination or the direction of a people without consultation with the people, and so that puts the conversation squarely on the table as to maybe we should consider our own way.”
He, however, agreed with Thomas-Gaul’s point that in having that conversation on self-determination, leadership has to take up the responsibility.
“There is a greater responsibility on leadership to prove to the people that we can trust that we can move in this direction because we trust that they have the best interest of the country at heart.”
Grange said in speaking with people in the Virgin Islands, a lot of them believe that it is time for the VI to be independent, but they also have trust issues with leadership.
“So, I believe leadership has to take that as a constructive criticism and begin the process of proving to the people that one, they are doing things in the right way, they are following the policies that they put in place and they are not circumventing to serve personal or political interests and once you’re able to do that I believe then the conversation becomes an easier one.”
The United Nations' (UN) Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples states, "All peoples have the right to self-determination; by virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development."
The VI is one of 17 still established Overseas Territories which fall under the remit of the UN’s Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24).
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7 Responses to “‘We need to get our act together’ before self-determination- Violet Thomas-Gaul ”
There is no benefit to them by having us as a territory.
However, the mandate of good governance prevents them from just cutting us free without the confidence that we can handle our own affairs.
Like it or not, they are currently responsible for our well being.
And good thing, with previous premier in jail, corruption rampant, no plan, self-serving leaders, etc…
Clearly we need to collectively mature both financially and practically.
Independence awaits us, we just need to get on the right road.
Sadly the braying donkeys are confusing the issue….
HOA INDEPENDUNCES
This same group undermined the march to the Gover's house by having the Governor at ZBVI radio station while some protesters were at his office.
Those thieves in the government will sink our country deeper than it is already.
If we already can't get roads, and street water, also schools fixed, tell we how in the world would we survive if we go indepent. Inflation will rise drastically.