‘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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17 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.
We still don’t have up-to-date audited accounts, so nobody really knows where the money is going. The roads are a mess. Drainage is a joke. Groceries are so expensive that normal families are cutting back on food in a so-called “world-class” financial centre. The budget always feels like it’s on life support. And on top of that, corruption, fraud, money laundering and drug crime are still very much part of everyday reality.
Talking about more autonomy or independence while all of that is going on feels like a distraction, not leadership.
You want to be bold?
Then first show you can:
1.Close the audit gap and publish clean accounts on time.
2.Fix and maintain roads and basic infrastructure properly.
3.Bring down the cost of living in a real, visible way.
4. Crack down on crime and corruption, not just talk about it.
5. Run the country’s finances like adults, not like a crisis management exercise.
Until then, independence talk is putting a new label on a leaking bottle.
This island could have been purchase years ago and become a US territory, where many wouldve not gotten a previlege to be here .
Thank God for the BVI
Self-determination is not only an independence option; there are other options, including Integration, free association. The Associated Statehood which the UK had with some regional, anglophone countries was not pure free association, etc.
Further, Virgin Islanders should be apprise on the pros and cons of self-determination. And a referendum held on the various self-determination options. What are the ideal conditions and circumstances for self-determination? Should the BVI be fully self -supporting economically before self- determination —-economic independence. Secondly,,should be fully self- governing before self-dtsrmination —political independence? Should it a 100% certain, sure before deciding to wade into the deep seas?