It could only be described as bedlam (a scene of uproar and confusion). The last time someone shot at such a high profile American politician was when John Hinckley Jr shot Ronald Reagan in 1981.
Now, 43 years later, Donald Trump is part of that history due to the attempt on his life by Thomas Matthew Crooks.
We always believed that nothing destroys friendships and communities like politics and religion. But politics, for the moment, is poised to destroy the world if Carl Von Clausewitz’s quote “war is a continuation of politics by other means” is taken into account.
The optics of the COI were wrong. A lone commissioner was established almost as a viceroy and his word became the law of the land.
He embarrassed and humiliated our leaders; Hauled them over the coals in open court; Denied our elderly the help they were receiving when he removed the discretionary fund. The irony is that BVI ceased to receive Aid from the British Government in 1978.
But he was not finished.
The British Parliament fell in line. An Order in Council still hangs over our heads in case we do not fulfill the dictates of his prescriptive missive.
And additional powers were sought to have the governor implement straggling reforms should the Premier fail, when the Governor’s group was also party to the incompletion.
If only ‘the viceroy’ cared enough about our security, a matter that falls to the responsibility of the governor, the ordinary citizen who he claimed ‘deserves better’ would not feel so threatened and unsafe even at home.
But Britain, despite its history, believes in the rule of law, the penal system. Long may it be that way!
However, the BVI politicians are not blameless. They brought us to the brink of ruin which made the COI necessary.
Then they sought to destroy an important economic base of a thriving Territory and have not even troubled themselves to discuss those actions, the ramifications and any measures they deem necessary to avoid such pitfalls in the future.
We suppose that is their version of leadership.
So, as much as we found the COI and its unraveling insipid, without it we would be totally lost and at the mercies of the 13, each with the singular goal of being in charge even if of a smoldering heap.
A disgrace and a letdown to the people who are looking for representation, progress and protection.
And they (the 13), with 60 square miles and no plan for economic support of the nation, speak incessantly of self-determination aka (for them) independence. For we have been experiencing self-determination over the last half century, which they fail to note.
Now, the Honourable House is in a race against time to do what was always its right and lawful duty; To create the legislation that will ensure good governance and transparency to the people’s operations in the halls of government.
So, while we are most displeased with the way ‘the viceroy’ executed his mandate, we feel certain that without his guidance, BVI would have continued its slide away from the high ideals of transparency and lawful decision making.
And that dreaded word, CORRUPTION, would have moved to a more prominent position in the affairs of government.
And yes, the people of this Territory deserve better; Much better.
We have Fridays to ponder how we wish to see the Territory develop and operate.
Unless we really do not care.
Happy Friday!