The Premier has a dream, a vision. He wants to take the BVI into independence. He said so in the House of Assembly last week as the 13 discussed the Virgin Islands Inquiries Bill 2024.
“My ambition for the Virgin Islands, my aspiration is that we free ourselves completely of this colonial relationship that we are presently subject to and I believe that if we who are political leaders can unite on that point, though we disagree on many points, we can unite on that point and grab the bull by the horns and not have to be subject to colonial, unequal, dehumanizing, in some respects, behaviour.”
We applaud the Premier for his resolve. His belief is firm. We have heard of him running around the halls of the UN with the Committee on Decolonization and pontificating before CARICOM heads of government.
But the subject of independence only gets mentioned in speeches in the BVI. He does not talk to the people. And we doubt he has broached the subject with the British to their faces.
So, the Premier errs in believing that the decision to be independent is for the regional or international community to decide or for the 13.
It is not.
It is a decision for all the people of the Territory. But the 13 operate as if opinions are not expected to exist outside of the halls of the House of Assembly.
Since the views of the populace are not ‘elected views’ and the people’s utility disappear once they have made their appearance to the polls every 4 years, they are ignored.
But to be independent is a life changing issue for any people and more so the BVI in this modern era with huge demands on a shrinking revenue base.
So, the people of this Territory should not have to read what is told to others by the Premier or the diplomat of their aspirations for the BVI nor get it second hand from the fourth estate.
Independence is a weighty subject with deep consequences and if the 13 do not think this through carefully and engage the people at every step, then;
We see Ralph, Jack, Roger, Piggy; all over again for we will be back in William Golding’s epic novel; “Lord of the Flies,” now banned. (It raises issues that are too painful to consider.)
Over three or four posts, we will discuss the process of independence inclusive of the costs, obligations, responsibilities, liabilities, advantages and disadvantages.
We cannot allow the 13 to treat independence like a knee jerk reaction to be threatened every time they are upset with the overlords.
For even an independent BVI will understand that its sixty square miles cannot survive alone without the support of a big brother or sister to look out for her.
So, I challenge you in your various spheres to give careful thought to the subject for this issue will not vanish into thin air.
And being a subject for all of us, when better for us to honestly explore it than on our Fridays.
Congratulations to the BVI Olympians! A magical day on the river Seine in Paris.
Happy Friday.