BVI edges closer to CARICOM | Independence on the horizon?
With the historic opening of a St Vincent & the Grenadines’ consulate in the BVI, the question of whether the Andrew Fahie administration is looking to take concrete steps towards independence can’t be ignored.
As Premier Fahie mentioned, the establishment of a consulate makes sense as the two countries share a long and fruitful relationship. Premier Fahie also pointed out that Vincentians represent the largest group of migrants in the BVI, with more than 2,000 currently living and working here.
But the move to have the first-ever diplomatic representative office established in the territory raises several questions such as: Are there plans to establish consulates and appoint consuls to other CARICOM countries?
Is the new St Vincent consulate the first real sign of the BVI’s deepening relationship with CARICOM and is it the first concrete step towards a new and independent BVI?
On three different occasions, BVI News sought answers to these two questions from Premier Andrew Fahie. However, he refused to answer.
As an elected leader, Premier Andrew Fahie is undoubtedly one of the most vocal proponents of independence this territory has seen in recent times.
Just this month, he hinted at his hope for an independent BVI when he spoke of the territory having a governor-general, which is the ceremonial head-of-state in most Commonwealth countries.
These days, Fahie has also used speaking opportunities to remind BVIslanders of The United Nations’ Article 73, which supports the step-by-step move towards independence by countries that have not yet attained full self-governance.
In a recent interview with 284 Media, Premier Fahie reiterated: “Self-determination is in our future whether we want to hear it or not, whether we want to accept it or not, whether we want to believe me or not, just read Article 73 of the United Nations.”
Self-determination is defined as the process by which a group of people, usually possessing a certain degree of national consciousness, form their own state and choose their own government.
Premier Fahie is not wrong in stating that the BVI must one day become a fully mature, independent state. But are his latest actions clear signs that he is starting the process?
More importantly, is independence from Britain something the BVI people see in the near future?
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Even if people were on the fence before this Administration it will definitely be a resounding NO based on VIP’s current performance.
This article is malicious
People need to realize the news ALL NEWS stir up drama and create divisive titles.
Politicians have to be very careful. Any phrase they utter any joke they make the media will run with it.
This news site always making mischief.
They always twisting things.
@FACTS…. IT IS.
Speak for yourself because all you do daily is post over and over under different names negative things about Fahie and the VIP Administration. Most persons are with them and will remain with them.
I know for a fact that there are many many individuals posting against Foy and his poor management skills.
Lord…………….When election coming?
You better speak for yourself and stop ASSume what you don’t know.
Caribbean power house? Really? In what exactly is the Caribbean going to be a power house in? Smuggling drugs? Whoever said this is smoking crack. The Caribbean will and remain a tourist destination for the US and European market. The level of education in the Caribbean does not reach a level to compete in any other sector including technology, medicine and finance. Get real people and amplify the areas where you can excel in and that’s tourism.
This is a horrible comment the Caribbean has lots of educated people on a world standard some have gone on to bigger countries and become leaders in their fields. You need to tell the Eu and International Monetary fund to take their feet off our necks.
As for drugs where are most of those drugs going. You people like to come on here and paint a bad picture about the region and a rosy picture of European powers.
Don’t be ridiculous. What on Earth does opening one honorary consulate have to do with “independence?”
The obvious answer is “Nothing”. This is just the media thinking up something to write about and create an issue where there isn’t one. Classic laziness.
The people of the BVI dont want independence.
IT”S TIME TO GET RID OF ANDREW FAHIE ADMINISTRATION BEFORE HE GO ANY FURTHER WITH THIS BULL.
You obviously living in a dream world because Fahie and the VIP Government is doing a good job and not going anywhere out of office anytime now.
Dear Leader does want independence.
But he will always bow to the UK, hat in hand, for financial assistance.
Carry on
SB: This is what Andrew Fahie said:
In a recent interview with 284 Media, Premier Fahie reiterated: “Self-determination is in our future whether we want to hear it or not, whether we want to accept it or not, whether we want to believe me or not, just read Article 73 of the United Nations.”
BVI is not a country.
I better understand what the Premier is saying and that is each step we take must be towards preparing for when this day comes because it is coming.
Mia Mottley of Barbados said something that Fahie has been saying which is the Caribbean will be the next economic power. So it is only sense that the BVI start to position itself to be ready for whenever that time comes.
Hello YOUTH, how dare you put Honorable Mia’s name and Foy name in the same sentence. There is no comparison. STOP It. Hon. Mia is a power house, a classy leader with dignity and integrity. Foy is the op*****e.
You both need to be realistic. The Caribbean is much too small and lacking in raw materials compared to the big boys to be anything other than a very minor player in the world but that’s ok. Likewise Mia Mottley is a name hardly anyone has heard of, let alone a power house! She’s possibly an obscure subject in a quiz show but nothing more.
It’s amazing how out of touch with reality some people are around here. Truly delusional.
Are you even aware that Manchester, a relatively small city in England, had a GDP of around 55 billion and Barbados has only 5 billion? Get real.
St. Vincent could not get this status in the BVI if the UK did not sign for it so do not make it look like Fahie is doing something wrong or out the way.
Could someone say were I can find this office to drop my passport for renewal?
We need independence from Andrew Fahie and the VIP.
I agree independence from this smokescreen Facebook Live and press release shenanigan party
Andrew fahie must go.he want to push independence in other to t***f
People of the BVI wake up! Let us stand united as one on election day and vote VIP out. They are not for us. Our Premier knows exactly what he is doing. We will listen to his fancy talks, reads his numerous WhatsApp and facebook messages, sit at all his launches, but WE will be voting for Fahie and his team out.
VOTE VIP OUT!
Another opportunity to reward friends with consulate positions at taxpayer expense.
Maybe a Liberation Holiday in the UK when BVI declares independence.
Wish you all luck but a country of 35,000 consisting of mainly service jobs won’t be able to sustain a decent standard of living for its people without taxing tourists and businesses beyond their willingness to pay.
Make international cooperation work for you. It’s a new world.
“History shows that it does not matter who is in power, or what revolutionary force takes over the government,those who have not learned to do for themselves and have to depend solely on others,never obtain any more rights or priviledges in the end than they had in the beginning.” Dr. Carter G Woodson… The Miseducation of the Negro.
The miseducation of a people is so evident here in the BVI. The comments on critical issues in particular often suggest a lack of exposure, knowledge and wisdom.
@PT9 I think you can’t see beyond the cover
after decades of calling them island people and telling them go home….you looking friend cause your UK lashing you
I think BVI should be independent.
However I don’t think that will go well unless BVI can build a sustainable economy plus a strong push toward agricultural independence.
Apart from that we’ll be fine!!
What do you mean apart from that? THAT is everything!!! lol wow
Join CARICOM for free movement of CARICOM member nationals in the association. A good way to get more productive people working in the BVI.
BVI does not understand that it is going to take years before the world economy can bounce back to anything resembling what it was before Covid19. This flurry of not well thought out projects will only serve to drive us into deficit spending at a time when we can least afford to repay. Projects need to be done without disenfranchising persons who are trying to survive in this catastrophe without government or anybody else assistance. Obviously those in the drivers seat do not have a clear understanding of what the world is facing.
BVI HAVE A OFFICE IN ST. VINCENT??
REALLY AND TRULY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
ANYHOW THIS IS THE REASON WHY SO MANY OF THEM VINCY FEEL THEY ARE LOCALS BC OUR GOVERNMENT SO IN LOVE WITH THESE VINCY PEOPLE.
THE REST CARIBBEAN ISLANDS MUST FEEL UNWELCOME.
ONLY WHEN VINCY CELEBRATE INDEPENDANT YOU SEE THAT ANDREW FAHIE POST UP BIG FOR THEM.
CONTINUE MR. FAHIE CONTINUE!!
Governor Jasper who is responsible for foreign affairs has dropped the ball on so many issues. How could he let this happened, the BVI is a dependent territory he should not have let Fahie do this. We are not independent. No foreign country should hold a console here.
Wat the f**k u dont wake up and get ur mother s***t …u think I is u all f***ing puppet we woke up last year and vote the t***f them out long time it time now to vote the queen represents out
U ever noticed it just now we the people vote out the NDP for the stealing but yet stil just months after in the media by the media there have the head of the vip to crucify..it one thing I learn about politics life on the whole is who ever u see in the media getting crucified is the one that is for rigtheousness where that certain force is in favor for is ur black struggle oppressors..there kill christ in the name of that same force he was for the justise
“If you are emotionally attached to your tribe, religion or political leaning to the point that truth and justice become secondary considerations, your education is useless. Your exposure is useless. If you cannot reason beyond petty sentiments, you are a liability to mankind.” Dr. Chuba Okadigbo.
If you are unwilling or unable to fix a grave injustice because of who committed the injustice, and the victim of that injustice is viewed as an unworthy, insignificant and unimportant member of society, then truth and justice are not elements of your conscionable humanity or political platform.
it is how deep the slzve house negro mentality is in this country. It is dizzing to read that horrible mentality and know that you live among such mentally, historically and politically challenged people. Iy is even sadder when you see the mental ,aladies among your own family.
All of a sudden. No thanks. Y’all thought y’all were too good for the down islands. Stay that way. We don’t want y’all.
@Negative …please shut your stupid mouth up.
Must be a true Democacy,where the people have an actual VOTE in Financial decision particaly Capital projects, real protection of the workforce/no political firing true freedom of speech and the press etc. New laws must be debated publicly, not in the house but public debate as to why these laws a good for the people and in case where the public have concern be the deciding vote some what like the govenor.