COMMENTARY: Independence isn’t a cure, it’s a commitment we aren’t ready for

By Anonymous Resident

There’s growing talk of charting an independent future for the British Virgin Islands, as displayed in the last session in the House of Assembly by all government members.

It’s an idea that carries emotional appeal and historic weight. But beneath the surface lies a harsh truth: independence is not just a statement of pride, it’s a promise of governance, integrity, and systems we must be prepared to deliver.

And we’re not there yet!

We already operate with substantial autonomy under the UK, managing our internal affairs and navigating our own developmental path. Yet despite this, our governance is still riddled with familiar failures: inconsistent financial oversight, opaque public spending, and a political climate that too often penalizes dissent, political victimization isn’t theory here; it’s something many have lived through.

Our people vote for popularity, not policy. Economic awareness is often sidelined in favor of personality-driven politics. Meanwhile, public finance concerns continue to surface, with no consistent accountability. How can we credibly claim readiness to manage full independence, legal frameworks, diplomatic relations, fiscal, systems when the fundamentals still struggle?

Let’s also not ignore that we use the U.S. dollar, not the British pound. That’s not just symbolism, it signals deep reliance on external economic systems. What’s our plan for currency stabilization under full sovereignty?

I’m not against the idea of independence in principle. But I am firmly against pursuing it blindly, as if it will magically fix our internal dysfunctions. Independence doesn’t heal a system, it exposes it. And unless we’re ready to face that exposure with institutional reform, civic responsibility, and political maturity, it will break us before it builds us.

So, I say this not in opposition, but in caution: let’s focus on getting our house in order before we ask to own the whole building.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of this publication. The content is intended for informational and discussion purposes only.