Cost of living burdens outweigh Governor’s power play
Attorney-at-law and commentator Daniel Davies has suggested that the public is much more concerned over how their bills will be met at the end of the month than the inner workings of governance in the territory.
While speaking on the Hot Seat radio programme last evening, Davies dismissed some of the rhetoric from politicians over increased power being sought by Governor John Rankin.
He described some of what was said as scaremongering and referenced in particular, the claim that the governor can force same-sex marriages onto the territory.
According to Davies, the governor said he would only seek increased powers concerning the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry recommendations and he argued that same-sex marriage does not fall within that ambit.
“I think it’s actually rather insulting to people’s intelligence to think that, ‘Oh, the governor wants all this power so he can implement same-sex marriage.’ Like, that is not something that anyone is even having a conversation about,” Davies said.
He added: “From the perspective of an ordinary Virgin Islander, who has what power is really something that the elite are concerned about. I’m concerned, and many Virgin Islanders, and the residents and work permit holders are concerned mainly about surviving.”
Davies suggested that infrastructure issues such as collapsed roads, potholes, and access to running water around the territory are much more important than who has control of the reins of the territory.
“In the evenings, they’re worried about not being able to bathe and shower when the night comes and after every day of work. So when those issues are addressed is when people will be concerned about who has what power,” Davies stated.
Davies suggested that many young people do not even feel that they have a stake in the country and are leaving in droves to the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom.
“Many of the persons that were involved in combating the United Kingdom’s direct rule [attempts] have been ignored,” Davies argued. “When they have concerns about governance issues in the Virgin Islands, they have been roundly ignored. It’s only when the government is in hot water that they seem to be remembered.”
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Cronyism, favoritism, nepotism, corruption or perceived corruption drives migration, potentially increases taxes, cost of living, crime and encourages other burdens on citizens and residents. Unfortunately this is what drove and is still driving migration, low standards of living and output in many independent Caribbean countries and the BVI is beginning to mirror the same situation and circumstances.
I believe he underestimates the intelligence of the populace. While the mentioned talking points are relevant and resonate, they address short-term issues that can be resolvedwith some focus and determination. However, most Virgin Islanders are sophisticated enough to recognize the long-term implications of the Governor’s requests and the profound impact on their freedom and quality of life.
Daniel Davies I give you a million likes for your editorial, this government is into themselves and control.
True but read TRUTH comment. That is the best comment I don’t need to comment.
I agree with Davies. He is totally on point in his suggestion “that many young people do not even feel that they have a stake in the country and are leaving in droves to the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom.”
It’s even worse. Many who have left and are now older and wiser, do not wish to return home. When they weigh life at home vs where they are, many are deciding to remain where they are and grow their families.
The paradise they once knew has lost it’s appeal on many fronts. A vacation yes, but permanent living no.
This migration pattern can be turned around with time, but the situation here on the ground in this country relative to the infrastructure, crime, labor laws, healthcare, food, and the high cost of living has to be addressed and improved.
Country need good leaders who can fix these problems.
I would not normally agree with Mr Davies but I have to say he is spot on with this. The nonsense and noise from our elected officials over the Governor is just a distraction from the real issues here that need urgently addressing. Well said Mr Davies!
Same migration happening on Montserrrat
When you elect a clown you get a circus.
I work so hard and sometimes so late, then I come home and there is no water running. Lord send us help!
You cannot put those that created the problems in charge of the solution to fix it.
For sure he will want same sex marriage
Your are foul. How dare you casts aspersions on anyone’s sexuality? What business is it of yours?
You are wrong for doing that. So what if a person agrees with same-sex marriage? They have a right to believe and support whatever they wish the same as you do.
Furthermore, even if a person supports gay marriage, it does not necessarily mean they are themselves gay but probably non-judgmental people.
Mind your business. Stay out of peoples business and stop being a busy body. Live your life and leave others to live theirs.
Love and light to you Pat you are very much in need of both!
Love and light to you Pat you are very much in need of both!
Hey Pat STOP DAT! LOL
If the UK can run for help in the US where the LMNOP is in control to oust the former Premier, don’t you think they would want easy access from the back too?
2024 is an exposition year.
LMNOP, I mean LGBTQRS run the world! LOL
Imagine wiggy
I believe he underestimates the intelligence of the populace. While the mentioned talking points are relevant and resonate,however they address short-term issues that can be resolved with some determination. However, most Virgin Islanders are sophisticated enough to recognize the long-term implications of the Governor’s requests and the profound impact on their freedom and quality of life.
Danny who controls the reins of the country is important and just as important as the infrastructure. But since you are mullatoe perhaps you may believe that they will be choosing you as one of the persons to run the country.
People, you have to open your eyes and see what’s going on. The Governor needs to lock up and charge persons including any crooked politicians who broke the law don’t break the system and destroy the people.
You should have won
Attacking the Governor is always an opportunity Vener and its boss took full advantage of controlling and pushing that negative narrative..it’s obvious..The Governor still has the majority support. The Premier wants to be wrong and strong..I am glad this Lawyer change the narrative..
Daniel spot on!
The real power grab is the current crop of politicians who refuse to do their work. Our HOA and our Government does not function. The core issue of the COI is their defeat of checks and balances and failure to institute good governance in the interest of the Territory.
Their emotional outbursts in response to being told of their failing grades was both pitiful and pathetic. The opposition was a little more measured but still offered no real solutions . Till now we are waiting on a rational response on how they will speed the pace of reforms and address the concerns of the man in the street.
They seem to have no meaningful grasp of matters related to the economy or addressing the development of the Territory for that matter. It is clear we need new blood.
Perplexed as to why this fellow didn’t win election. Stop the FU@#!!!
These island police making good money on the police focus and still have jobs at the supermarket
Daniel. I agree with you 100%. Unlike the government, you are in touch with what the people worry about and need. This government is out right insulting. Once you have an understanding of what the governor was saying, and than you listen to what the government is saying, it’s clear as day that our government doesn’t have our best interests at heart at all. And they fighting hard not to do registrar of interests with good reason. They are all in bed together one way or the other.
He posted the other day that he is searching for his next move from the BVI. The rest of of will be stuck here. England has held the BVi in it’s hands for umpteen years and ONLY RECENTLY GRANTED us British citizenship. Of course bvislanders are concerned about what the Governor does and control he seeks. Can he be voted out? What will we receive in exchange? A sack of rotted mince pies? We are concerned and seek like minded BVISLANDERS who are CONNECTED TO THE PEOPLE to speak with the people and for the people. YOU AIN IT DANIEL #STOPTHEFRIG
If they are doing their job properly then they would not need to fear the Governor. One month now the dug up waterfront drive. The only road through town and leave it unfinished. These are the issues they need to address. They are only afraid of loosing their power. We the ordinary citizen have no power apart from voting once every 4 years. Let Britain take the country for 3 years straighten it out and the next year we vote in a new crop of leaders so we still don’t miss a vote.
So you flexing off on my bloggs / U coming just like blondie now hiding comments when you are afraid of the truth being told and people can read it
Tell this to the people on the yellow site. Puppets to J****n W*****k.
This dude isn’t sensible. If you can’t imagine teritory collapse and the impact that would have on people’s finances? It wouldn’t be good
no marriage from same sex never thats against God law!!