Dictatorship! Skelton slams proposed Inquiries Bill
Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton has strongly criticised the United Kingdom (UK) for what he suggested was its dictatorial approach in governing BVI.
During yesterday’s sitting of the House of Assembly (HOA), Skelton told lawmakers that as the BVI progresses through the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations and related legislation before the House, the boundaries of democracy have become less distinct, appearing more as a vast grey area than a clearly defined line.
“It is our responsibility, and it’s our duty, to make sure that the laws and rules and regulations we pass are in the interests of our people and our country,” Skelton argued.
In response to the proposed Inquiries Bill, Skelton expressed severe scepticism about its fairness and equitability. He emphasised concerns about the concentration of power, noting that the proposed bill seemed to bestow ultimate authority on certain individuals rather than adhering to a fair and democratic framework.
The proposed bill will enable the governor to appoint commissioners to conduct inquiries, among other things. However, the Opposition Leader did not like this.
“For somebody, because they’re the UK representative, to have this level of authority in a modern democracy today — it just doesn’t make sense,” Skelton contended. “It cannot. And they know it. What they’re relying on is that the people of this country are so disenchanted with elected officials that they will do nothing and allow them to take over.”
Skelton highlighted the historical context of BVI’s governance, referring to the impact of UK stewardship and colonialism. “If you look at the history, wherever the United Kingdom was in charge, and the local representative had no authority to do anything, nothing happens,” he argued.
He suggested that the proposed bill perpetuated a colonial-style system, raising questions about its compatibility with modern democratic principles. Skelton’s remarks also shed light on deep-rooted concerns regarding the influence of colonial legacies in contemporary governance.
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In his recent address regarding the Virgin Islands Inquiries Bill 2024, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton characterized the legislation as a step towards dictatorship. While his concerns reflect a deep-seated apprehension about colonial overreach, his arguments seem to miss the broader context and the potential benefits of the bill.
The primary purpose of the Virgin Islands Inquiries Bill 2024 is to enhance accountability and transparency within our governance structures. Hon Skelton’s assertion that the bill grants excessive power to the Governor overlooks the necessity of having an impartial authority capable of initiating inquiries without political interference. This provision is not about undermining local governance but about ensuring that all actions are subject to scrutiny, thereby fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.
Hon Skelton suggests that existing laws and the police force are sufficient for investigative purposes. However, the reality is that internal mechanisms alone can sometimes be compromised by local politics. An external oversight capability, as proposed in this bill, acts as a safeguard against such risks. It provides a balanced approach where both local authorities and the Governor have roles to play in maintaining governance standards.
The claim that the Governor can unilaterally make regulations “without Cabinet, without the HOA” is a misinterpretation. The bill allows the Governor to make regulations specifically to give effect to the act’s provisions, not to legislate broadly or arbitrarily. This is a standard legislative practice ensuring that necessary rules are in place to operationalize the act effectively. It does not equate to a bypass of democratic processes but rather complements them.
Contrary to Hon Skelton’s view that the bill is akin to “totalitarianism” or “dictatorship,” it actually aligns with practices in many democratic societies where independent commissions or authorities are empowered to conduct inquiries. Such frameworks are essential for a mature democracy, as they prevent the concentration of power and ensure checks and balances. The bill’s provisions are designed to protect the public interest and uphold democratic principles, not to erode them.
Hon Skelton’s historical reference to colonial practices fails to recognize the progress made in modern governance. Today’s relationship between the Virgin Islands and the UK is one of partnership and shared responsibility. The bill is a reflection of this evolved dynamic, where external oversight is a tool for reinforcing, not undermining, local governance.
White people blogging again. Smh
Let’s make it a racist issue instead of corruption and lack of governance issue..
Yeah. Let us throw our hands in the air and give up.
Then watch the greedy sharks walk in and seixe and commandeer our posession, our economy, destroy. our social way os life, earning our daoliy bread and reducing us to the ultimate level of poverty.
The history s there tolearn from, and today we are witnessing the ground works for the take over of these territories and their resources for themselves. We must resist by all means necessary.
@ Real Dumb. Yeah don’t you hate them? Even good white folks are much worse than corrupt black folks. We need to just keep hating them without ever really knowing why we do. Like sheep really (with hate added.) @Real Dumb, you make a Real Dumb comment. Thanks. What colour are you?
Pass the bill please!
BVI got the highest annual budget in the Caribbean, and we look like nuke town from call of duty wtfff.
i dont want yall touching that tax monies whenever you feel an itch
so, pass the bill to mitigate that non-sense
hopefully you think twice when you looking to make a buck off the hard working lower classes
I am so glad that we have a strong mind and voice that is looking out for the people of the BVI and their interest, as the Brits, colonialist is definitely attempting to take control of these our lands in a surreptitious and sneaky manner, while making their efforts look legitimate.
Meanwhile, there is nothing done today that can be considered legitimate by a country that has acquired land masses around the world through war, destruction, extermination and genocide of entire people, and enslavement of others to enrich itself, then construct mechanisms of take over and control by creating instruments of so called laws, and codifying them into law, making the disenfranchisement of a people law and legal, while reducing them no a non status entity. Who gave them that supreme authority?
The gentle men are absolutely correct. The people must open their mind’s eyes and intellect and take in that what was expressed is real, can/would affect everyone who is a local African descendant, and forever change the trajectory of our historical and human existence.
Therefore, I strongly urge the entire people to put aside all differences, come together and unite now.. For if we don’t we will live to regret it The monster is on the horizon, and we are not prepared for its landing and subsequent effects.
Comment on the bo*t accident trial here
You only have to look around, and also read the CoI report. Instead of moaning, the District Reps should be thanking their lucky stars there is still an Assembly for them to pontificate in.
The old system didn’t work too well. That’s why we have third world infrastructure, on a good day. We need more audits and supervision, not less.
Which one there’s been so many that didn’t get to court ,now why do you think they’re prosecuting this one?
Reading this racist wigged subterfuge spew out his daily sermon
@The consequences of disunity The land dose not belong to us the UK owns the BVI. The governments of the BVI are the ones that got us where we are today. @Real Dumb people like you should STFU you sound very stupidwith the things you post, hate will get you nowhere DUM DUM.
You are the one doing wrong. You know the rules yet you enter into business contract with Govt. You all need to stop and start playing by the rules. We are blessed to have someone bigger holding you all accountable. So many independent country are so corrupt, bug nothing the citizen or anyone can do.
Just how clear are the boundaries between democracy and a dictatorship when elected governments have persisted in unfettered cronyism and corruption for decades without ever being brought to accounts? How clear are those boundaries when elected officials refuse to publicly register their business interests? Or, when no a single publicly funded project has ever been built on time, let alone on budget? Etc, etc. These complaints are no different than having to go home to face your father’s wrath because you drank/smoked too much one night and wrecked his new car that you borrowed to go out with and instead permanently moving out of the house altogether in the night while he is asleep instead of facing the consequences of your actions
Unfettered cronyism and corruption have been practiced and is still being practiced by every European nation since at least the 16th century.
It didn’t begin with BVI politicians, they leared their skills from the Europeans. Sostop. the hate and disinformation.