‘From here!’ Push grows for legal definition of ‘Indigenous’ status
Calls are growing in the BVI for a clear national definition of “indigenous status”, with talk show hosts Damion Grange and Violet Gaul urging the territory to settle the longstanding question through an official process.
Speaking on their Talking Points programme, Grange said the community cannot continue to use an undefined term when it carries cultural weight and potential legal implications.
“I believe we should have an official designation of what and who is an Indigenous Virgin Islander and not just somebody dreaming up an idea and determining that this is the reason,” he stated. “Once that is established on a national level, then the protections are secured under that establishment.”
Gaul agreed, arguing that the conversation has become divisive because it lacks structure and clarity. Although she did not define the term herself, she acknowledged the tensions that arise when people discuss who belongs.
Commentators have argued that an Indigenous Virgin Islander is someone who can trace their ancestry to at least three generations; however, confusion has surfaced over whether this should be on both sides or just one side of their family.
Some critics have pointed out that the term “indigenous” may not be appropriate in the BVI context since it is often applied to people living in a place before colonisation.
The debate over indigenous recognition has intensified in recent years, as issues of identity, cultural heritage, and constitutional reform have gained increased attention in the territory. Public commentary has highlighted that while “Belonger Status” is defined in law, the phrase “Indigenous Virgin Islander” has no official legal meaning, even though it is widely used in social and political discussions.
Grange expressed that families with deep roots in the territory “were here toiling, labouring, working, contributing” and said it was “only fair” for protections to reflect that history. He stressed, however, that such protections should be established through a structured constitutional process rather than informal public debate.
He pointed out that the absence of a definition risks creating tension in moments when the territory seeks unity. “If we continue to have the conversation willy nilly, we’re going to disenfranchise people,” he explained. He warned that divisions could weaken the wider community’s ability to unite around national issues. “We are going to make BVIslanders feel less committed to the patriotic cause,” he argued.
Gaul added that defining the term would help protect those with deep ancestral roots in the Virgin Islands. “I am Indigenous,” she said. “So let them say whatever they want. It’s okay. I know who I am.”
Under the BVI’s existing legal framework, the similar but distinct concept of “Belonger Status” is defined in the territory’s constitution and immigration laws. However, that legal status does not address the cultural or ancestral dimension implied by the term “indigenous”.
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When I’m challenged with “I born here” by a stroppy person less than half my age, my invariable response is, “Yes, but I was here before you and I care more about the island than you”.
Hmmm… Imagine, a society that comports itself as the descendants of slaves, setting up a category creating second class citizens.
How democratic of them.
I need to hold on to my British Passport for The Virgin Islands until the day I die. I am 57 years old almost 60 years old and now I am ready to move to the UK to live out the rest of my life. I hope that the UK Government/British Government would grant me a permanent British Passport and British Citizenship for life.
sons and daughters of former slave holders, and the local who has not yet recovered from mental slave indoctrination, will have much to say on this issue, other than realistic truths.
The BVI needs to do a rotation of 7yrs . No need for belonger status.
There are persons whose ancestral roots go beyond colonization. It is so sad that your consciousness starts at colonization when there is thousands of years of history before your colonizers existed. The British Virgin Islands indeed The Virgin Islands is a crime against humanity. Don’t fence me in your criminal shit.
No island man as premier
Indigenous Virgin Islanders are Tainos. What a lazy vocabulary we have in the local media.
Most important is to understand what the word means. Then apply it.
What is happening in VI is people are trying to change the meaning of the word.
They are so desperate to be the indigenous people of the VI that they want the definition of the word changed.
The question that this really brings is.
Why are some people so desperate to be identified as the Indigenous people?
Didnt we just have a constitutional review? That might have been the time to take up your cause and constitutionalise your zenophobia.
The real “indigenous” Virgin Islands are racist towards their brothers and sisters of other island states.
It’s best that they slowly disappear..
WE HAVE A INDIGENOUS BVILANDER ” E LEONARD) PERHAPS YOU CAN SEEK HIS HIS ASSISTANCE WITH , THIS LAND WE LIVE ON AND WHAT IT IS CALLED , YOU MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING , FROM HIS VAST KNOWLEDGE ON BLACK HISTORY AS HE CLAIMS , BUT THEN AGAIN HE MIGHT PLAY THE ” SELECTIVE AMNESIA ” GAME ON US AS USUAL , AND KEEP HIS KNOWLEDGE ON OUR DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS TO HIMSELF / THEY SAY KNOWLEDGE IS POWER , SO HE’S SAFEGUARDING HIS POWER FOR HIMSELF , MORD POWER TO BRO , HOPEFULLY ONE DAY YOU WILL BECOME OUR PREMIER OF THE HOLY LAND OF ENTITLED ONES • HE HÈEÈ
Authentic racism was manufactured in the mind of the European in the 1600’s.
To suggest that Black hate Blacks because of regional location is projection at best and ludercrust at worst.
Just another divisive tactic by the daily white prowler of this site, whose ancestors have successfully divided us.
What do you want now raco, more blood?
In response to “@Racist”.
The crux of the problem is not racism, but tribalism.
In response to the Roger Bennet “@Racist.”
I disagree with the notion that the problem is “tribalism.”
First, both the Black and white races had historical realities that have been classified “tribalism. And yes, such realities still exist all over Europe today.
Indeed, such is still practiced among the white race. For example, have ever seen the white people burn down homes of Black people in America, and create red lining laws to keep Black people out? That is tribalism. I could go on.
Have you seen one single of the hundreds of white people living in these islands ever live close to the local Black population? No, they do not, and that is tribalism and racism to the core. I could go on.
The “crux of our problem” is not tribalism, but regionalism, a reality that was deliberately created by the enslaver and colonialist, through his divide and conquer practices, to mentally separate and keep our minds conquered.
Unfortunately, there exist folk like you with twisted narratives about the Black man, of which seldom have any basis in truths or reality.
But you agree to and accept a white foriegner to run your country, law enforcement, immigration, customs and banks. Are you foolish?
Being “born here” is one thing. Being “from here” is another, yet being “of here” is another challenge to finalize. Breathe in Breathe out move on. Sickening now.
Said… not because you were born in Jamaica means you are a Jamaican.
Once said…not because you were born in Jamaica makes you a Jamaician.
The BVI better regulate its constitution as soon as possible before the mat get pulled from under you.Many are here with a dictatorship mindset, as to what the BVI should do, especially persons who came from independant islands. Many are chastizing the Virgin Islanders whereas every Caribbean island (locals)voice a since of entitlement/belong when matters arise.If the term “Indegenous” has to be changed in the constitution to another word then let it be. But please Virgin Islanders donot find yourself sitting to the back of the bus in your own Territory!