I understand why they call me ‘island woman’
Junior Minister for Financial Services, Lorna Smith, says she finally understands why some people have long called her an “island woman” — a term she once viewed as an insult.
Speaking during the constitutional review debate in the House of Assembly, Smith said reading the Constitutional Review Commission’s report helped her see that the sentiment stems from the civic pride Virgin Islanders developed after separating from the Leeward Islands Federation in 1956.
That pride, she said, made some residents wary of having their identity “diluted” by those without ancestral ties.
“It was only after reading this report that I fully understood why I grew up most of my life being referred to as an island woman or a garret,” Smith told the House.
“You see, the civic pride that Virgin Islanders felt having left that federation in 1956 — they didn’t want it to be diluted.”
Smith, who is a belonger but not of Virgin Islands ancestry, admitted she had always avoided the issue out of sensitivity. But she said it was time to speak openly about the need for inclusion, particularly in the rules governing eligibility for elected office.
Under section 65 of the Constitution, only persons with Virgin Islands lineage can contest elections. Smith said this narrow definition excludes many people who were born, raised and deeply rooted in the territory, including her own siblings and children.
“I am able to sit in this House because I was grandfathered under the 1976 Constitution,” she noted. “But what of my other brothers and sisters who, like me, know no other home? What of their children who may want to contest an election? What I’m saying does not apply mainly or only to my family. I’m referring to so many other families who share this experience.”
She reminded the House that belonging and contribution to the Virgin Islands should count as much as bloodline, pointing out that most countries determine eligibility based on citizenship rather than heritage.
She also urged that the Constitution be updated to reflect the realities of modern BVI society, where families are often a mix of ancestral and non-ancestral belongers. Narrow definitions of identity, she warned, risk dividing a small community that cannot afford internal fractures.
“There are persons among us who are using this definition of ancestral Virgin Islanders for divisive reasons,” she said. “Something that this community can ill afford. So where is this divisiveness taking us if not down a path of self-destruction?”
Her position mirrors that of Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn, who has also called for a more inclusive approach. The debate over ancestry has become one of the most divisive issues in the ongoing constitutional review.
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So she understands the issue, but nonetheless wishes to go against the wishes and aspirations of ancestral Virgin Islanders to be the ones to determine the course of their Territory.
Ancestors can’t help us today. Stop it. Some of y’all don’t even respect the living.
What the Honourable Smith has articulated goes to the very heart of why the United States, though one of the youngest nations, has remained among the strongest. Its strength lies not only in its economy or military might, but in its inclusiveness — and until the recently , to be born there was to belong there. That simple principle built loyalty and purpose. It gave people — from every corner of the world — a vested interest in the nation’s success and its well-being.
The fact is you will never care for something you are merely renting in the same way you will care for something that is your own. The same is true of countries. When people feel ownership — when they feel they are part of the fabric of a nation — they invest not only their labour, but their hearts. That is what builds greatness: a shared sense of belonging, responsibility, and destiny.
And indeed, our own story reflects this truth. Many who are today referred to as expats or belonger have, in fact, become integral to the development of this territory. They have contributed their skills, their ideas, and their energies to its progress. They have built businesses, strengthened institutions, and helped shape communities. In doing so, they have demonstrated that when people are invited to belong — truly belong — they will help build, protect, and uplift the place they call home.
Being born is within the constitution of the United States that will never change. The USA is only strong because it was built on the backs of black Americans. What people of the BVI sees of the US is only from what they see from the outside. Yes people are paid more in the US but the struggle is different. Generally there is a black understanding where if I see someone that’s black in American I give them a head nod. American is only strong on the multicultural values it provides and Economy is only strong cause it can print money and go into debt. The value of the US dollar is the only thing about America that holds weight.
Stop using Chatgpt to articulate your thoughts
Chat GP is smarter than that
That it’s not a BOT programmed to crawl the WEB for unfair negative reports and inaccurate articles about Hon. Lorna Smith and respond accordingly . Since you are so technically proficient
Do you also understand why we call you Delilah?
Point well made and received. Unity is better than separation. I was called these same names also growing up in the bvi for 35 years.
I was also treated harshly by people in my school and my home. I was made to feel left out and not appreciated all while contributing to others.
People should not berate and downplay the talent of others but I feel like that was done to me.
Appealing for change, for constitutional inclusivity is a noble cause, and I hope for success. Thank you madam lady and MVW.
She has made some valid points, but other than for self-interest, and those of her favoured cohorts, has not always acted in accord with them.
Lorna the people of this territory has been good to you and your family. And you all need to tell the history from the beginning. Talk about how Antigua was accused of suppressing and exploting the other countries in the Leeward islands federation.
The black Antiguans fled the country to aviod persecution of the white Antiguan Plantation owners and as a result they used the powers of Antigua been head of the federation to their advantage and disadvantage of Tolians and others in the federation.
Where Tolians rebelled and demanded that they be a seperate colony, where once it was granted other countries in the federation pulled out. However, no I dont support independence at this time.
BVIslanders have been good to alot of foreginers of all races and creed and to a large extent better than they have been to their own. But they have always make it priority to control their land and politics with no apologies.
Man it make no sense fighting among ourselves. Listen to yourself. So after Lorna mother live here for 70 years and then another generation from that bloodline live here for another set of years, you still talking about ancestors from timbuktoo land causing all this division. Why can’t there be equality once the requirement for belonger is satisfied? Why? What land is their to protect. Make it make sense. I am sure you are one who doesnt want independence because you don’t trust the politics. Change is inevitable. Please stop hurting the territory with this narrow minded backward thinking. We all going to die someday and leave it in shambles if we continue down a destructive path.
Where in the comment did it say anything about Lorna. Anguillans and Tolians especially the Hodges and Vanterpool are one people. Lorna’s mother was loved and respected by many .
It has nothing to do with what was said about the abuse of power. However dont make it look like BVIslanders are the villans in all this.
Antiguans and others have come here and make it their home while making contributions and derserve the rights and privileges.
But Lorna or anybody can’t get up and make it look like BVIslanders are the most vile persons towards foreginers.
The BVI has come from a cold pass where BVIsldnaders in order to hold on to their land ,independence and pride has had to sacrifice alot.
Some have been mistreated by their own BVislander.
We have two choices:
1. Continue to divide and suffer the consequences.
2. Unite and build a stronger , better country.
Which will you choose?
Despite the spirit of unity and remembrance that characterizes emancipation celebrations (that we in the BVI celebrate), this persistent and misguided narrative often emerges.
Okayyy…but does she understand why they call her a snake?
I really appreciate this piece, because it take plenty courage for Hon. Smith, Hon. Walwyn and now former political Candidate Misty Ellis Simpson to speak on something so sensitive. I’m sure these women lived through an identity crisis all their time. My two cent is that belonging shouldn’t only be about bloodline, but also about the people who live and raise their families in the BVI, and love these islands like their own. The Constitution need to reflect the BVI we living in today, not just the one from fifty years ago. Nobody trying to erase the heritage of BVIslanders by birth, but we can’t keep shutting out those who already belong by law and by heart. If we serious about unity and fairness, we have to fix the parts of the system that divide us. Traumatizing as the topic may be it will take strong women and men to do the right thing if not continue to waste time and war and see where that leads the BVI.
No foreigners ever develop a country.
The nationals develop their own country.
But today, the country is in the hands of men and women who see and use it as a money purse to becoming wealthy.
Despite what any was or is called, doo not negate that fact. if you are not a national, you work would have spoken for itself
The future of the country is looking bleak. Soon, it will be running huge deficits. It will then join the likes of Haiti and others in terms of monetary poverty.
The entire elected ruling people and classes are responsible and must be removed.
Hoping the voters will vote correctly and for new faces next time, and hopefully, they will not be thieves.
@And
“ no foreigners never developed a country “ please explain, don’t allow people to assume what you meant. There is a simple fact in BVI. All foreigners are people who worked,are workers, has retired through which contributions are made, those contributions are used in investments to develop the BVI.
There is one view that the 53 million dollars Jose Hill investment came from social security,money which was received as investment from the monthly contributions made. And while you might state it is all the working people contribute, expat are the highest percentage of workers in BVI. So those peopleq,has contributed to the development of the BVI.
While we continue to defend heritage and oppress Island man look at the state of our development and economy and compare it with that of the other overseas territories such a Bermuda, Cayman, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Isle of Man. We are far, far behind. Why, because we continue to stifle the energy and resources of the Island man instead of using it as a synergy to propel our growth and development. 30,000 people can harness enough resources, energy and expertise to develop a nation.
These countries do not just open their economy to all and sundry to be plundered but there is a strategic inclusiveness that synergize their growth and development that has put us to shame.
Yes, we boast that we have a high per capita income but look at our level of development. look at our infrastructure. I saw roads in Cayman that put us to utter shame with our donkey tracks. Let’s work together to build the country and put away this slavery mentality.
YOU SHOULD’VE NEVER BEEN ALLOWED TO RUN
lol! This is a ploy to be relatable
Moving beyond ancestral roots helps to:
1. Foster unity , understanding and collaboration
2. Stronger communities and greater social interaction
3. Enhances personal and professional growth
4. The economy grows stronger
The resentment, fueling and divide
1.creates systemic inequality
2. Fuel conflicts and instability
3. Perpetrates generational poverty
4. Stifles talents
5. Hinder social and economic progress
Is that what we want for ourselves as a CHRISTIAN nation for the generations now and this yet unborn?
I do not think som
Where’s our money stop hiding behind racial issues looking for sympathy.
As far as they are concerned that is water under the bridge.
You realise that no one, government or opposition is even speaking about this anymore. They do not care. Most are probably quietly saying to themselves, “it wasn’t me so what should I care.”
Persons have brought this lady on their radio programs. Have you heard any of them ask her to clarify the situation. Trust me, the only persons still concerned about this is a few of us.
Can you imagine what would happen to someone or even their company if they did this in the private sector?
Would that be the same USA that is deporting legal immigrants with illegal immigrants to hell scapes? Please the veneer has been pulled off of the inclusivity facade. The US is as xenophobic as every place else. Don’t be fooled.
IS – That why you are called – blondie – wigo – judge wiggie judge judas – pat – lb stealth – hmm and not forgetting the popular name you call yourself ” ” esteemed ” etc ) which seems to have gorne to your head / strangely your dad was from Antigua / which makes you a half breed and you acting like you own the country , with your set of racist narratives everyday / wah U smoking Bro ? hope it ain’t the white lady .
TO THE LADY FOR ENLIGHTENING THE PEOPLE ON WE HAVE BEEN BEGGING A CHICKEN TO ENLIGHTEN US ON THE HISTORY ON WHY WE CALLING NOUR CARIBBEAN BROTHERS SISTERS WHO WE SHSRE THE SAME AFRICAN ANCESTRY WITH “ISLAND PEOPLE ” BUT HE GETS SUDDEN SPELLS OF AMNESIA , BUT ONLY WANTS TO TELL US HISTORY FROM A MILLION YEARS AGO . BUT NOT OUR OWN HISTORY ( WE KNOW THERE IS A LOT MORE ON THAT STORY, BUT THANKS ANYWAY IT WAS NEATLY PUT .
I know this lady. The Bvi needs to be careful with persons seeking sits in the BVI HOA. They look out for their own people!
Dont worry…you are no longer called “Island Woman”. You are now Delilah!!! Please do not run for politics again. Thank you.
The only country in the Caribbean where you can get on a plane and stay 20 years and then demand to be included and be treated like its nationals. They have been included for 20 years, so make that make sense. Well I will break it down to one thing. If we go broke, which is where this young Government seems to be heading, will you stay and suffer along with us? Because after all you have another option, don’t you? Some of you have built your houses in your country of birth (or ancestral home) ready probably for that eventuality. You can go home again. We have one home and you are demanding two with the same level of belonging? Listen, we need to spend something else for a few years and see how many of you are interested in staying. Go to Antigua and Nevis and Jamaica and Trinidad with this same rhetoric and you might lose your head clean from your neck. Why can’t we just stop this nonsense. What else does Walwyn and Lorna want? Give me a break. All the opportunities that I have as an ancestral BVIslander they have. They need to stop this rhetoric. It is to garner votes and take control of this country, but it will not happen. Ancestral BVIslanders who have never bothered to vote will come down from the bushes for this because at the end of the day, if you are planning a takeover of this magnitude, it should at least be done in secret. And to think we paid to educate these people now they are saying we are better than you. Give me your country and bring my brethrens along with me. Come on. We need this devisiveness in 2025 when it is obvious this ugly world is soon to an end? Help to clean up the damn place and work on price control. Then you would be helping to do something for this adopted country. Nonsense. Only country in the hemisphere that adopted so many ungrateful people.
Belong here by boat plane or by association of blood line has its relevance since most if not all continue to thrive for a society to grow with national pride. That being said not very BVI islander can truly say or contribute to say the least I am a proud BVI islander because they are few even if it is said their actions speak otherwise.
Why would almost an entire movement of locals leave their island when a cultural event such as August festival is celebrated?
It is the opposite of other islands, people return home.
This is trivial to the host other things we observe.
I dont when people tearing down their own island.