I’m not pushing for BVI’s independence — Premier
Although he is a huge proponent of BVI’s self-determination, Premier Wheatley has categorically stated that he is not pursuing independence for the BVI.
At a recent press conference, the Premier gave a report on his recent visit to the United Nations, where he called for global backing to help the BVI to escape Britain’s Order in Council, which threatens to take power away from elected leaders.
After the Premier’s report, political commentator Cindy Rosan asked him, “who has given you the mandate of independence for the territory? Was a referendum held to determine the direction the people would like to go?”
In response Premier Wheatley said “no one has sanctioned independence for the territory.” He said his efforts are aimed at self determination, which does not mean that the BVI has to become independent.
“Self-determination means you have no longer placed yourself in a colonial situation and you have options — independence is just one option,” Premier Wheatley explained. “You have the option of being in a free association with another independent state or you can be integrated into another state. I am not in a position to impose independence on anyone. It can only be done through a referendum.”
At the same time, Premier Wheatley said the BVI community must face the reality that territory cannot remain under Britain forever. He said being a territory was never meant to be a permanent option for the BVI and added that residents should be thinking about the next steps in the nation’s political advancement.
“You cannot stunt your growth, you have to be moving towards something. What we need to discuss as a territory is what we will be moving towards. We have to mature and we have to grow up as a group of people. We cannot remain a colony of the United Kingdom. We can continue our relationship with the UK but it will have to be as equal partners,” the Premier added.
While many agree that the current relationship with the UK doesn’t often serve the BVI, there is still a popular sentiment that elected leaders aren’t fit to lead a more independent nation. Residents believe they have much work to do in order to be more transparent and accountable. Others also fear that political victimisation would increase if the BVI were to leave the shadows of the UK.
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We are awaiting the registry of interest to be implemented. Do you have property in hawks nest? Was it family gifted?
UN, do NOT listen to him at all! The threat of the UK Order in Council is the only thing that saving us from this vile government. They expect to do wrong and get away with it. The fact that it came to this tells us how drastic the situation truly is on the ground. The longer they fail to implement the basic recommendations for good governance, the more they are proving themselves as what we know them to be…totally inept! Frankly, I am glad there is something in place to control these out of control criminals that they refer to themselves as leaders. Please instead ask Sowande why the bloody hell he can’t just do what he has to in the requisite time so that the order can be removed. He is the one who negotiated it. Is it because he is completely incompetent, maybe he has zero intention to instill values that promote good governance, or maybe he just has blatant disregard for the interests of the people. This man trying to become a god and if you allow it, then the people will blame you. The UK has it under control. Don’t why why this one always running to complain to you (UN). A child. Zero diplomatic skills. Looking deals in Monaco but can’t even make the best of the relationship with the UK. A JOKE!!!!!
Is what has continually stunted BVI growth and well he knows it.
The Premiere advocates for self determination but is not pushing for independence. That’s BVI education right there.
The first thing that he needs to understand is that “he” can’t push for anything until “we” The People give him that directive! A referendum must be held! He didn’t speak for us until we tell him to. Thus is where these elected civil servants go wrong. They greet high and mighty and think they are unto themselves and that we are looking to them for divine wisdom. No! You are there to serve us! I even stop calling them leaders. They are simply legislators and nothing more.
Obviously the Hon Sl**man did not accidentally meet up with anyone at the UN who seems willing to entertain his diatribe.
Please sir,stop trying to fool us the people.you well want it.right now,independence is not being progess,it’stagnanttation.ask the other Caribbean islands.
He can’t understand the difference anymore.
we dont want independence we want PROPER LEADERSHIP not a man who thinks with his d**k
Natalio Wheatley you remind me of a * in the grass can’t be trusted you even have the look.
Obviously he isn’t pushing for independence. To do so, you actually need to have a working plan. This guy, our infamous leader (sl** Wande – the Sl**est Premier we have ever had) doesn’t have one; eventually though he figures it out even if it takes him a 100 years after the fact, he will get to the bottom of it
Why not get like the Dutch Caribbean method? Independent countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands? We have to be honest these islands are too small and not one wants to give up their privileges….or citizenships.
What Froth this man speaking
He thinks with his Duck?!?!
Don’t be so Rude, SMFH!
That’s not necessarily true but I do understand your point.
Be steadfast in advancing by taking immediate steps to change the currently self imposed predictably disastrous demographic of these Vi.
It was engineered by a morally corrupt now exPremier, for his sinister workings and personal economic largesse and who is,currently imprisoned / house arrested and awaiting triaI by the US Federal Government.
With the too large and dominant population of imported poverty,semiliterate,fatherless,criminals and ex criminals the future is certain economic and social suicide.
Change is urgent!!! The Caribbean does not need another poverty basket. Be the Change for good. BVI along with their future generations deserves to be happy and wealthy in their country.
Be the Change. ADOPT THE MONACO MODEL.
Hon.Premier: Thank you first the explanatios and clrifiation on the touchy topic.
Second, many have issues with your political management and financial hygiene, among other leardership issues.
However, on this one, your comments reflect understanding of the issue short and long term. And for those, i appreciate and respect your positions.
Last, our people, on account of lack of reading and knowledge acquisition, are still viewing this issue through emotional and physical lenses, unfortunately..
Indeed, then, some efforts should/must be made to further educate and open up the “know hows” of this sensitive but critical issue facing us.
The general electorate and public are ignorant of the far reaching options and other that is available.
Thank you for the informed response.
Exactly! The same way a sick-out and a sit-in is NOT striking. The man * so much he even l**ng on the meaning of words. He sounds like he would argue that something is a ‘rock’ but not a ‘hard place’. Truly baffling.
I know everyone is beating up on Sowande but remember there are 487 people who voted for him and that is why we have him as the Premier. That and of course the other One.
There are 487 people slower than Sowande it would seem. Or maybe smarter as it those 487 people who have now decided the future of the VI. (Them and the other one.)
Don’t forget this the same one who try to make it seem like ‘single source procurement’ is not the same thing as waving the tender process.
Why do we continue to bury our head in the sand :
1. We cannot protect our citzens . A witness with police escort ambushed in broadday light – Officer defending with a baton against gunfire – What a joke – Independence you say
2. Locals afraid to join the Police force ; Locals afraid to work at the prison- a guess ( 85 %} outsiders – What a joke – Independence you say
3. Nurses and other health workers over 75% outsiders – Independence you say
4. Look at the wars springing up across the globe – Where does our food chain came from – We do not live in a bubble – Independence you say
5. What are we doing to be proactive – running to Monoco – Independence you say
6. If we cannot import drinking water, what is our alternative – Independence you say
7. Parents feel unsafe sending children to the one government high school – Independence you say
8. Increase in crime … Governor watching back leaving Premier and security members to take the lead Why!!
8. The UK is giving the government enough rope to hang itself to enact the Order of Council in December . Watch out !!
We are sick of your constant diatribe against the UK. It is tiring.
You do, you will live here by yourself.