Independence referendum could be a trap — Troy Christopher
Businessman and political commentator Troy Christopher has raised concerns that an independence referendum could be used to trick the Virgin Islands into giving up rights that are already theirs under international law.
Speaking on the radio programme Honestly Speaking, Christopher emphasised that Virgin Islanders already have the right to self-determination as a recognised people under international law, and any move to reaffirm that through a referendum could be dangerous if not carefully approached.
“You have already been recognised as a people, a grouping, internationally,” Christopher stated. “And the land that we live on belongs to the people of the Virgin Islands. That is enshrined in international law.”
He argued that putting a referendum on the ballot without careful consideration might risk giving away what belongs to Virgin Islanders by right.
“The trap is whether or not you have right to your land as a people,” he warned. “If by referendum it means that we don’t have any right to our land and automatically that means integration, then we would have fallen into the trap.”
Christopher called on citizens to be vigilant and educated about their rights.
“This is the problem you have when you enter into partnerships with countries that don’t recognise these democratic principles,” he said, referencing the UK’s position as the administering power under the current constitutional arrangement.
Christopher’s comments came amid growing debate in the territory about the United Kingdom’s recently published 10-year plan for the BVI, which outlines development goals and oversight provisions. The plan has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including all 13 members of the House of Assembly, who expressed concern over the UK’s approach and lack of local consultation.
Also appearing on the programme was Bishop John Cline, who agreed that the time had come to formally plan a path forward.
“I believe that a focus group that’s dedicated to charting that course needs to be identified… for education of the general public,” he explained. “What’s at stake, where did we come from, and what does the future look like?”
Cline supported the idea of a referendum but stressed the need for proper education ahead of any vote. “Let us set the timeline… and bring our people along, answer their questions, and address their concerns,” he stated.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has previously signalled support for holding a referendum on independence by 2027. However, Christopher has now challenged leaders to clarify what the ballot would include and ensure that Virgin Islanders are not misled into making a decision that could compromise their sovereignty.
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Can’t see you getting away with that little scam Gentleman, you’ll have to let the education standards drop further ( I’m not at all sure they could) to convince our electorate to trust you with the whole cookie jar.
Sounds like you are someone determined to take away the rights of the people to decide that is enshrined in the UN charters.
The trap you are referring to is that you the elite do not get to decide for everyone else. And that if that happens you will not get your way.
You are the trap.
The people of the VI decide if they want they want for the Territory and Independence is only one of several different possibilities. Not you and your “focus” buddies.
Where is our 10-year plan? Perhaps if we had one, the UK would be able to integrate ours, but in the meantime, they have done their duty, the duty our politicians have failed to do – to at least have some sort of a plan to be prepared to provide for us in the future.
Amen.
Only by way of an independently conducted referendum can the territory communicate to the world that a democratic country would be created by way of the transition of power from the Crown to the people. In addition to looking out for any games being played by the Crown we also need to be vigilant of an elite nationalistic (and highly facist) class of people in this place. Freedom wouldn’t come as easy as Troy would like for you to believe. Like the most interesting man on earth from the Dos XX commercial would say, Stay thirsty my friends.
Finally someone is thinking.
A referendum which failed to allow resident foreigners to vote would be unfair. Those resident foreigners pay taxes and have a stake in the outcome of a referendum on further devolved powers or independence.
There could be a qualification period as with jury service, which I believe is 10 years residence in the BVI.
and after independence who will protect the Virgin Islands? We have no military we have no navy our police force comes from other nations, customs is corrupt , hell even our last Premier was at it looking for the quick payout to finish a house.
law school did this ‘businessman’ graduate from???
Who ever provided his dubious legal education should cancel his law degree!!
I believe he means the plan push for independence is actually a push for having less rights.
The people chanting independence by 2027 do not recognize the rights we all have in 2025.
Sir, why all this fearmongering? Do you know why the official name of this place is “The Territory of The Virgin Islands”? Do you know whose territory it actually is? Why would you want to deprive the general populace of a referendum to determine their future? FYI, a referendum was held in the Falkland Islands a couple years ago and they voted overwhelmingly to remain British! And to all those of you who are clamoring for “Independence”, take a look around you and see what’s going on. You import everything! Your entire economy is based on two of the most volatile and vulnerable industries there are, yet you are trying to force self-determination down the people’s throats. What are the bread and butter issues? You import EVERYTHING! Some of you are so giddy with your power aspirations that you are unable to see further than the tips of your noses.
And while you are it, would you please list some of the rights which Virgin Islanders will be “tricked” into giving up if they are allowed to vote on a referendum?
What I suggest you do is educate the ignorant masses; meet them in public forums and put all the cards on the table; let them know what is at stake. Explain to them what the rights they are likely to lose are, answer all their questions in layman’s language so they can have a clear understanding of what the options are and they can make balanced decisions.
Hush slave house negro. Go back to the trenches and clean your masters mess.
Duplicity hypocrisy idiocy. What a mess! These jokers can’t be serious!
It could just be a very cunning plan!
Last week self I was telling someone that the few who calling for bvi to go independent going soon try to come up with a plan to avoid a referendum and deny the population a choice because they don’t think they got the numbers on their side. If they thought they would win they would be calling for a referendum every chance they get.
Neocoonialism is the act by the forme colonialist, and ignorance by the current populace will see these lands and people faces buried forever in the mud and filth and whims of the colonial masters.
Even a fool would not jump in an ocean with dangerous sharks.