Mather calls for referendum on self-determination
At-Large Representative Stacy “Budda” Mather has called for a referendum on greater self-determination for the territory, stating that the people should be allowed to decide on the matter amid ongoing government advocacy.
Like his predecessor, former Premier Andrew Fahie, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley is a passionate advocate for greater self-determination that would give elected leaders more autonomy over the territory’s affairs.
However, during the July 31 sitting of the House of Assembly, Mather insisted that a referendum should be held, noting it was a promise made by the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) during their 2023 general election campaign.
“There is much to be said about a people who fought for their freedom and are able to celebrate it. But there is a lot to be said about a people who want democracy,” Mather said passionately. “Premier, where is the referendum for self-determination?”
He added: “On page 16 and 17 of the VIP manifesto 2023, it says they will lead us to self-determination and I’m not against it, I’m all for it. But it was the voters who put us in here so we should receive their vote before we go ahead. All that background work, I love it but it can’t educate our population. That’s why we have so many differing opinions.”
Earlier this week, at the annual Emancipation March and Celebration Service, Premier Wheatley renewed his call for an end to colonial rule in the Virgin Islands, urging residents to prepare for full self-determination as the territory continues to redefine its relationship with the United Kingdom.
While many agree that the territory needs more control over its internal affairs, several sections of the public remain opposed to increasing powers for elected leaders, citing concerns about corruption, crime, and a lack of transparency in the BVI.
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Can the Hon Minister say if the word ‘BRITISH’ be removed from the country place name upon gaining independence before becoming the Chinese Virgin Islands?
@ CVI. British is not part of this countrys name. Go read your constitution sir/Madam.
The Constitution is simply a British statute, enacted by their parliament. It’s implied.
Independence with what? nothing, but rocks and cays.let us not make the same mistake like our Caribbean neighbors.
With that lot parading the headlines today, it has become glaringly clear that the VI’s is heading down fast…
They will raise the taxes, the trust companies will be gone, there will be no more help from the UK in the case of emergencies, and our cost of living will go much higher than it is right now. Import taxes will go way up, and who the hell the government thinks they are to try and make a decision like independence for the people of the British Virgin Islands. We will see a lot more crime and that will turn over night tourist away the government will be forced to get their money from foreign countries or tax us to death.
No to colonial minds and those who view Black people as having no humanity, value or worth..
What if some people begin their discoure title with, “No to Ukers.”
Meanwhile, some do not appreciate anyone asking for a colonial and enslaving brutalizing UK powere to come back inand take over the lives of the Black folk of this territory.
It is disrespectful, disgusting and RACIST!!!!
It is a well known psychological truth that the pale skinned man is a very freckle, frickle thin skinned abhorration.
VSIA waiver soon gone and only thing we got left is the UK Esther which is cheap and fast. liertally done online…… well we salt just now. going be the next santo running to usvi illegally after fighting for our “freedom” lol
plus usa wanan do 15k bonds now for visa! licks!!!
Of course the People should decide.
Or is this not a Democracy????
everything else is hidden from public eyes or swept under the table.
it should not be up to a hand full politicians to decide without asking the people that they are supposed to work for.
There’s so much we have to do b4 being able to go independent. We don’t have standards, accountability, customer service or fiscal discipline. We can’t solve murders. We have weak administrative services. A culture of marginalization and several disjointed communities in our small territory. No cultural priorities or development plans. Living here it is easy to see why the thought of independence scares people. However it should be the goal, and we know that, but we are not ready.
HEY EIGO ( EVERYTHING FOR YOU IS RACIST ) WHY DON’T YOU KEEP YOUR NARCISSISTIC RACIAL NARRATIVES ON YOUR YELLO SITE, YOU ARE BORING , WHY YOU ” HALF BREED ” DIDDY WIGGIE LOVE TO CREATE SO MUCH DRAMA ???
It is said that some as such have a pig butt and intestines for brain.
Stop it leave Cindy alone she has no wig her hair is real she loves whites she goes with you a white boy
Uuhhh, how distasteful and RACEVIEW DANGEROUS.
WE ARE SCREWED ALL THE WAY ROUND.
His evils to and for us are done by us to us today, and he will just sit back and watch destroy our selves.
Open your eyes ,see abd acknowledge that these VI now inder the weight of Black foreign entities with nothing to exchange but crime poverty and reversal of morals and human character,that which has been our sustaining resource,that which
has enabled our
growth,the envy and desire of the neighboring countries.
Black
The mere fact that these VI has chosen to propagate a different and new community and population with the worse and predictable
Destroyers of a country is evidence that we are far from ready for self determination unless that determination is to further self destruct.
The irony that Premier claim to be fighting for our “freedom” but don’t want to give us the freedom to decide is crazy. Up and down talking to the UN and the uk government advocating for it and we can’t get a referendum to at least have something to show that this is what the people of the bvi want. It just come like he want to be the slave master with nobody able to tell him nothing.
It is Crystal clear to see that this current Premier would like to go forward with Self determination or independence without the People’s input. listen carefully to his narratives and figure it out for yourself. If this Premier could do it by himself we would have been there like Yesterday. I listen to him closely and it reminds me of a Trickster. No Independence nor Self Determination with this present VIP Government. Maybe a New, Honest, Transparent Group But Never the present one.