PHOTO OF THE DAY: Sitting in solidarity against direct UK rule
Against the backdrop of a crowd of protestors, a few government legislators and prominent civilians firmly sat across a section of Waterfront Drive preventing motorists from entering or leaving Road Town.
Their message was clear — the United Kingdom (UK) must not impose direct rule over the BVI.
That message was intended for UK Overseas Territories Minister Amanda Milling who is currently in the territory to meet with local officials to discuss that very possibility. UK direct rule was an overarching recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry report released to the public last Friday.
Following her arrival in the territory, Milling said in a statement released through the Office of the Governor: “I recognise that these are difficult times for the people of BVI. I am here to listen, and to understand. It is important that we are honest and open with each other when discussing the COI Report and the issues it has identified.”
She further said decisions are yet to be made on the report and the aim of her visit is to engage ‘as wide a range of BVI society as possible to get their feedback on how to improve governance in the territory, and discuss next steps for the British Virgin Islands’.
In the meantime, Deputy Governor David Archer Jr said in statement released moments ago that “a decision has been made to allow public officers — including teachers who wish to attend the March — to be allowed to do so with permission of their supervisors. This permission should be granted without significantly impacting the services delivered to the public or the safety of individuals in their legal protective care during the time period of the March.”
More to come.
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Let the corruption continue, that way everyone is treated unfairly and the Territory is the biggest looser!
Oh hush. There is corruption everywhere but why drop the hammer without given the majority the opportunity to address. When things run afoul in government in England do you see the Queen saying she will take control now especially in the recent times with Boris and others. The majority shouldn’t suffer for the failures of the minority. Give them the opportunity to address the recommendations and fix before this heavy handed approach.
You acting as if the recommendations brought up something new that our elected officials didn’t know. We had ample time, (Years and years) to fix our issues but we sat back and let it happen and now when it’s time to face the consequences all of a sudden we need time to fix the issues already known?!? Stop the nonsense. If people had cared they would of gotten up and marched long before. It’s like apologizing for a crime after being caught. You’re not sorry that you did the crime, you sorry you got caught.
These people are a national embarrassment, not one word about all the kids being killed with illegal guns, not a word about the millions lost to corruption and the rampant victimization, but they want the gravy train to continue so that they can continue to get the country’s money in their pockets, take a good look at the march and you will see it is 75% of people of the govt gravy train, please go sit down and give us a chance to fix the issues in our country, you’ve had 20 years of feeding like vampires, it’s time to give the country a time to recover
Technically the governor in charge of security but we ain’t see him say he going fire the commissioner now that crime rising and so many people getting murdered
take good photos of this lot – there’s one reason why anyone would look at recent events and reject a council of Bvi people to advise the Governor on how to put better structures in place, taking short term control out of a corrupt Government’s hands…
Astonishing!! Those hypocrits! Look at the thumbs down to the truth and facts. They truly have a natural aversion to truth and facts as applied to them.. Sad, very sa indeed!!
Sometime your journalism leaves a lot to be desired.
The comment above was directed at Stupps. The heading was written, @ Stupps.
However, and very dishonestly, the “team” took off the character @, too make it appear that Stupps wrote and submitted the comment. That is journal and intellectual dishonesty to the core.
This was done to continue to discredit the mmarches and to continue to facilate your propaganda to to retake the BVI.
Sad indeed, The purpose of the construction of this news site has been very clear for a long, long time now, but only a small few recognize it.
It has been recognize a long time ago that this site is not about journal, but propaganda machine stablished to push, influence psychologically affect the concrete aim of the Brit stablishment.
No know-it-all; Stupps is responding to their own comment.
Run them over.
No more handouts wahhhhh, no more contracts wahhhhh…..no more entitlement wahhhh. Funny how none of them marched after Irma. And now J W¡lson want the expats to join when y’all been victimized the same “islandman” LOL TORTOLA is not a real place LOL
District th Rep got no call in politics. Petty and lacks tact. Who would want to work with them with such animosity. That sign is a clear indicator.
Then you got the leech on the ground protesting after benefiting from the same corruption.
We already know Rep fulfills his name following anything.
As for Deputy Director of Airports Authority got no call there knowing the benefits of corruption reaped and influence and involvement in VIP’s campaign.
Would rather live with corruption than to give up what i now have to a people who have not contributed nothing, zero, nada, zilth, to my growth and development during and after they enslaved our ancstor to present!
Wold rather live with some corruption than give up my freedoms to a people whose sole aim is to come in and take all our resources and levers of control!
Wold rather live with some corruption than to go back to being treated as a third or fourth class sub-human.
I can say more.
Come to an independent Caribbean island and see true oppression and victimisation. Where you have to grovel and pay under the table to get work. You can’t go anywhere to escape because you need a visa. I wish I had a US or UK passport.
How dare he complain about the UK helping with all the corruption and mess if he is part of the problem? Documented in the COI he still dares to show his face? Incredible!
VIP protestors because they are worried about upcoming investigations!
Only now you want to march. What about all the time mothers were losing sons everyday. Spare me that rubbish please.
Oh No … My vehicle won’t stop.
lolololol….
6 id10ts in the road. Total ignorance and foolery.
thanks for showing us who you are.
I took pics of everyone there. easily ID’d
who da fk cares?
We know. If you and your kind had your way, you would brually put them back in chains, kill them, and or build and put them in horrific concentration camps..
tThanks for showing us who you truly are.
Emancipate yourself from mental slavery
Pure Irony.
Sista Joyce is a convicted …, who has served time in jail?
banks to close for audit and review for corruption.
Get your money out now before its frozen
I already did that. pulled my money out. teller told me i wasnt the only one and she worried
Stop tell lie
Unless your cash was obtained illegally then you have nothing to worry about.
Obviously the fisher folk and farmers are out at sea or plowing with the new tractors!
Get ya’ll backsides from the middle of the street. Go to work. I just want to state this protest isnt supported by all BVIslanders/citizens or residents.
Stopping traffic… with ya’ll crap. The parking lot is right there. Shoot man. Disrupt your day not everyone else’s with ya’ll nonesene. Big pony show.
Go down there and show your face “BVIslander” and tell them so. Let them know. Why are you blogging?
Everyone allowed a voice and free speech however the Small Minority making the most noise, rest of us ok with it as we are done with our tax money being spent on planes that don’t fly, walls that cost to much, and no transparency of where the rest of our money being taken, while fat Albert flying private jets to Miami to meet DEA and fly drugs and money….
@Umm… I am blogging because this is a blog? And the intended purpose the comments section is to leave comments? You do realise this right?
I am not going down there as do many who disagree with this (lol bless my heart) “protest” because I have common sense.
I dont need notarity through looking like an a** when we look back at BVI history agruing agianst ignorance next to theives (thats common sense). Ya’ll are looking for a show those who are opposed to this will not “come down there” because we have the best interest of this country at heart. There will be appearences made to fuel ya’ll stupid agenda.
NOT BE APPEARENCES*
You got that right!!!!!!!
They need to stop with this “We” this and “We” that too because the majority of us have morals and integrity and see right through their protesting agenda to continue to have their hand in and get perks from the cookie jar.
Totally agree with you. And they expect us to trust them in carrying the BVI forward? There were numerous other ways they could have expressed their concerns but they chose to obstruct traffic. If this doesn’t lay bare that the current administration cannot make proper decisions for the territory then I don’t know what else would.
UK let’s move forward as when we needed them they all stayed quiet. Now their mouth piece is in jail they all of a sudden can speak.
Not even 80 of them.
These wannabe legislators breaking the law, by blocking the street that taxpayers pay to keep open.
Take it over, tired of this. Don’t fight it embrace it, it’s going to happen regardless because it needs to happen, tired of all the bill that’s been taking place long before I was born. UK take it over! Change is a must. Nothing will change if this doesn’t happen.
Please inform yourselves, the British do not want to do this any more then we want them too, but they are obliged too as our government has gotten so bad and can not be trusted. Their only going to try and help sort out our issues and then allow an election.
We have prayed for this country continuously.
Whatever the decision we will have to accept.
My Jehovah has the final say
These people disrespecting hard working individuals trying to get to job. Me boss angry that I am late. You just want our country to remain corrupt. I sick of you all.
I saw the sign in the photo – ‘born free’. She obviously doesn’t realise the BVI is owned by the UK and such as she has a British passport and is a British citizen as is Premier Fahie et al – and such they are subject to British rule and law. So to all those people who want a criminal to run the BVI to show your loyalty with him please feel free to burn your British passports in protest – included Pastor Cline.
how a thief can claim legitimacy to an items(s), and, but, there is no documented evidence in existence that he/she owns his/he so called propretty legally… Wondering why the bridge is falling and the sun is setting?
“People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.” Kirkegaard
Are the police are taking photos of these people who are traitors to the VI. Did they get permission to protest? cos otherwise they are breaking the law.
The cr**ks in these photos break the law everyday so it’s just routine to them. Direct UK rule will change their routine soon. Just ask the BVI inmates in Miami!
What the people of this country wants and needs is a timeout of all the corruption incompetence and willfulness of the sitting and recent former Governments. The entire House of Assembly is a disgrace and this march and its leaders is about fear that their nephew might be arrested. People don’t be fooled we need a change where in two to five years time we will have a fresh people to choose from to vote for.
The British cannot fix the system and allow the house of assembly to exist. They will meddle just like they did with the coi to hide evidence or plain out refuse to give documents requested. The almighty will get us through this direct rule we are a resilient people and shall rise from it triumphantly.
The almighty is delivering us from the hands of greed of our own people. No longer do we have people in the House who represent the BVI people. Those bVI people who came forward to assist the COI in secret or otherwise to save their country are the heroes not some of these who are here demonstrating, half of which is afraid for themselves and their friends and family been arrested when the hammer falls.
It is people’s rights to protest and voice their opinions. However, this protest stinks and the legislators blocking the road in agreement with the protestors should be ashamed of themselves. Every protester there today have something to hide, or secure their benefits. So protesting for selfish reasons is almost criminal. God help the Virgin Islands.
All those folks there made money from the corruption, the governor should laugh in their faces as he calls in the u.k
They GOT NO SHAME OR CONSCIENCE SHOWING UP THERE AFTER BENEFITING AND BEING PART OF THE CORRUPTION.
Why don’t you march against all the stolen land some of your officials own?
March against the gun violence, abuse of authority in the government, march against the many times government leaders gave themselves salary increases and omitted the rest of the BVI.
Run their a** over.
All of your pockets were fattened by the same government thieves.
Instead, you take a stance for what is right look how you show your true colors.
Why were they not outraged, protesting, and campaigning against the people in power truly holding the territory down. They should be demanding the resignation of every living current and former member of the government. Along with banning can’t off them from holding public office or a government job.
They are all either corrupt, complacent, or too stupid to know the difference.
These legislators should be ashamed of themselves.Pretending that nothing is wrong.That tells me that if the uk allows them to carry on as usual there will be no change in their behavior.What example are they setting by blocking the street
We never had a voice before to be heard so why now ……..is forget y’all forget where y’all came from and treat people bad, now you being reminded and going backwards and vex……. God don’t sleep, the fight would have been real if y’all had just treat your people right
We all know why you all are there. Should I tell the people or let’s keep it between us. No I will tell them. You all sitting outside for your paychecks.
Y’all forgot y’all roots, and started acting like house slave against us so take what y’all get UK right
Join the USVI and leave the UK hanging. Colonialism divided our archipelago. Stand up for we the people!
Yep. Joint the USVI!! The DEA (the US Drug enforcement agency) cleaned up the USVI about 15 years ago. That’s why it’s looking so good compared to the BVI. The US goverment agents arrived and started prosecuting people!! So the BVI and the UK has the Americans to thank for catching f*t th**f Albert.
Join the USVI
What a turnout! A real plurality!
You’re fooling yourselves.
A turn out of a majority of people who have been part of the alleged corruption.
There is a reason all of these people want to keep the corrupt people in power and the corruption going. It is also why the rest of us want change.
I’ll watch this one from the sidelines. My expat backside not getting involved. When they were marching to not decrease the illegal 20 years to another illegal 15 years for permanent residency. Y’all were marching to keep breaking the law remember. The whole lot of y’all endorse corruption and illegality. Knowing full well the law days 20 years. Y’all marching for what suits y’all not for what is right.
You mean law says 10 years
OVER 2000 BELONGERSHIPS WERE GIVEN OUT RECENTLY, WHY WEREN’T THEY PRESENT AT THE MARCH ?????????????????????????
Because credibility and good standing is a condition of belongership.
Like very many others they probably want a chance to live in a country NOT riddled with corruption, illegal guns and drug running.
Let’s see…ya think it’s maybe because they have sense unlike the rest of them there looking like they are in support of corruption!
Because your government taxing the people when they sending money to their family. We don’t believe in corruption. Shame shame shame on the government. Let the UK CLEAN THEM UP.
You mean the now belongers they made illegally wait 20 years for belongership?
This is all well and good and important for people to feel solidarity over issues they feel strongly about. My only question is when is the protest against the corrupt government? None of these people protesting today lifted a finger to speak out about the cesspit that is the HoA. I would have thought that cleaning up government from the drug runners and money grabbers and their kin would of paramount importance. Or do we not care that our Premier not only is close friends with the kind of scum you would rather see hang, but he himself gets involved when he can. This does not concern anyone? Instead we are all upset because the UK is trying to get the island on its own feet?
Some people need to go for a long soak in the water.
Sam you lost your marble mehen. You talk lot of SH**
Wit the resorces that the police chief have how can he takle hezbollah?
It was our own that bring hezbollah to our door. We need to support the police chief in his new undertaking following the COI report.
You need to shut up Sam!!
Oh my goodness. im glad I didnt go to town today.
Im from here and after all that was EXPOSED yall should be ashamed to sit in the road.
Write a letter or protest on the side. This isn’t a vietnam protest. Stop inciting people! Leave this type of protest for unjust wars or killings.
Instead of protesting direct rule how about protesting the UK does a thorough job in rooting out the causes of gun violence in the community.
If you sat in the road or protested, you are complicit. Remember their faces. Imprint them on your brain and never forget.
We say “Stand for what is right!” I believe that God has really given us over to folly.
Good way to fill the potholes.
Why weren’t those who were sitting in the road arrested?
At this difficult time people in BVI should be aware of populism. Think of the UK recently, and the Brexit debate. A bus drove around the country promising vast sums for the health service if the UK left the EU – utter nonsense.
We will be hearing a lot of nonsense over the next 2 years in BVI. People need to wade through the morass. Elites that have caused damage should be dealt with calmly and in the full light of day. The UK is not the problem here, I think most of us know that.
In truth the problem, in very small societies, is that when damaging elites become entrenched it is very difficult to dislodge them, even in democracies.
The UK will press the reset button for BVI and a fresh start is around the corner. There will be a new, immaculate constitution with the proper checks and balances. Who knows, the UK may even press it’s own reset button, at the next general election there .
Yo need a more suitable material not schit
cline, you say you are a man of god, you should be leading a day or week of prayer for the territory instead of creating all this. those that are there making a fool of their selves are the ones that help our country come to this. shame on you all. y did you all not protest about the corruption and bad governance before it came to this. every 4 years we have an election and we change government for a better future. now you all have a problem with the queen stepping in to clean up her own country. its hers and we as bvi landers need to accept that and hope for the best outcome.
check the status of some of the people there making noise, they are status holders from the fast track.. i rest my case..
ah bunch ah sitting ducks
Nobody is co-signing any of the criminal activities or corruption that took place in the government. We accept nah and all UK assistance in fixing the problem. The problem is the UK that only they can solve the problem and that the only way to do so is suspending the constitution. We are willing to remove all the rotten pieces, strengthen all laws, close loopholes, lock up all the enablers and culprits. We can do so while working together. All don’t have to pay for the sins of the few.
The only one I am ashamed for is DeCastro. I really thought better of her. The rest, from left of pic to right, are dr………. DeCastro is a serious letdown. Sad
Everytime I see thst girl I cannot help but think what a cl**n …
These Elected members have a voice to chant against the UK but they are SILENT regarding release and findings of the COI report.
And they claim to be REPRESENTATIVES of the PEOPLE? Complete wastes ALL of them.
Can they tell us the report is wrong and there wasn’t corruption in their ranks. Can they tell us they stood up to the questionable decisions of their disgraced leader?
Completely useless, ineffective, cowardly and incompetent as political representatives.
If any had a shred of decency they would resign. Their very presence on social media etc chatting nonsense and ignoring their part in the mess is a slap in the face of responsible Virgin Islanders.
Listen, my friends!!! Do not buy into this narrative these jokers pushing about oppressors and colonialism. This territory needs some type of structure in place and the representatives we have are not working. PERIOD.
They look so stupidy sittig there. It’s too late to march & protest. Half these people just wanna be in ting. Prevention is better than cure and this disease has been allowed to overtake the BVI for too long. I welcome the change.
Andrew said he have someone who moves his guns drugs in BVI now tell me how many lives was lost by those guns how many lives now are in peril because of the drugs in they put in their system how many others living in fear not knowing what to expect.Pls UK for us do whats right dont listen to these cronies,as I saw so call elect.reps sitting in traffic today I hope they all get cold in the a**.& if I was.approaching traffic I would have mowed ya all down
Half of these protesters are crooks or those politicians allegedly aligned with Fahie. Patsy Lake, Cline, etc. where are their statements about Fahie arrest ?
Lock them up or proceed by summons.
In all honesty there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn’t there?
Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission.
How did this happen?
Who’s to blame?
Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again if the truth is to be told, and you’re looking for the guilty, we need only look into a mirror.
It is so latantly that at least 95% of the comments on this, and in this instance, are engine room constructed and likes or dislikes are well programmed to facilitate and push the proaganda.
Sadly, most BVIslanders are totally intellectually blind to the snake that is i their back yard.
You have got to be ignorant, bitter, blind to the reality!
The small number of people who showed up SPEAKS VOLUMES.
The rest of us have common sense.
Degrees really don’t reflect someone’s level of intellect.
These ppl are so dishonest. They knew if they showed their faces at Athea Scatliffe on Sunday not even half the the dismal 300 or so that showed would have showed up. They are nothing but thieves and probably afraid of the dirt Andrew can throw from a jail cell in Miami. They so low can limbo under a razor blade
You can bet your last dollar that once a camera is around some of them ready for the photo-op.
Two at large members sitting there I have not seen in my district since they were campaigning in the last election.
Now look, front and center.
The BVi really needs this change. To much unfairness, to much abuse, to much victi.s to gun crimes and non solve or the cases lost and criminals go home free. I welcome this change.The criminals in this country have more say than the good citizens. People who are not fit for job get the position Because of friendship. Uk come a sweep this pllce with your broom. Peopke pay attention. To much lawlessness for a small place. U have let dow. Your own. You are the slave masters of your ownself.
To the sign that says “we work for we money and have the pay slips to prove it” ask Ms.Lake where her receipts and copy of contracts? Yet ayo down there protesting with she
Lawlessness demonstrated
Lies told
Family and friends in on the 15minutes of fame action
Recipients of political favors
Cliques
Things to keep hidden
Unthought out myopic views
They set for a lifetime protecting how they got there
Self nominated leaders
why there are no expats there? where are they? you are the one who are getting our jobs. it’s about time for you help us fight UK. you owe us, geez!