Recent UN Mission to BVI came at perfect time
The recent visit by the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) to the BVI could not have come at a better time, according to Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley.
The mission, which took place from August 26 to 27 was described by the Premier as a significant moment for the territory as it navigates crucial discussions on self-governance and constitutional reform.
The C-24, which is tasked with monitoring and supporting the decolonisation of non-self-governing territories like the BVI, engaged with various stakeholders during its visit. These included government officials, Opposition members, and civil society organisations. The mission’s objective was to gather firsthand information about the BVI’s political, economic, social, and environmental situation, particularly in the context of its ongoing constitutional review process.
Premier Wheatley highlighted the historical significance of the visit, noting that this was the first UN mission of its kind to the BVI since 1976, during his grandfather Willard Wheatley’s leadership. “This is an important step for us, to help us meet our aspirations as it pertains to decolonisation,” Dr Wheatley said while speaking on ZBVI radio recently.
The timing of the UN mission is particularly pertinent as the BVI nears the completion of its Commission of Inquiry (COI) reforms, which have focused on improving governance following the 2022 COI report. The Premier expressed that the visit provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on the progress made through these reforms and to prepare for the upcoming constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom.
“This is the perfect opportunity for us to reflect on all the good work that we’ve done in reforming our governance to prepare for whatever additional steps we want to take towards greater self-government and towards decolonisation,” the Premier added.
Residents’ views recorded
Premier Wheatley further explained that the UN mission was not just about reviewing the territory’s status but also about engaging with the people of the BVI. He said the committee was keen to hear from residents about their views on the current political status and their aspirations for the future.
“Persons should understand that no one can take them independent outside of their own agreement,” Premier Wheatley explained. “There’s a very clear and established process for that. But we also recognise that we have mandates from the United Nations that we’ve signed on to.”
Dr Wheatley reiterated that the BVI’s status as a non-self-governing territory, which has existed since 1946, was always meant to be temporary. “We must be working towards something, and this is what we have to assign our minds to,” he remarked.
During the visit, the UN delegation, led by Chairperson Menissa Rambally of Saint Lucia, met with key figures, including the Governor, Cabinet Ministers, and members of the Constitutional Review Commission. The delegation’s findings will be compiled into a report that will be made public, providing recommendations to further the BVI’s decolonisation process.
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going to save US from ourselves / as the dude in Miami said “WE GAH DRAIN THE SWAMP FUSZ ” he left out , (But) ” WE GOT TO REPENT FIRST ” .
This premiere is really trying to trick us into going independence.we are not going to be fooled like the other caribbean have done in the past.
Exactly! His corrupt cronies that rule over the downtrodden, forced into criminality citizens of their own countries light his way and encourage a bunch of know-nothing liberal elites from the UN to ‘visit’ in the nick of time before the COI deadline. The slow one must think we’re as easy to dupe as he is.
Every generational BVIslander should aspire for self determination and decolonization. People act like decolonization is a bad thing. As a generational BVIslander, my hope is that the Virgin Islands can become an independent state but I say this fully aware that this is a process that will take years but we must aspire to this and be the ones to chart our own future rather than have anyone chart it for us.
Unfortunately, we have not done well thus far preparing for independence and we have not done well demonstrating we can manage our own affairs. Had we, our infrastructure would be in a better state. We had a good opportunity to discuss this when Mr. Doug Wheatley presented his report on the matter of independence but we were so comfortable with where we were at the time that we missed the opportunity.
We, generational Virgin Islanders have another opportunity to have some real discussions about decolonization and independence for this country of ours and we should avail ourselves of it. From Anegada to Jost Van Dyke less we will never be freeze as a country to chart our own destiny. Our forefathers would have wanted for these Virgin Islands. Why they Noel Lloyd and the other march?
This should not be construed as hate for the UK as our colonizer. The US fought colonization and won, if it didn’t it would still be under British colonial rule. That said, the US is itself a colonizer. Generational Virgin Islanders must seriously ask what future they want for our country.
3rd pillar working harder than ever in our NARCO NATION!
https://bvinews.com/cops-recover-firearm-gunmens-vessel-after-land-and-sea-chases/
https://bvinews.com/one-charged-with-drug-possession-following-reports-of-public-disorder/
https://bvinews.com/men-on-bail-found-with-guns-and-ammo/
You gotta stop thinking that stupidness that some same white oppressor is going to come to assist you with decolonization, the revolutionary politics has gone out the door with lavity stoute, they were able to guide him to a centrist politics or else independence would have been attained, stoute would have had to burn down government house and probably shed blood for that freedom, but these politicians now only want independence so that criminal abuse of the people money can go unchallenged, can you imagine how much more flying and partying and greedy bill would have been done if not for external over seers? I am never for white people supervising us, but can’t our black people do like white nations and stop steal the money and build the country for the love of their people and ancestors? This decolonization group that sowandie is having an o* over is only going to elongate colonialism in any documents going, the changing of the guards going forward always remain the same, he himself will become the oppressor of the people as his white colonial counterpart did, these visiting group must be having a hard on to see a leader of a country waiting for them to come lead instead, these strategic areas held by the USA, UK, France and other super power as they call themselves is for strategic purposes, if war etc, and they won’t relinquish it, not while they could corrupt our leader to be a puppet, lavity stoute had white handlers to calm his militant efforts, the queen pretended she loved him, sowandie step away from power and go into private life to build your nation, then you will have followers and influence to free your country.
Do a census right now and ask the voting public who wants you to have unfettered access to the government funds or if we want to UK to keep an eye on the “cookie jar”.
You will be surprised how many votes you will receive..
The Premier has me confused, maybe because he is also confused.
One moment he is doing everything possible to please the British and the next moment he is seeing how far he can flee from them in the opposite direction, maybe the problem is with me.
is not much time to decide anything. Seems like a quick beach trip for some city folk.
waste of time
Let’s work at getting rid of your crooked ways and bad habits and getting pictures of criminals from hanging in pride of place in the HOA.
About time the UK cut loose all of these OT’s for good.
Let them rule themselves.
Imagine a scenario where a powerful entity or nation sees the decolonization of British Overseas Territories as a way to weaken the UK’s global reach. By encouraging these territories to become independent, this entity could then step in to fill the power vacuum, gaining influence or control over key strategic areas. Additionally, if these newly independent nations struggle with governance, this entity could exploit the situation to secure favorable trade deals, access to natural resources, or dominance in regional politics.
Pros of Decolonization (in general):
1. National Identity and Pride: Decolonization allows the people of the BVI and other territories to fully develop a national identity, free from colonial influence.
2. Self-Determination:
The ability to govern themselves without external interference could lead to policies that are more closely aligned with local needs and values.
3. Global Standing:
As independent states, these territories might gain seats in international organizations, giving them a voice in global affairs.
Cons of Decolonization:
1. Economic Instability:
Many British Overseas Territories, including the BVI, benefit from financial and political stability under the UK. Independence could lead to economic uncertainty, especially if governance structures are weak.
2. Loss of Financial Services Sector:
The BVI, for example, is a significant offshore financial center. Independence might lead to changes in regulation, loss of credibility, or international pressure that could damage this sector.
3. Security Concerns:
The UK provides military protection and disaster relief. Independence might expose these territories to new security threats or reduce their ability to respond effectively to natural disasters.
4. Governance Challenges:
New governments might face challenges in establishing effective, transparent, and stable governance, leading to corruption or inefficiency.
Impact on Financial Services in the BVI:
– Loss of Confidence:
The BVI is a major player in the global financial services industry, particularly in offshore banking and company registration. Independence might lead to a loss of confidence among international investors and businesses due to concerns about the stability of the legal and regulatory environment.
Increased Scrutiny:
As an independent nation, the BVI might come under increased international scrutiny, particularly from organizations like the OECD, which could pressure it to change its tax and regulatory practices, potentially harming its financial services industry.
Regulatory Challenges:
Without the UK’s oversight, the BVI would need to establish its own regulatory framework, which could be seen as either a pro or a con depending on how effectively this is done. Poor regulation could drive away business, while effective regulation could maintain or even enhance the territory’s standing.
Impact on Quality of Life:
Economic Consequences:
The financial services sector is a major employer and source of revenue in the BVI. A decline in this sector due to independence could lead to job losses, reduced government revenue, and a decline in public services, negatively impacting the quality of life.
Loss of UK Support:
The UK provides significant financial support, particularly in times of crisis (e.g., hurricanes). Without this support, the BVI might struggle to maintain infrastructure, education, and healthcare services at current levels.
Potential for Greater Local Control:
On the positive side, full independence might allow for policies more directly tailored to the needs of the BVI’s residents, potentially improving quality of life if managed well.
While decolonization might offer some benefits in terms of self-determination and national pride, the potential risks, especially to the financial services sector and overall stability, could have significant negative impacts on the British Virgin Islands. The quality of life for residents could decline if the transition is not managed carefully, and the loss of the financial services sector could be particularly damaging. The hypothetical sinister motive behind such a push might be rooted in a desire to weaken the UK’s influence and exploit the resulting instability for economic or geopolitical gain.
This is a fool’s game if you ask me. How or who can “decolonize” what is already colonized? Colonization is inbred, left , right and center.