Small anti-UK rule protests not representative of wider public — Governor
Protests held in the BVI recently may not necessarily have given a proper perspective of how the territory feels about the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report and its nearly 50 recommendations.
The two protests which immediately followed the report’s release were held outside Governor John Rankin’s official residence and were held largely in opposition to a proposal in the report for the partial suspension of the BVI’s constitution and the UK — through the governor — imposing direct rule over the BVI for at least two years.
According to Governor Rankin, those small protests – which included the participation of several elected officials and some prominent members of society – were not illustrative of the views of the wider public.
“With respect, there have been two relatively small protests. I’m not sure they’re necessarily representative of views across the territory. I’ve heard different opinions expressed on this matter,” the Governor stated recently.
Meanwhile, Governor Rankin insisted that both himself and UK Overseas Territories Minister Amanda Milling have both been listening to the cries of the people as they consider proposals made by the BVI government on the report’s recommendations.
“Of course, we have to listen to people, and that’s what I’ve been doing since the report was published and that’s with what Minister Milling, Minister for the Overseas Territories did when she came here meeting groups across the community,” Governor Rankin said.
Governor Rankin noted that people are entitled to hold their views and to protest but said no one that he has spoken to thus far has suggested that the changes from the report are not required.
“I don’t believe that those who are protesting against the possibility of partial suspension would argue that there have not been failings in the territory which need to be addressed very seriously indeed,” he added.
“Everybody I’ve spoken to recognises that things need to change quite fundamentally and almost everyone I’ve spoken to said they want the UK to help,” the governor stated.
Alluding to discussions he has had with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and Minister Milling, Governor Rankin said the only question that remains is not what needs to be done but how it gets done.
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So this man is of the view that we want the UK to take over our country? He cannot be serious. He really don’t know BVI people.
Partial suspension – the majority agrees
No, what is clear is that YOU don’t know what the people want.
Look at the votes on your comment, that expresses the views of the people.
And how do you know the identity or immigration status of the person/s who voted for or against his comment? Since you do. How many locals are in favour of UK Rule? Speak for yourself only, please.
Lola. As in We The People. Ha, ha!
Come on governor. Dont be like andrew and start with the untruths. You’re making it up. Democracy rules. UK rule is not democratic and is unnecessary. Stop playing the people for a fool. We know what you want but it is clear what is needed. Governance does not start with UK rule…slavery does. Time for everyone to stop with the shenanigans, get serious and figure out a way to work with the people even if it means getting qualified virgin islanders in place for two years and removing the current “i-have-no-proper-adjective-to-describe-dat-bunch”. The majority of the population is an educated bunch who can see, contrary to popular beliefs based on the incompetent government. Now let’s get to work!
we all know what this means. UK rule! It is needed to stop all the corruption.
The people don’t want any UK rule. They can’t even Govern themselves why would we want them to dictate for us. They created the scenario to make the recommendation of direct rule seem to be the best option for the people, they are ruthless, underhanded, and will stop at nothing to get what they want. Whenever I see their concern, attending events to show they care it just makes me remember slavery days as to what happened in Shaka Zulu’s time and all the things that happen. People learn your history and see what this is all about.
@Hah tell me where in the world has corruption stopped , in the big UK has corruption ,USA have it that is part of society its not right and it will never go away UK takeover cant stop it today or tomorrow
Well don’t listen too long; the UK is going to miss the boat, the longer the current government, which is deeply compromised, survives.
The present system is rotten to the core. It is incapable of improvement without radical re-structuring, during a suspension. Anything less is a shameful abdication of responsibility by the UK in the face of overwhelming evidence.
It is bad enough that we have almost nothing to show for the billions of revenue since 1984. Don’t let us settle in to being a lawless narco state.
Glad to read that the Guv is paying attention to ALL the BVI people. The small protests in early May were a joke. The weak protests under the guise of ‘anti direct UK rule’ were those people about to lose their free money from the BVI government like the fake pastors, corrupt HOA members, corrupt civil servants, corrupt contractors, landless farmers, boatless fisher folk, etc. etc.
Foolish,,
Ain’t that the truth….
If this thing coming ain’t one of we not going to march
Depends on how it coming.
The whites calling the UK direct that’s all
Governor you are a wise man. Now please give us a date when the UK would be rescuing us from this nightmare.
The Premier needs to inform the public on what basis he is negotiating with the UK when Andrew Fahie is still (a paid) member of the House of Assembly?
Now that Andrew is set to appear in court (July 18th), in the event that he is found guilty shortly after; the Premier needs to disclose if there would be a bi-election for the 1st district or we go back to the polls?
The UK is coming like it or not.
the protest represents the will of Virgin Islanders. We do not want UK Rule. Now should expats who are here today gone today determine whether or not we are ruled by the UK? I say no. Lets be clear. we all want reform and good governance. A collaborative approach is what is required.
He is waiting until Shawonde completes all the dirty work before he takes over
You wanna take a vote? No UK rule I thought we were clear on that.
Let the take over happen. Don’t mind the noise of the few, listen to the voices of the many and they are calling for change, calling for UK to do their take over for the next 24 months, have an election and hand it back to the winning party with added supervision for an additional 2 years or more. Clearly we cannot do it ourselves and clearly this newly form Government is trying to save their own interests and not that if the people or Territory. Stop wasting time, you already know what the people want and what the Territory needs. Let’s get it done, sooner rather than later.
@Fast asleep, You don’t know the BVI people, most people of the British Virgin Islands would love the UK to take over for 2 or 3 years. The only ones who don’t want it are the ones that benefits from the government hand outs and corruption. We should take a vote so we can shut people like you up once and for all.
So you see his motive while Nat kill his own people
What is he basing that on??? Did he take a poll of the voting public? Or is this just what the plan was all along??? #Self-determiniation #NoColonialism
Direct rule is not democracy…
Where is the lawful REFERENDUM of the VI people?
I do NOT want to know what you or others think. The INK of the VOTERS on the referendum papers SHOULD suffice!!!!
And that hybrid party led by the incumbent premier – you call that democracy? Who voted in him? Who voted for national
Unity? Don’t pretend we have democracy now.
Thank GOD!!!!!!!! You wearing your glasses Gov. We the silent majority stand with you!!!!!!
Well, I am definitely one of the fence when it comes to UK Rule. I am not for it and I don’t think that it is necessarily the right way to go. While saying that, I must admit that purging and weeding out the bad apples from the system is going to be difficult. It will be, but doable as the paper trail is there as our modern day politicians did as they pleased and in broad daylight. So let’s weed them out and go back to the poles and put in place proper checks and balances and allow the process to work. The people of the BVI are majority honest, hardworking people and can honestly handle the affairs of our country. In my opinion, we should have the opportunity to continue to run our own affairs. UK Rule on a temporary basis will just delay us doing this. Once the audits are done and we weed out and make an example of these bad apples by sending them to jail, others coming behind will stop and think before stealing from the system for themselves and their friends.
Agreed. But then is the costs. UK will pass on the GBP 3 mil and any other costs attributable to restructuring Government on to us. That’s a fact.
Why would the UK pass the cost of the COI unto the BVI when they have made it clear from the inception that they would fund the COI? You all need to stop the foolishness.
You sound like a spoiled child. You should know that there is no free lunch. If they “help” us sort out our bad governance issues they will give us the bill. Any way it’s our fault, by constantly voting in idiots into office rather than voting for actual talent and intelligence
3 million GBP….ooohh, however will we pay it????? Our government has spent a budgeted BILLION DOLLARS EVERY THREE YEARS for the past 9 years. Where is that money? In our Roads? In our schools? Water system? Electrical system? EDUCATION?
Where is the (almost) THREE BILLION DOLLARS our governments have spent over the last 9 years?
If the UK takes over and we pay only three million dollars to end the kind of corruption that has cost us so dearly, it is a GREAT return on investment.
Hmmm GBP 3 mil (plus) to get rid of these garbage politicians? Absolutely, if that what it takes. Given where we are. My point is did it have to get this bad.
My point isn’t to defend the BVI government or sound anti UK. It was purely to highlight that it could and should have been avoided by actually having half decent representation in the administrations over the past 4 decades or so.
It is also to highlight that it gonna cost us more than the US 8 mil that Slow Wande and his crew of dim-witts keep touting.
The ppl of the VI got no value from Withers and Silk and Geoffrey what’s his name. Not when the AG and Solicitor General are sunk costs and could have clarified legal questions during the COI, if they did not allow themselves to be mishandled by these dim-witts. Makes me wonder why do we have them to begin with.
How exactly do you expect to weed out the “bad apples” when it’s their fellow “bad apples” who are still in charge of the system, and the system encourages the “bad apples” (both current and future) to thrive?
No. One “bad apple” will continue to beget another unless the farmer comes in and throws out the whole barrel. Nobody wants direct rule, but in this case, I don’t see any other way.
Everyone should look at the problems and corruption in the UK and everything should value our sovereignty and not wish it away because voters made poor choices. Hold your politicians accountable and vote wisely. UK rule is a step backwards. Just do things right… stop looking for a Nanny to step in and do it for you. The people need a vision, their own vision… not a ring in their nose to be led by.
Google “corruption in UK government” before you bring in the corrupt to reform the corrupt.
The old they have corruption there so we demand the right to have it here arguement. Why can you not see there can be a better way the the VI can have it. Why would you not want that? But right now it will take UK help to bring an end to past habits.
This Governor is pretty perceptive and he reads these blog posts. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Even if Slow Wande doesn’t.
If given a choice, you really believe ppl would choice Slow Wande and this so called Unity Government after years of watching these two administrations make stupid decision after stupid decision.
These protest are noting but the establishment, who have prospered under the VIP administration and some under the NDP administration, trying to drum up the actions of gullible ppl who have not read the COI report.
First of all Noyone voted for you Slavernor.Secondly its Hickinbottom is who recommended direct rule who is on your racist team.thirdly if you and non elected amander thought the protest was small because work,businesses etc got in the way then yall will see a more impressive demonstration if Hickinbottom direct rule was to take place.fourthly its been years now yall avoiding REPARATIONS.nuff said
Prove that the uk is clean before imposing direct rule Slavernor.
They own the BVI. The BVI doesn’t own the UK. Hence they have nothing to prove to us.
Own which bvi,no white bwoy can own me.do you even know your history with these people.Reparations pls,nothing less.
I was not in favor of a full take over. But when you see and hear of all the names in high positions who are still in positions or even suspended it is of great concern. Who do you trust? Who CAN be trusted? I am greatly concern and I have to agree with the governor much as I don’t want to. I don’t think I have choice right now!
Who will want a return to colonialism? No BVIslands want a return to colonialism.
Happy to see that the Governor is keeping his eyes wide open. Nothing has changed since what was done in darkness came to light not too long ago (COI REPORT/ARREST OF HEAD COACH). The silent majority of the elected officials are all guilty by association and by keeping their traps shut when they needed to speak out and represent us, the people. How come they have now ‘united’ and think they have pulled the wool over our eyes? Give us a break! We ain’t that stupid.
Why was that man called upon as a consultant to look into self governance? Were we called upon to hear our views? Is that what we want? Hell, NO!! We can barely crawl as it is now.
Why are we not privy to the reformation proposal sent to the UK? After all, it concerns US!!
Too many bad apples need to be weeded out. For too many years the people we chose to represent us have been digging our eyes out of our head. This needs to stop.
Wipe the slate clean; stop the popularity voting and the favoritism voting; stop the corruption, the abject dishonesty, and the ‘isms’ (including nepotism, cronyism); let the suckers paddle their own canoes instead of feeding on the nipples of the taxpayers’ hard earned money.
How some of these cluelessness jokers are able to sleep at night is way beyond me. They are preventing our territory from progressing.
Let us clear up this festering mess and start all over again.
Mr. Rankin please stop planting seeds of division among our people. As a leader you should know better. Don’t start things then try to make yourself look like a Savior. We know what a Savior looks and acts like and it’s not you. Furthermore, exactly who are the people you have been speaking with. Please tell us. Hmmmm. Because we the majority of the grassroots people can’t even see you. Please stop playing tricks with my people minds. They are wiser than you think. Stop looking down on us.
@UK Rule, You know all that garbage you are taking won’t happen, the best thing right now is UK rule because it will take a while to find good people who are interested. All of you who are talking about the UK going to this and that you should read how it went down in Turks and Caicos. Nothing at all like what the protesters are saying, Read it reading is always good for the mind.
Mr. Rankin you are truly something else. You came to this country over 2 years now and you embraced mainly the same color as yourself along with the closer to you. And you frown on the majority color that don’t look like you and sat quietly by while the Government under the former Premier imploded and did absolutely nothing for the much darker coloured people. It seems like even dog better than we, in your eyes because you are honoring a Guyanese Dog carer with special honors that true unsung heros who live here and did service for the people in the community out of love and affection(selfleas service). Is that the type of leadership people deserve. I pray not. ?
People open your eyes he is not for us. Look a little closer. Be wiser than they have you to be.
You only need to look at the people protesting direct UK rule, weren’t they the same individuals protesting back in 1968. And look who made millions with owning the most prominent plots on Wickhams Cay.
Heaven had a bad apple named Satan, he was thrown from heaven into the earth and he is here corrupting the earth, if you cling to God and follow His ways we will be better off, the foundation of our success will have to be LOVE. Do not follow our so called men of the cloth, let Christ be our example.
A survey is needed to truly determine that and an analysis of the demographics. There have been times when ” blogs” have been misleading because of the bias of the news sites or bloggers with an agenda constantly post to skew perception on a particular issue.
We need a referendum on UK direct rule. Only voters should be allowed To partake though.
All kind of people who have an axe to grind with Virgin Islanders are calling for UK ruke and Governor Rankin is saying that the majority of Virgin Islanders are in favour of A UK take over. UK came out of BIXIT and now turning to and on the Territories. What UK is doing is wrong it has nothing to do with any corruption. UK is only pushing that narrative because it will make them look good. There are more corruptions in Uk. They are using the big stick philosophy on us. All those Uk bloggers and hands up when they blog is not a true representation of what Virgin Islands want. One person can hands up or down on many phones. Stop insulting our intelligence. Let the registerd voters vote on it. That is democracy.