UK doesn’t want BVI independent, says former Montserrat Speaker
Shirley Osborne, a former Speaker of the Montserrat Legislative Assembly, said the United Kingdom (UK) does not want to see the British Virgin Islands and other UK Overseas Territories (OTs) to become independent.
“I think the British government does not want these islands to be independent. We are of value to them,” Osborne told 284 Media in a recent interview.
Many critics have argued that the Commission of Inquiry showed that much corruption was uncovered in governance and have suggested that the BVI may not be ready for independence.
Bad politicians are everywhere
But Osborne, much like Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, disputed that notion. “In every single country, there are bad politicians. The system that was left to us in the Caribbean by the British is a bad system. It breeds what we are seeing now, that’s part of the problem.”
Osborne said the BVI covers its recurrent budget, is no longer dependent on grant-in-aid, and can therefore pay for itself.
The grant-in-aid arrangement between the BVI and the UK historically involved financial assistance from the UK government to support specific initiatives and development projects in the BVI such as enhancing infrastructure, public services, and economic development in the overseas territory.
The former Speaker argued that if the BVI needs some money for infrastructure, it can now borrow that money against what it is earning.
“So the idea that we have to have some big country protecting us is what we’ve been taught and that’s why we have this back and forth and this disagreement amongst ourselves,” she shared.
She argued that if the UK manages to take away the economic strength of its overseas territories, then they (the OTs) become vulnerable and dependable.
“I think that we are perfectly capable of administering ourselves,” Osborne stated. “What it boils down to is a matter of economics. And that was the real bitter pill to swallow in Montserrat.”
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Please explain what “value are we to them” just throwing out comments without explanation or back up is nonsense.
Economically, Strategically, Geographically etc… Remember we were only to be a bird sanctuary to them
Economically: No value to the UK at all only a cost burden. UK tax payors meet the costs of the DCO / Governor’s Office. BVI tax payors pay not one cent.
Strategically: Hard to see how this small archipelago has strategic benefit (there being no mineral resources, mass labor resource or similar)
Geographically: Do you know that those islands of St Thomas and St John are American? You think UK might want to invade one day? You think China or Russia might try to??? Get out of town, you are talking nonsense.
What the UK has is a colonial legacy and duty to support these islands and their peoples towards their own definition of independence or free association or however they determine is right for them. 65 countries have become independent from Mother England: no-one in UK will give a hoot if BVI does or does not become independent. If anything, most British people would like to see all the remnants of empire removed. BVI has become an international by-word for corruption, drug trafficking and tax evasion, do you think your average working class British person will be sorry to see you leave?
The Falkland Islands, with significantly fewer resources than the BVI, they opted for military intervention. Is it a matter of pride, or is it a pursuit of dominance? We should not deceive ourselves into thinking that we hold no value to them, and their actions are purely altruistic.
Er… what? The Falkland Islands was invaded by the then fascist government of Argentina, and the British used military force to liberate the islanders. Nothing to do with pride or dominance – a matter of human rights. If the Falkland Islanders wanted to be Argentinian or independent, the British wouldn’t stand in their way.
UK policy is to actively encourage independence of the overseas territories.
Stupid question to ask what value the BVI is to the UK. You might want to ask that of all of them that are here. The ones who want all the rights as Virgin Islanders. They want the ability to go to any OT and do as they want. Slavery is still a real thing. We must still work HARD to make THEM comfortable.
We have nothing in common with the majority population in the UK. At the same time, we don’t want to become an independent little Haiti and having to listen to endless waffle/talk from CARICOM/OECS.
The USA freely allows us to use their dollar, and the USVI gladly arranged visa free access on our VI passports. Seems logical that we should ask to join our brothers and sisters in the USVI. I’m sure the UK would arrange this for us as a parting gesture.
Military positioning value to the Anglo-Saxons? Hmmmm?
LFMAO ROFL
How can you need assistance while wanting independence.
What value are you talking about. England would be so happy to slash the Overseas Territory office budget. What she doesn’t understand is that Aid or no aid we are still an expense to Britain and one thing they don’t like is expense. They would be more than happy to push us out the door. Have we aver seriously asked for independence? No, because we know within ourselves, we are not ready for that yet. Are we taking steps to get ready. No! We only gripe when an issue comes up that we do not like but we are very comfortable sheltered where we are.
BVI has nothing to give to the uk. Help us tell our politicians to get the COI recommendations done.
Where would Monsterrat be without the UK? Residents are leaving the island in droves after the volcano to migrate to the same UK. The UK provides more than half of the funding of Montserrat economy . Strupes!
….
But that it what the lady said..allu just looking conversation. Montserratian left because of the dwindling situation and yes they are OT’s which is true. She said the BVI could be independent but corruption and governance issues are the main problem; now what don’t you understand?
A bit rich coming from Montserrat which the UK helped to evacuate.
But Madam Speaker do you really know what you are saying? They did go back to the UK to ask for Money and are still awaiting for the UK to help with our Infrastructure and Airport. So are we getting mix Messages? You need to have a one on one with our Premier.
but in the process she only making herself look bad ( unless she is being paid
If y’all knew what these secrets are you would sing another song. There is so much more to these islands than meets the eye (literally).
The UK would welcome independence for all the Caribbean OT’s. There are however two stumbling blocks. Firstly, the UK will not grant independence until an OT can prove it is capable of self-rule free of corruption. Secondly, none of the islands would vote for independence until they have had a period of stability free of corruption.
Talking nonsense, BVI independent, really. Take away the US dollar and really rely on your own. Please stop ego tripping.
People with small D’s hold on to big cars not because they value the car but because they need to feel like they have something big. Having said that, the real problem in BVI is the Premier. I love the caribbean brothers and sisters defending but before you do, please come and have a taste of the terrible leadership in BVI government for yourself. Is a clown show every day. You got to see it to believe it. UK is NOT the problem…say it again.
I didn’t listen to the interview but if the interviewer didn’t ask her about the assistance the UK provided during the period the volcano erupted, then it was a lost opportunity to discredit her poor argument and to encourage her to “stay in her lane”
U got your moment in the spotlight , now leave the mountain chicken alone .