‘Unprecedented’ disrespect in public discourse troubles Premier
The quality and level of public discourse taking place about issues of governance affecting citizens of the BVI have caused some amount of disquiet with Premier Andrew Fahie.
Reflecting during the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Let’s Talk radio programme last evening, May 25, Premier Fahie said although he has been in politics for more than 20 years, this is the worst level that he has seen public discourse.
“I must say that this is the first time that I have seen it reach to such a disrespectful level. I’ve never seen it reach to this level at all,” the Premier stated.
Fahie said, while he has no issues with persons who disagree with the government’s methodology, there must be some level of respect in the discourse.
“I am concerned about it not as an elected official – because you’re going to get criticised – but we could do so in a respectful manner,” he stated.
Disrespectful on live radio
In a thinly veiled reference to two very recent occurrences – first, a radio host’s hostile and disparaging remarks made to Health Minister Carvin Malone a few weeks ago; and second, a profanity-laced outburst made last week by a prominent talk show host, both on live radio – the Premier said this type of behaviour is not within the BVI’s DNA.
The radio host, Floyd ‘Heritage’ Burnett, at the time referred to Malone as the ‘Minister of Death’ and threatened to leave a “nasty message” in Malone’s inbox if he had not answered the call.
Once on the call, and despite being threatened and berated, Malone maintained his composure for nearly ten minutes; all the while imploring the host to say exactly what was the crux of his discourteous disapproval.
“You will never agree with everything with me as your Premier, as your District Representative, as a human being. But when we reach to the point that you are degrading persons through profanity on live air and degrading persons and also attacking them and misusing some of our social media to do it, that’s not the BVI that we know – that’s not in our BVI DNA,” Premier Fahie commented.
Meanwhile, the Premier urged his fellow ministers to continue to ‘keep their cool’, much like the Health Minister did when confronted on air a few weeks back.
“I want to say that as leaders – and you would know that we discussed this many times as a government – to keep your cool. Don’t lose your cool and don’t be disrespectful, even with some of the things that we are seeing.”
Bad examples for young people being set
According to the Premier, who is also the Tourism Minister, the current state of affairs is a bad example for the youth of the BVI and the territory as a whole.
“I’ve had persons who disagreed with the vaccine but we have sat and we have had good conversations and even went for lunch. But … we (as a society) [have] reached to the point now that we want to teach our young people that once it’s not going how you see it, or how you feel that you see it that you can go after persons – whether their family, their friends around them – and then turn it around with the reverse psychology to make it seem as if you are the one bullying them, when really and truly that it is the other way around.”
Foreshadowing what he felt might be a continuation of the current trend, Premier Fahie added: “I know some of them are going to have a field day tomorrow with this. But I have to say it because this is not how we want to train our young people. This is not what we want to see our BVI come to. Let us be able to disagree but do so in a respectable manner.”
Mischief being created
The Premier further cautioned that persons should be factual in their discussions and move away from “creating mischief”.
“If you have a solid point and you feel that your research shows you that, fine,” Premier Fahie said. “But also, I have a point of view, and that must be respected. And once we get back to the foundation of that in the BVI then we will continue to grow from strength.”
The Premier said even persons not in agreement with his government were concerned of the situation.
“Even those who don’t agree with us are telling us, ‘look, I think that this is getting out of hand and I think we have to make sure that it is addressed’ and I must state it as the Premier.”
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Everything leads from the top and if the top is doing a really poor job of leading then the people feel angry and lose respect for the top. The way the top of the country has try to divide people and open cronyism has left most people openly dispargaing them. They could change this in short order by unifying and clearing out. Get rid of p-tsy, be-is and c-c to start with.
… How dare he complain about disrespect. F** it’s time for you to go……into p****n.
Why did you leave out clueless Rocks And.
Respect is a two way street, Premier.
I never thought I would say this but I agree with the Premier with him on this one.
The level of disrespect is appaulling. It has to stop. It is not a positive image for our young people.
The disrespect was always there it just coming full circle, to light,or more so it coming home to roost. They was a lot of disrespect to Mr. Myron Walwyn and other but nobody said anything now the shoe is on your feet you crying disrespect.Respect is a two way street boss man.
Respect is earned not demanded. The former premier endured a lot of disrespect too.
Premier you are talking sense.
I do not condone the foul language in any way, however, all else that was said is the TRUTH. truth hurts …I know… by the way where did these people learn disrespect from? Go back and play the tapes. Wasn’t this the same Andy Pandy who pounced on some government departments and statutory bodies when he had just get in power without even properly checking the facts?. Was it he that maligned others in his wilful quest to “get even?” God forbid. Look at how he throw all them farmers and fisherfolkes under the bus… he sated, “whoever received the money ….. will have to answer for that”. Some of those poor people couldn’t even read the piece of paper given to them. May God help us!
HE TOSSED THOSE POOR FISHER MEN AND FARMERS DIRECTLY UNDER THE MOVING FREIGHT TRAIN. WHAT GOT TO ME IS THE TRUE FARMERS WHO WORK THEIR A**ES TO THE BONES IN THE SUN AND HEAT WAS KICKED IN THE REAR NOT ONE RED PENNY, WHILE OTHERS WHO HAVE A FEW HOUSE PLANTS GOT BIG MONEY. THE TRUE FISHERMEN WHO GO OUT ON THE SEA AND SPEND HOURS CATCHING FISH WAS ALSO KICKED IN THE REAR, NOT ONE RED PENNY, WHILE OTHERS WHO OWN A BOAT TO SHOW OFF GOT BIG MONEY. THE UNIVERSE IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF YOU DIRTY LOW DOWN ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS REAL SOON, NO UNJUST GOES UNPAID.
No unjust goes unpaid. ONE DAY THE SAME PEOPLE THAT HE ROLL UNDER THE BUS IS GOING TO BE THE SAME PEOPLE THAT HIM AND HIS CRONIES IS GOING TO BE BEGGING FOR A GLASS OF WATER. THE UNDER DOGS ALWAYS COMES UP ON TOP. MONEY, POWER AND FAVORS ALWAYS COMES TO AN END. THIS IS THE YEAR ALL THE WRONG DOERS IS FALLING. PERFECT EXAMPLE IS THE ONE DOWN SEA COWS BAY THAT THOUGHT HE WAS UNSTOPPABLE AND WENT OUT IN A BLAZE OF GLORY IN HIS OWN FRONT YARD.
As a people we can disagree but in a respectful manner. What is being allowed to happen now is outrageous.
The BVI sank to an all time low of disrespect with the letter from our Premier to Baroness Suggs. Looks like Andrew Fahie may be leading the way in disrespect.
I am actually surprised that he is commenting on disrespect. The yellow site leading up to election referred to Dr. Smith as the “lame duck” Premier and it was ignored.
Now the tables are turned you are now speaking up. Given me a break.
@Wow, the problem with people is they dont read and they dont research. We dont need to go to college to learn. You are an example of this. You hear the word duck and swear its a derogatory term. You obviously have the internet so you could have looked up the definition since you dont know the meaning but you chose to settle to be ignorant.In politics, a “lame duck” is an elected official whose successor has already been elected or will be soon. The official is often seen as having less influence with other politicians due to the limited time left in office.
Since you have the internet perhaps you should use the internet to understand the context in which the term was used….
This is not unprecedented. It was happening before and you and your gang encouraged it. There was one of your members who kept calling for popcorn with extra butter whenever there was an attack on the last government. You as P—– caused some of those same attacks by feeding untruthful information for your political benefit. You were the one calling others corrupt at the top of your voice when you knew what you were saying was not so. Guess what! What you encouraged has now turned back on you. What you sow you shall reap. You were calling other decent people corrupt and calling for a COI and now look who is in the middle of the same COI.
As saying goes “you reap what you sow”
On the campaign trail, Fahie referred to the NDP as THE most corrupt administration in the history the Virgin Islands. We will soon know if he doesn’t own that coveted prize. What you sow, you will reap.
roost. “that’s not in our BVI DNA” I guess they going blame expat influences on messing up the DNA. People seeing blatant foolishness so they are speaking their minds and the powers that be cant stand it.
And of course, you have nothing to do with that Sir? There’s a reason why the people are so upset and that’s because we’re fed up of being abused by those we’ve elected.
This is what you get when you give m—– your society permit do have radio station.
With all due respect Premier, your unprecedented d—- political campaign started the level of disrespect in the public sphere. Further, you have launch personal a—-s and b——g on your political opponents and private citizens alike. You need to set an example and lead by example.
Andrew. You was better off as ONLY first district representative. Have you seen how you’ve neglected our lovely 1st district lately? We have no Post Office. Up to yet Isabella Morris is not even looked at. The playgrounds are a mess. When you was not premier you played more attention to your people and district. Now we’ve all voted for you got you into power you’ve turned your back on us. REMEMBER WHERE YOU COME FROM. THE POWER HAS GONE TO YOUR HEAD. THIS IS NOT GOOD. What about the people that had faith in you and you let them down? How can you sleep at night Hon. Andrew fahie? Everything’s in God’s hands. You pretend to be nice and you’re not!
And might I add, the 1st District is looking more and more like a ghetto.
From school days when he smoke up he goes loco in the coco so how can you take him serious?
Heritage like he immune to Covid 19. I guess he have spoken to the one on the dark side to the Hon. Minister of Death. Be careful of what you wish to others.
The Premier stated “He has been in politics for more than 20 years, and this is the worst level that he has seen public discourse”. He is correct and the reason is obvious, this is the worst Government in over 20 years.
When our elected officials take their citizens for fools and blatantly doing what they want at our expense, that is the real disrespect.
You have to earn respect. Look at how you victimized and abused and disrespected your own people. Tossed them out of jobs leaving them unable to feed their families, just because they are against your politics. You disrespect your own Ministers by stripping them of power, including all of these boards. You disrespected the former Premier calling him names as did JW. You created this! You have proven to be a g***dy l**r and not worthy of our respect. # worstpremierever
I waiting for he to come look sponsor for his radio station from my business. You want to run a business but you disrespecting your own people. No wonder the white people laugh at us.
He quick to smoke up but little does he know that you are prune to die from your inhale smoke compare to a vaccine that is used to protect you from greater illness.
This news site deleting ppl comments
It seems as though this news site don’t want to hear the truth about there premier
Stewwwww
Its ‘their’ not ‘there.’ Clearly you and your Premier have much in common.
The Premier is one of the sponsors of the Morning Braff show and the show is used to constantly disrespect the government.
Talk about paying for your own downfall.
Not only USA but worldwide, DT was mocked, and disresptected (whether he deserved it or not is another issue). Hey life goes on. People will express themselves. So if so many people no longer see you as a decent leader, then you should look in the mirror and see what its reflecting
The disrespect was always there it just coming full circle, to light,or more so it coming home to roost. They was a lot of disrespect to Mr. Myron Walwyn and other but nobody said anything now the shoe is on your feet you crying disrespect.Respect is a two way street boss man.
Who disrespected Myron?? I want to know so I can funny dem up.
Lort have mercy send down Percy!
Politics will always cause people to choose sides and get emotionally involved. The problem is some people aren’t intelligent enough to agree to disagree and keep things cordial. No government is perfect and this government like others before them proves that.
Regarding the handling of the pandemic the Government did an Ok job considering all circumstances. It’s not even exclusive to the BVI. The whole world is pushing the vaccine whether it is as good as they advertise. The BVI doesn’t have any scientist. We dont have any experts in the field. We cannot do our own research in the labs to verify or discredit the findings of the international community.
The internet is full of people giving their opinions and a lot of misinformation. Some people can’t tell the difference between a legit report and propaganda. They think every video they find on the internet is facts.
You dont have to take the vaccine but if your reason for not doing so involves Bill Gates trying to depopulate the World, the vaccine is poison for black people, because you dont know what’s in the vaccine or the vaccine kills you might as well believe in Santa Claus. By the way for those that will respond by saying the vaccine has led to some deaths. Every man made drug can kill or have an adverse reaction even vitamins.
WELL SAH I GOT TO SAY THAT EVERYBODY HAS AN OPINION BASED ON THE VACCINE TO SPEAP OR SAY ACCORDING TO WHAT PEOPLE INVESTIGATE FROM PROFESSIONALS DOCTORS NOT FROM THE STREET SO I WILL SAY THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL HAS THE RIGHT TO ANSWER AND ASK AND ALSE TO SAY YES OR NO TO A VACCINE ACCORDING TO WHAT PEOPLE SPEAK WITH OTHERS CONFIDENCUALLY SPEAKING OR PEOPLE ARE JUST TWISTING AND SETTING CONVERSATIONS JUST TO CREATE CONFUSIONS! REALLY!!!. YES I AGREE WITH HON. FAHIE DEFINILY!. BUT LOCALS , HUMANS ARE RIGHT TO THINK, TO TALK, TO SAY YES OR NO DEPEND ON HOW PEOPLE QUESTIONED BACK AND ASK WHY DONT YOU PUT THE AZTRACENEKA VACCINE SO ANSWERS WILL RETURN BACK IT IS SIMPLY.
This disrespect started during the last election campaign by a lot of the VIP
The Premier is correct! People have to realize when their turn to represent others in the community, they will know what it is to be subjected to those in authority. We might not like what they do, or say but, sometimes we have to be silent A soft answer turn away wrath, and covers arrogance.
One day you or your children might become a senator be careful what you say, or do! Community do not forget. So make sure its has character, integrity, and manners. Let us lighten up on our vocabulary and out burst.regards
ORCA *** TIME IS COMING VERY SOON…
YOU FORGOT ( NON- ) and U 🙂 U NEED TO SHARE YOUR INTERPRETATION WID YO FAMILY
Respect 101:
Respect is earned and not given.
The young people that you talk about need education. They need libraries. They need cultural centers. They need afternoon programs. They need trade schools. They need jobs. Neither will young people focus on politics nor respect, if their basic life skills are not met.
England got step in when this F*** done make near a million for doing NOTHING but running his *** mouth! UNBELIEVABLE!
Sir!! you talking about RESPECT? when you showed none to Governor Jaspert!! You want respect, you give respect!
Regarding the interview with Hon. Carvin Malone, he should have ended the interview at the first hint of the host being disrespectful.
Hon. Premier, we learnt the behavior from you guys. You and your team has disrespected the governor for 2 years, the young ones were looking at you then.
Hon. Premier, we learnt the behavior from you. You and your team has played us, the people of these beautiful Virgin Islands as fools.
Hon. Premier, we are fed up.
Hon. Premier, you and your team are the worst government ever.
Hon. Premier, bring the stimulus again. We will eat and vote you out.
Hon. Premier, you and your team must set an example, so we can follow.
WELL SAID ( NUFF RESPECT ) HOPE THEY GOT THE MESSAGE ?
PEOPLE IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE ANGRIER AND ANGRIER BY THE DAY IN THE BVI ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT IS GOING ON. THEY ARE BEGINNING TO FEEL OPPRESSED, SOON THE PEOPLE IS GOING TO RIOT IN THE STREETS. AND BELIEVE YOU ME, THE ANGER IS BUILDING UP.
Anger is not a reason for the lack of civility depicted in this article.
We can come together to protest, to make demands on this or the UK government- but this is straight up harassment and not the way to make progress.
Some who dishes out disrespect seeking respect. Practice what you preach. You and your cohorts are not kings and queens. You are public servants. Do right, you get praise; do bad you get criticized. Cant stand the heat? You know what you should do.
Fahie! This cannot be you talking about respect at all. When you and your circle were watching an video of invading people space, you cared nothing about respecting anyone. However, in the case of the Post Office, you still refuse to address it, now, don’t get me started with the letter from HR, with nothing but lies; Jaspert said to return it so your worker can remove his name with their lies. You have displayed nothing but disrespect for Jaspert. Now, here you are demanding respect from the public; Respect goes both ways. I myself have lost all respect for you and your officials, the most unprofessional Administration I ever had to deal with. You need to start with the man in the mirror. Sickening
Mr. Premier the high school Wall has just as much or more public outrage,,,,When politcians do wrong or seem currupt the public become out rage…its not disrespect…its disappointment..
Mr. Premier the high school Wall had just as much or more public outrage,,,,When politcians do wrong or seem currupt the public become out rage…its not disrespect…its disappointment..
Thin skin is wah you call it
Well look at this. The bully crying about being bullied. Haha!!!
imagine that…
You were very disrespectful to the Governor and the UK and anyone who is not on your side. You don’t show respect because you think you hold the Trump card but I think the Commission of Inquiry holds it. If you want respect you have to respect people. I am well respected because I respect everyone if you want it you have to give it.
We use to think that the NDP was the worse government the BVI had ever seen but the VIP is the worse hands down no disrespect
You have been in Government for 20 years? Usually when you do something for 20 years you naturally become competent, and sometimes even good at it.
How can you do something for this long and still be terrible at it?
its how yall campaigned years while in the opposition.